On Monday, August 18th, 2025, at approximately 11:08 AM, this officer received a call from dispatch regarding an unusual sighting on Lake Champlain. The caller, identified as Margaret Ellen Prescott, age 67, reported witnessing what she described as "an enormous creature" emerging from the lake waters approximately 200 yards from the eastern shoreline of Grand Isle.

Upon arrival at the scene at 11:23 AM, I interviewed both Mr. and Mrs. Prescott at their lakefront residence. Both individuals appeared credible and coherent. Mrs. Prescott stated she was hanging laundry on her back porch when she observed what appeared to be a large, dark-colored creature surface near the middle of the lake channel.

Dr. Prescott corroborated his wife's account, stating he was reading the morning paper on the porch when his wife called his attention to the lake. Both witnesses described seeing a creature approximately 20-25 feet in length with a long, serpentine neck extending 6-8 feet above the water surface. The creature's body appeared dark green to black in coloration with what Mrs. Prescott described as "humps" visible along its back.

The sighting lasted approximately 45-60 seconds before the creature submerged. Both witnesses stated they observed distinctive wake patterns inconsistent with known watercraft or wildlife in the area. Dr. Prescott, with his veterinary background, emphasized that the creature's movements and physical characteristics did not match any known aquatic animals native to Lake Champlain.

Of particular note, both Mr. and Mrs. Prescott have been vocal skeptics of "Champy" sightings in the past, often dismissing such reports as misidentifications or hoaxes. Mrs. Prescott stated, "Harold and I have lived on this lake for over thirty years. We've seen everything - logs, boats, waves, wildlife. This was something entirely different. I never believed in Champy until today."

No photographic or video evidence was obtained, as both witnesses stated the sighting occurred too quickly and they were initially too surprised to retrieve recording devices. A thorough search of the immediate area revealed no physical evidence. Water conditions were optimal for visibility with calm surface and clear skies.

Both Margaret and Harold Prescott are well-known, respected members of the Grand Isle community. Mrs. Prescott served as principal of Grand Isle Elementary School for 28 years and is currently a member of the Town Planning Commission. Dr. Prescott operated the island's only veterinary practice for 31 years before retiring in 2019. Both individuals have no history of making false reports and are considered highly reliable by this department.

This incident has been documented and filed with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department for their review. Given the credibility of the witnesses and the detailed nature of their account, this report will remain open pending any additional sightings or evidence. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has been notified of the incident as a precautionary measure for boater awareness.