Every country

(Photo: AP )

A $1.3 million reward has been awarded for scientific confirmation of the existence of Ogopogo, a Canadian relative of the Loch Ness monster. A contender for a cash prize must fulfill several conditions: scientifically prove that his find is indeed a hitherto unknown animal, and not some huge sturgeon or other huge fish; do not cause Ogopogo any harm and do not catch him. Stories about a huge snake-like creature living in Lake Okanogan (British Columbia) were told by the Indians, who considered Ogopogo the “demon of the lake.” In recent years, Japanese scientists have been searching for the “demon” using a special radar. But the money allocated for the research ran out before anything unusual could be discovered. According to local authorities, the promised reward, if it does not contribute to the success of the long-term search, will at least increase the influx of tourists.