New Loch Ness Monster Photo: Convincing Proof of Nessie's Existence?

The Loch Ness monster legend just won't die as monster hunters continue to look for evidence of the beloved beast. So will a new photo inspire a whole new generation of believers?

Unfortunately Nessie is nothing like Kim Kardashian—she doesn't seem to be a fan of being photographed, and she definitely doesn't like showing off her body based on what pictures of her do exist. However, a paparazzo knows that persistence pays off, and monster hunter George Edwards thinks that the shy creature finally decided to say hi to him after he searched for her in the loch for 26 years.

According to the Telegraph, George spends around 60 hours a week searching for Nessie, and he even has a boat named after her. His obvious obsession with the monster might make his claim that he has photographed her seem just a bit dubious, but if he's going to try to pull off another Nessie hoax, why wait 26 years?

The new photo that George Edwards claims is evidence of the existence of the Loch Ness Monster features a dark gray hump sticking out of the water. If it is a hoax, at least it's not as obvious at the "Surgeon's Photo," which is arguably the most famous picture of Nessie. The 1934 photograph was later debunked as a hoax—it turned out to be a toy submarine with a molded head and neck attached to it.

There has been lots of "evidence" purporting to prove Nessie's existence ever since she became a sensation in the 1930s. However, all of the photographs, videos, and sonar searches have provided no definitive proof, and Edwards' photo is certainly no exception.

However, Steve Feltham, another Nessie hunter who has examined many alleged photos of the creature, said this of George Edwards' picture:

"It is the best photograph I think I have ever seen."

"I think the images are fantastic - that's the animal I have been looking for all this time."

George claims that he also sent the photo to "friends in the USA who have friends in the military" to verify that he hadn't photographed a log or some other inanimate object.

Many Nessie believers think that the creature living in the loch could be a plesiosaur, or rather a small population of plesiosaurs. These animals are thought to have gone extinct during the late Cretaceous Period. There are also those who believe that the cryptid is an undiscovered species.

However, skeptics explain away Nessie sightings as birds, otters, seals, and logs. And of course there are all the hoaxsters perpetuating the myth.

You can check out the new photo of Nessie below to see what you think. South Park fans will probably just joke that the monster is still looking for its $3.50.

Photo Source: Facebook