Steller's sea cow
Field Report
Steller’s Sea Cow was a large, slow-moving marine mammal discovered in the 18th century around the Commander Islands in the Bering Sea. Believed extinct by the late 1700s due to overhunting, it was related to modern manatees and dugongs, reaching lengths up to 30 feet. Though no living specimens remain, occasional tales from indigenous peoples and fishermen speak of large sea creatures with similar descriptions, fueling hope of undiscovered marine giants. The Steller’s Sea Cow represents a tragic example of rapid human impact on species once thought unassailable.
Classification
Type:Fossil/Extinct Cryptid
Location:Russia, Kamchatka Peninsula, Bering Island
Traits:Enormous, blubber-coated, slow-moving, paddle-flippered, gentle
Threat Assessment
Danger Level: 1
First Reported: 1741
Sightings: 0 (extinct)
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Behavioral Patterns
It floats just beneath the water, grazing on long strands of kelp. Passing boats cause it to drift a bit deeper, continuing its slow meal.
Folklore & Origins
Aleut tales claimed these giant sea beasts were drowned hunters cursed for greed.
Media Documentation
Initially regarded as a cryptid by sailors until formally documented in the 18th century. Now fully recognized as extinct, covered by marine mammal history books. No longer mysterious.
Hoax Analysis
Steller's sea cow was a real species driven to extinction in the 18th century; modern sightings are considered mistaken identities or hoaxes as the animal no longer exists.