A snake-like sea creature that shares a striking resemblance to the Loch Ness Monster has been spotted in foreign waters, sparking fears that she has moved away from Scotland.
The beast, which some claim to be Nessie, was recently seen by witnesses off the coast of North Carolina.
The huge beast was captured with its head out the water off of Atlantic Beach, before its body surfaced and it dipped back underwater.
Shocked witnesses were left questioning the species of the creature, with some wondering whether it was the mythical Scottish monster.
Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle store, which posted a video of the monster, said it’s “something you don't see everyday”.
It added: “Whales or the Loch Ness monster in the port this morning. Never seen one inside the inlet like this.”
Thousands of social media users took to the comments to post their theories online, with one person saying: “Now that is strange. Odd looking head for sure.”
Some suggested that it was actually a “gator”, while other speculated that the beast was actually a “baby whale”, the Daily Star reports.
One person said: “No way it is any of the animals mentioned, including a baby whale or alligator.
“Its motion is too graceful, it has protrusions on head and a long feather-like flipper in the rear. I honestly don't know of any sea creature that fits that description”.
Meanwhile, others pointed to the mythical Loch Ness monster which many believe lives in Scotland.
“Definitely a Loch Ness monster. I saw two the same day I saw Bigfoot walking a black panther on a leash,” they wrote.
The Loch Ness monster, which is aptly named after the loch it is believed to inhabit in the Scottish Highlands, is a large marine creature - with many disputing whether it really exists.
A majority of alleged evidence supporting the creature's existence has been discredited, and it is widely thought the monster is a myth.
However, the Loch Ness Monster was reportedly spotted in County Donegal, Ireland, back in November.
Eoin O’Faodhagain said he got the shock of his life when he saw a strange black shape in the loch, estimated to be 10ft long.
The webcam footage was compared to a creature like the Nessie depicted in the 2007 film Water Horse.
Eoin said: “I noticed a splash and movement on the screen coming into view on the right and a long black shape," he said.
“I got excited because it remained on the surface of the water, moving very slowly, unlike a large fish that would leap out of the water, but would then submerge.
“I believe in the Loch Ness monster after witnessing a live sighting in July 1987.
“I think my video and photos on Saturday have proven the existence of the monster and brought her from folklore to reality."
