The Altamaha-ha is an aquatic cryptid reported from the myriad network of small streams and abandoned rice fields near the mouth of the Altamaha River (after which it has been named) in southeastern Georgia, United States, particularly around Darien and elsewhere in McIntosh County.
Description/Morphology
The Altamaha-ha is said to measure about 10 to 50 feet in length and to sport snake or eel-like qualities (being reported in waterways where ordinary-sized eel species are common). It is said to have a tail that is horizontal, rather than vertical, like that of a porpoise. It could traverse the river and streams in an undulating fashion with 2-3 "humps".
Sightings
There have been many reports of such a creature in southeastern Georgia (and a smaller number of similar reports in Florida) going back to at least the 1700s. The local Tama Indian tribe has legends of a giant, snake-like creature inhabiting the waters of and near the Altamaha River that presumably pre-date English settlement of the Georgia coast.
Theories about origin and existence
Some have speculated that the Altamaha-ha may be an oceanic cryptid which engages in reproductive spawning in the fresh waters in and around the Altamaha River. In any event, there have been several reports of what appear to be juvenile specimens of the creature, in addition to the more numerous sightings of what are presumed to be adults.