Episode #28
Georgia Has Its Own Loch Ness Monster
Move over, Nessie—Georgia has a monster of its own. Deep in the rivers, marshes, and tidal waterways of coastal Georgia lives the legend of the Altamaha-ha, affectionately known as Altie. For generations, people around Darien and the Altamaha River have told stories of a mysterious, serpent-like creature moving beneath the dark water. But where did the legend come from—and could eyewitnesses actually be seeing something real? In this episode of Smart Bites, Moonie dives into the strange history and Southern folklore surrounding Georgia's very own river monster. We'll explore Indigenous traditions, Scottish settlers, reported sightings—including one from a former mayor—possible suspects such as sturgeon, manatees, dolphins, and alligators, and the bizarre "sea monster" carcass that washed ashore on the Georgia coast in 2018. We'll also ask a bigger question: Why do we want monsters like Altie to be real? Whether Altie is an undiscovered creature, a case of mistaken identity, or simply one of Georgia's best-loved legends, there's something wonderfully Southern about knowing that something mysterious might still be swimming beneath the surface. Grab your sweet tea, keep your feet inside the boat, and join us as we go monster hunting on the Altamaha. Smart Bites — Big Learning in Small, Digestible Bites. Stay curious, keep learning, and be blessed.
