Champ is the name given to a "lake monster" occasionally reported as being seen in
North America's
Lake Champlain, although the creature's existence has never been verified. Some people believe that Champ is a figment of overeager imaginations, while others believe that perhaps some unknown species of creature does reside deep in the lake. To be on the safe side, the state government of
Vermont has put Champ on its
Endangered Species List, so that, if an unknown water-animal is present, it will be protected by law.
See also Loch Ness monster, a more famous occasionally-seen, but never-verified, alleged lake-dweller in Scotland.
see also Cryptid, Cryptozoology
Champ is also a traditional
Irish dish[?] of mashed
potatoes and scallions (spring onions).