A new survey has found that 68% of Brits have been tricked by their own eyes, mistaking coats for people, cats for lions and shadows for monsters. The research, carried out by Specsavers, also revealed that one in five people have mistaken a log or branch for an animal in water, while 18% thought they had spotted a ghost only to discover they were wrong.
Regional hotspots for mistaken sightings
The survey found that 72% of Brits are fascinated by stories about mysterious apparitions, including ghosts, UFOs and the Loch Ness Monster. However, some parts of the country are more prone to mix-ups than others. Belfast topped the mistaken sightings league with 75% of residents reporting a mix-up, closely followed by Leeds on 74%.
Newcastle led the way when it came to wildlife of the wooden variety, with more than 1 in 4 adults surveyed (27%) having mistaken a log or branch in water for an animal, compared with 20% nationally. The south coast is the country's biggest hotspot for paranormal sightings made in error, with 27% of people in Southampton reporting a "ghost" that turned out to have an ordinary explanation.
UFOs and the Loch Ness Monster
Nationally, 9% of people reported the same experience with a UFO, finding out that what they thought was a close encounter just needed them to take a closer look. The research coincided with the 93rd anniversary of the first picture claiming to show the Loch Ness Monster, taken by Hugh Gray.
Specsavers spokesperson Lisa Hale, head of brand communications, said: "Mistaken sightings have fuelled myths and legends for centuries. It's easy to see something unexpected and let your imagination fill in the gaps - and our research suggests you don't need to be at Loch Ness for that to happen."
Almost a century later, the mythical creature remains elusive, indicating that Gray and other monster hunters may simply need better specs. To mark the occasion, Specsavers has sent a van carrying a cheeky slogan to Loch Ness pointing out the likeliest explanation for sightings of the monster - "It's a stick".
