SNEAKY SQUID SCARES SOAKERS

(Ridgway) The giant black squid that frightened bathers at Orvis Hot Springs in late February has been captured. The squid, probably from the West End, first appeared after the holidays and, although it was not particularly aggressive, was a cause for concern according to Ernest T. Trucha, night manager of Orvis Hot Springs.

“The marine mollusk is generally found in salt water off the coast of Nova Scotia this time of the year,” said Trucha, a former herring angler with a doctorate or two from Cal Amari Community College. “What he was doing here is anyone’s guess. Fortunately our clientele is not put off by minor distractions like this.”

The local sheriff’s department apprehended the squid just yesterday, saying it is not uncommon for sea animals to seek the waters of hot springs to survive climate change and cold summer weather. Readers will recall the Gumbo Conspiracy at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool in 1996 followed by the extended presence of lobster tails at the Wiesbaden resort the following summer.

“In the future we may see pools designed for species other than human,” laughed Trucha. “As it is we’re pushing the limit.”

The spindle-shaped squid will be housed in the bass tank at Ridgway Hardware until it can be released into the Ridgway Reservoir in August.

– Small Mouth Bess