Bigfoot

This giant, hairy, biped (walks on two legs) is the most popular mystery animal in North America. In the 1950s, tales of encounters with an unknown ape-like creature sighted in Northern California began to circulate throughout the world. Witnesses described Bigfoot as 6-9 feet tall, with long arms, a pointed head, no neck, a ridge above the eyes, broad shoulders, a strong smell, and covered in dark hair from head to feet.

Most sightings were from mountainous forestlands of northern California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. In Canada, Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch) was reported most often in British Columbia and Alberta provinces. Sightings of ape-like creatures in various forms are documented all across the United States and worldwide.

The name “Bigfoot” was first noted in 1958 to describe the 14-16 inch footprints attributed to this animal. Casts of the prints are commonly used as evidence for the existence of Bigfoot. Some hair samples collected have not been helpful in providing evidence that an unknown primate is walking around the U.S. Other traces such as body imprints, tape recordings of eerie vocalizations and film evidence have not been enough to convince zoologists of the reality of a Bigfoot population. The most popular piece of evidence is the Patterson film (the photo above is a frame of this film) of 1967 showing a Bigfoot crossing a clearing in northern California. There are still serious questions and rumors about the authenticity of this film. Curiously, with all the detailed analysis, we can’t prove that it is real or faked. It may remain mysterious forever.

The latest theory of cryptozoologists is that Bigfoot is a living prehistoric ape or early human. But, this is speculation with no evidence to back it up. Serious Bigfoot researchers collect eyewitness accounts and try to lure the animal out of hiding.

To the dismay of those who think Bigfoot is a real animal of scientific value, Bigfoot reports are occasionally associated with UFO sightings or strange paranormal occurrences.

Since stories, footprints, photos and film of Bigfoot can be hoaxes or mistakes, it is likely that only a live Bigfoot or the remains of one will serve to finally answer the questions. Whether the creature is real or not, the legend of Bigfoot is part of our culture.

REALITY CHECK: Bigfoot is not taken seriously by most scientists. Only a few have expressed interest in pursuing it. Scientists have had a chance to look at the evidence and it simply isn’t very good, not enough to suggest Bigfoot is real. But, the scientific viewpoint can change if more and better evidence comes along. More stories and speculation aren’t going to be enough. Science requires a body to study.

MORE INFORMATION:

Bigfoot: The Life and Times of a Legend by Joshua Blu Buhs (book)

Skeptic’s Dictionary: Bigfoot

Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization

How Bigfoot Might Work

The Unmuseum: Bigfoot of North America

The Bigfoot Museum

Ohio Bigfoot Research and Study Group

Strange Magazine: The Makeup Man and the Monster

Strange Magazine: Some Thoughts About the Patterson Bigfoot Film on Its 30th Anniversary

Is it Real? (TV Clip)

YOUR TURN:

• Have Bigfoot creatures been reported near where you live? What kind of evidence exists for these sightings? How did you find out about any local sightings?
• Do you think that decades of reports and the Native’s myths mean that Bigfoot is a real animal or just a story that we enjoy keeping alive (and wish were true)? Tell us why you think that.
• Why does it bother some Bigfoot researchers if others use supernatural explanations for Bigfoot (that he can become invisible or move through dimensions in time, etc.)? Do you think Bigfoot is supernatural?

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