Does Bigfoot Exist?
Bigfoot Sightings
The first recorded Bigfoot sighting outside of Native American legend occured in 1811 near what is now Alberta, Canada when a trader came across unusual footprints. Since then there have been numerous sightings, some more believable than others.There have been many eye-witness accounts, not just of footprints but of the creatures themselves. However there is little photographic evidence for the creature's existence. Perhaps the most widely known is one of the most famous / infamous pieces of film in the whole realm of cryptozoology: the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film.
The Patterson Bigfoot Footage
A piece of film once touted as the best evidence for Bigfoot is now presented by many as conclusive evidence that the creature does not exist. The "Patterson footage" was shot in 1967 by Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin. During a Bigfoot tracking expedition the two reportedly came across a creature and shot some close up film. This has since been shown on television around the world many times.Over the years there have been numerous attempts to debunk the Paterson footage, however experts remained divided. Some people have even "confessed" to being involved in the hoax, however Patterson (who died in 1972) always maintained that the film was genuine. 2004 saw yet more allegations about the film including publication of the controversial book The Making of Bigfoot: The Inside Story.
So, is the film proof that Bigfoot exists? Or is it a fake? We'll never know for sure. I have to say the first time I saw it I couldn't stop laughing, I found it so unconvincing. However that's beside the point.
Even if the Patterson film of Bigfoot is a fake, that does not mean that Bigfoot does not exist. How could a film shot in 1967 explain sightings from a hundred years earlier?
The Bigfoot Industry
The fame of Bigfoot has, of course, led to a minor industry in the sale of Bigfoot merchandise and "souvenirs", many of which you can buy at various online stores. These vary from serious cryptozoological treatises to some decidedly less serious stuff.If you fancy "recreating" a sighting you can even rent your own Bigfoot costume!