Bigfoot Information

Facts, Myth and Legend

Bigfoot is probably one of the most famous cryptids in the world. The strange creature is said to be an anthropoid man-beast reportedly living in the Northern USA and Canada. As such it is a NAPE - a North American Ape. The Canadian name for the creature is sasquatch which derives from the native word meaning "hairy giant" or "wild man". For this page I'll use the term Bigfoot to refer to both the American and Canadian variants of the creature, which many cryptozoologists believe to be essentially the same species.

Despite certain infamous video footage (which I'll come back to later) Bigfoot is not a modern "invention". It is mentioned in the legends of the Native American tribes. If Bigfoot exists it is probably a relative of the yeti, possibly even of the wendigo.

What Does Bigfoot Look Like?

Facts on Bigfoot are understandably scarce. Judging by eye-witness accounts, it is best described as an "ape man" - a traditional BHM (which is a posh way of saying "big, hairy monster"!). Reported height varies, however seven or eight feet tall seems average. Footprints have been found up to eighteen inches in length.

Bigfoot is covered in hair - not fur. Different witnesses have described this as anything from dark brown to black.

The creature walks with a loping gait somewhat akin to that of a gorilla. It has frequently been spotted at night so probably has good night vision.

It is believed to live in natural shelters such as caves that have been padded with leaves and moss. This creates a Bigfoot "lair" - a type of shelter that has also been associated with the yeti.

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. You can even rent your own Bigfoot costume!

What To Do If You See Bigfoot or the Sasquatch

Get out of there!

React to Bigfoot like you would to any other big, powerful animal in the wild. Running might not be a good idea, but backing off slowly probably would be. Yes, you could make a fortune staying and taking photos - but then again you might not live to enjoy the money. If you want to report and possibly confirm a Bigfoot / Sasquatch sighting then you might be interested in this form at the BFRO.

External Links:
Toward a Resolution of the Bigfoot Phenomenon

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