Larry Batson and Bigfoot
Wildlife expert Larry Batson speaks out for Bigfoot:
At the end of the segment Deanna Dewberry says, “Larry recently spoke to the fish and wildlife service. It was the first time the service has ever hosted a speaker on the subject.”
This was broadcast on WishTV, an Indianapolis, Indiana TV station.
September 9, 2009
The Kentucky Bigfoot Sighting – Game Cam Picture
Was a Kentucky Bigfoot raiding some poor gardener’s veggie patch for a delicious midnight snack?
Kenny Mahoney wanted to know who or what was wrecking his plans for a productive garden, so he installed a game cam, which was a clever and good idea. The big surprise was finding a big black blurry blob of a possible primate caught in action in his game cam’s lens.
So everyone wants to know — is it a possible Bigfoot? Well, I hate to disappoint the excited public, but Bigfoot bloggers are skeptical, myself included.
I totally believe there are Bigfoot living in Kentucky… that’s not the issue. At issue is the extreme blurriness of the photograph. To me that says, “inconclusive.” I can’t verify that it is Bigfoot if I can’t see it, and just a shape isn’t enough. As Kenny Mahoney said in the video, “I don’t ever rule anything out but it is a real long shot.”
Kenny’s wife, Margaret, gave the photograph to a wildlife expert, who believes this thing has fur and isn’t a black plastic garbage bag in the wind. Bill Dranginis of Virginia Bigfoot Research thinks it could be a crow or raven taking flight. Personally I think the crows and ravens are more likely seedling thieves than Bigfoot, who would need more substantial roots and greens to survive.
I wasn’t even going to comment on this due to the blurriness of the inconclusive photo, but I’ve got three times the normal number of people coming to this blog for the last two days. This always happens when a Bigfoot story hits big media. So I’m giving you what you want… a comment.
My comment is that it could be a bird, a bear, a Bigfoot, a bag … hey, those all start with the letter B. Well, it is also Blurry as can be so I can’t form an opinion that would mean anything.
Seriously, if you’re curious about Bigfoot keep in mind that Bigfoot research is an awesome, fun hobby. You get to face the mysterious, the unknown, and conquer your fears. So if you’re curious enough to look for information on Google, maybe you’re curious enough to walk into the woods at the site of a recent Bigfoot encounter. What do you say to that?
For more information on Bigfoot research, see my recent article, How to Find Bigfoot.
Also see this recent article: Creative and Useful Bigfoot Research Techniques by Don Campbell — the man is an inspiration and his ideas are stellar!
And have a nice day.
September 8, 2009
Whistles and Whoops – Follow-up with the Forest Service Wildlife Biologist
Berries in a nearby dry streambed.
What are these? (Click to enlarge.)
Today I went to the local Forest Service office to speak to the wildlife biologist, a young man who took a few minutes out of his busy day to do some brainstorming with me about what local animal could be whooping and whistling in the forest near Happy Camp.
[Reference: My first post about the whoops and whistles I heard.]
He suggested an owl, egret, or heron. I listened to sound files and YouTube videos of bird sounds. The only one that comes close so far is this fishing heron that does a bit of whistling. The quality of the whistle wasn’t an exact match, but that’s a possibility. This heron’s whistle has a bit of trilling to it, which I didn’t hear. And it isn’t combined with a whoop… so the jury is still out.
Rapids at the bottom of the cliff.
He told me there’s a rookery downriver from Happy Camp. I know there’s one at the end of the human-occupied territory, across from the crushed rock business. I scanned the river at my research location further down and couldn’t see any herons or other birds fishing. I did hear birds twittering in the area today, mostly from a distance, but didn’t see any. I also scanned the trees across from where I sit, looking for nests; nothing found yet.
I enjoyed my talk with the wildlife biologist. He says he doesn’t believe there’s any Bigfoot in our forest. I told him a little about Bigfoot sightings near Happy Camp but got the distinct impression that his woo-woo tolerance level was exceeded by the end of our conversation.
I have now spent eight mornings sitting by the river in this one particular spot and during that time I’ve heard the whoops and whistles only once. Today I was out there again. I had my SanDisk on but it didn’t pick up any sounds except the river. Perhaps I should find another location that isn’t so close to a series of rapids. I also am devising ways to save the money for better recording equipment.
More on this issue if/when there’s anything worth reporting!
My very own blobsquatch!
September 2, 2009
North America’s Great Ape: The Sasquatch – Dr. John Bindernagel’s Bigfoot Biology Site
Dr. John Bindernagel, B.S.A., MS, Ph.D., is a professional wildlife biologist based in British Columbia, Canada. He has studied Bigfoot evidence since 1975. In 1988 he found and cast a set of Bigfoot footprints near his home. In the mid-1990s he wrote a book, North America’s Great Ape: The Sasquatch Since that time he’s written some well-received scientific research papers about Bigfoot and some magazine articles as well.
I read his entire Bigfoot biology website today and appreciated his discussion of three types of Bigfoot evidence: tracks, sightings, and other phenomena. With his discussion of other phenomena he provided several excellent photographs of tree twists – broken by a force that’s hard to imagine unless it could be an actual Bigfoot.
I especially appreciated the page about whether Sasquatch witnesses are confusing Bigfoot with bears. He mentions that forestry workers and other outdoors people are unlikely to mistake a bear for something else. An illustration shows the vital differences between an upright bear and a Bigfoot, and even the tracks of each are examined for perspective.
Dr. Bindernagel doesn’t doubt that there’s a real creature called Sasquatch, and focuses on understanding the biological aspects of Sasquatch life. He’s documented the distribution of Sasquatch reports across the North American continent.
On his page about Sasquatch and science he wrote:
“One aspect of my own sasquatch research and writing is that of assisting in validating the sasquatch as a subject for serious research by mainstream sceientists. I have attempted to acquaint students of natural history, field naturalists and colleagues in science with existing data and evidence. I do not try to convince them to necessarily accept the sasquatch as an existing animal, but rather to recognize that it … may be a subject worthy of serious discussion and some research effort.”
Dr. John Bindernagle is a pioneer in the scientific study of Bigfoot. His contribution to Bigfoot research is very much appreciated.
How to Find Bigfoot
I’ve seen a lot of people come and go here in the Klamath River Valley — Bigfoot researchers looking for Northern California Bigfoot action. It saddens me that they can stay only a few hours or days — then must return to their city jobs in other parts of the country.
Yes, the Bigfoot Scenic Byway is prime Bigfoot territory and home to the Patterson-Gimlin film site, but let’s not forget that Bigfoot can be found in almost every state.
Do you want to find Bigfoot?
If you live near a forested area, consider spending more time there on a regular, hopefully daily basis. Check Bigfoot sighting databases online to see where Bigfoot has been seen in your state. Choose a nearby sighting location and make it your home away from home. The regularity of your being there will be a possible draw for a curious Sasquatch.
Bigfoot Encounters State-by-State Sightings List
Bigfoot Information Society Bigfoot Sighting Database
Oregon Bigfoot National Sightings Database
BFRO Geographic Database of Bigfoot/Sasquatch Sightings and Reports
What to do while you’re there
Offer music and food. Look for footprints and broken tree branches. Do some howling and wood knocking and rock pounding. Announce your presence as well as you can, then show yourself as a harmless, nature-loving companion that Bigfoot might consider visiting. If you play acoustic guitar or flute, take your musical instrument with you. Maybe Bigfoot will be curious to see where the beautiful sounds are coming from. A dulcimer, recorder, or djembe would work well too.
I find that a few hours alone in the woods can be a profoundly peaceful experience. I usually take my journal to write in and a comfortable chair to sit in when I’m not hiking around, looking at things. I don’t take food — at least, not for myself — because I’m not there to attract bears. Many researchers leave food in the forest hoping Bigfoot will discover and appreciate it. You might like to read Ray Crowe’s article on baiting. Be aware that some counties have ordinances against feeding wildlife. Stay on the safe side of the law.
Don’t forget, Bigfoot are nocturnal. If possible, spend the night in your research location every now and then. Take a night vision scope if you have one.
Psychological considerations
I believe that motivation is a big factor in whether or not you’ll attract a Bigfoot to your research area. If your motivation is to capture or kill, they may sense that and stay away. I know many researchers have the desire to prove that Bigfoot exists, so they think only a body (dead or alive) can do that. Purify your motivations and you may have a better chance of connecting with a Sasquatch. Many people believe that Bigfoot has eluded captivity for so long because they are wise and possibly quite psychic.
Your intention to have contact with a Bigfoot may work to draw them to you. Have faith that it will happen! Put yourself in the right place on a regular basis and you’re more likely to see one than if you stayed home in front of your computer or TV.
One more thing — if you’re full of fear, will Bigfoot sense it? Be emotionally prepared for what you might see!
Establishing your own nearby Sasquatch research area is much more practical than a trip across country to see the place where Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin saw one. Of course, you’re welcome to come check it out, but Bigfoot research doesn’t have to be an occasional thing. You’ll have a better chance for a sighting if you put yourself out there every day, and that means doing it close to home.
August 22, 2009
Sasquatch Watch of Virginia
I spent the day getting to know Billy Willard and other members of Sasquatch Watch of Virginia by exploring their site, blog, photographs, and videos.
The front page of Sasquatch Watch of Virginia features a video of Billy Willard explaining the organization’s goals. Don’t miss it! I especially like that the site states, “Our friendly research methods do ‘not’ strive to harm or kill any wildlife. We seek to be cooperative and not hurtful to any person and to any public or private organizations.”
The Sasquatch Watch of Virginia Field Research Blog is rich with accounts of actual field investigations. I especially liked the analysis of unnatural stick structures near Bigfoot footprints, and the article about why they chose Autumn, the beagle, as their squatching dog. I’d love to read more about adventures with Autumn and other squatching expeditions in the wilds of Virginia!
This is a media-rich site with videos and a sound recording of a mysterious forest howl. There are slide shows hosted by Flickr showing Virginia scenery and Bigfoot “trace evidence” such as hair, footprints, and stick arrangements. The many photographs show Virginia as a state with miles of forest in which Sasquatches can hide and thrive.
Associated with the site is Sasquatch Watch Radio with Virginia hosts, Billy Willard and DB Donlon aka: Blogsquatcher.) On a recent show (August 17, 2009) they interviewed Bobbie Short of Bigfoot Encounters about her sightings and Bigfoot research. Phenomenal information with a great squatching lady and Bigfoot research enthusiast.
A site FAQ answers questions about Bigfoot authenticity and history. There are also links to the group’s forum, Yahoo group, and news feeds.
Sasquatch Watch of Virginia appears to be a motivated, experienced, and capable crew ready to respond to any recent Bigfoot sightings or encounters in the state of Virginia. I look forward to more Virginia Bigfoot adventure when I explore related sites later in the year.
August 21, 2008
Modoc National Forest Bigfoot Sighting – 1980s – Northern California
I received this fascinating story in email a few days ago. The contributor wants to remain anonymous.
“I have a good story I’d like to contribute, file under anonymous. I can’t be sure if everyone is familiar with Teddy Roosevelt’s story from the Pacific northwest but it has some similarities. . . .
“My story begins with a friend a few years older than me. He has a brother approx. some 10 yrs. older and this took place in the early 80s. He was from Redding and his older brother always wanted to be a Marine. His older brother had 2 close friends who went into the Marines with him; these guys didn’t see combat and were in the Marines primarily for training and soon (couple years later) were back home. They promised each other for the rest of their lives they would venture into the deep forest for approx 10 days a year, packing everything they needed. 4 days in, 2 days rest, 4 days back, give or take. This was the 3rd year and they chose different places each time.
“This story takes place in Modoc Forest. They drove their jeep as far as they could, camoed it out of sight and went in dressed like marines, carrying assault rifles and were looking for something to unleash fire on. They said they had a strange feeling they couldn’t explain, like they weren’t alone and were being watched. They pressed on for a day or two and the feeling got stronger. They report an eerie lack of wildlife or sounds. In fact they didn’t hear or see anything (alive).
“On approx. the third day they all came to the same conclusion, they wanted to leave. That’s strange in and of itself; these guys don’t quit and run from anything and none objected to the idea. They double timed it back to the jeep, uncovered it and started to drive. For the entirety of their trip no animals were seen or heard.
“Just as they get under way in the jeep, one man in back with an assault rifle and also passenger heavily armed, they notice something just inside the brush/tree line making pace with the vehicle. Whatever it was is reported to be at least 7-8 feet tall, looking only at them, and not where it’s going for 1/3 mile, obviously on 2 legs and doing about 15mph in the bush. They all made eye contact with it although the driver only briefly. All report a sinking feeling, mortified and demoralized. The thought of being offensive or throwing down any fire wasn’t there, actually their rationale was lost during the encounter.
“This is the best part: they all report huge red glowing eyes that pierce your soul. Shortly after it vanished back into the woods. They didn’t speak for weeks after, they don’t tell this story to anyone. My friend hounded his brother for weeks to tell him what was wrong, i feel privileged to know. I’ve only told this story a hand full of times. What was it i wonder, big foot, chupacabra, predator, a fawn, mothman, a skunk monkey?
“Fact, after the incident these marines seem to be dealing with some PTSD; did it take their souls? They don’t go into the woods anymore, they’re not who they once were and I’d say scared of the dark is an understatement, although the driver isn’t quite as bad off. There are things in this world no man should know lest he learn the hard way and there’s no going back.”
