Chilling Facts About Bigfoot: Terror Of The Pacific Northwest
By Sarah Norman | August 4, 2023
Bigfoot: Mystery And Myth
For decades, stories of a large, hairy, bipedal creature roaming the forests of North America have captivated the imagination of believers and skeptics alike. The creature is known by many names, including Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and Yeti, and has been the subject of countless sightings, expeditions, and investigations. While some dismiss Bigfoot as a myth or a hoax, others are convinced that the creature is real and actively evading human detection.
Theories about Bigfoot's origins and behavior range from the plausible to the fantastical. Some suggest that Bigfoot is a surviving prehistoric species, while others believe that it could be an extraterrestrial visitor. Still, others propose that the creature could be traveling through different dimensions or using advanced technology to remain undetected. The beliefs about Bigfoot are as diverse as the people who hold them, including indigenous communities who have passed down stories about similar creatures for generations. In this article, we'll explore some of the most compelling theories about Bigfoot and examine the evidence for and against them. Join us on this journey of discovery and decide for yourself whether the legend of Bigfoot is fact or fiction.
Have you ever heard of Bigfoot? This elusive creature has been the subject of countless reports and sightings throughout North America for decades, with over 10,000 sightings reported in the continental United States alone, according to researchers. While many of these sightings have been debunked as hoaxes or misidentifications, there are still researchers who firmly believe in the existence of Bigfoot. Sightings are said to be most common in the Pacific Northwest, where about one-third of all sightings have been reported. However, sightings have also been reported in other areas of North America, including the Great Lakes region and the southeastern United States. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Bigfoot and delve into the evidence for and against its existence. Continue reading to discover more about this mysterious creature and the stories that surround it.
Sasquatch Was Popularized Through Fiction In The Early 1920s
In 1929, J.W. Burns, a Canadian government agent, introduced Sasquatch to the rest of Canada in an article published in Maclean's magazine titled Introducing B.C.'s Hairy Giants. The article was based on stories shared by Sts'ailes community members that Burns had befriended, and from there, the tale took off. This mythical creature has become a symbol of tradition for the Sts'ailes people, and for others, it has evolved into something more tangible.
Harrison Hot Springs, a town located in British Columbia, Canada, has emerged as a hub for individuals searching for evidence of Sasquatch, attracting believers of cryptids like Sasquatch. According to a 2016 Angus Reid Institute survey, 26% of Canadians believe in the existence of cryptids like Sasquatch. "People actually visit this place on a pilgrimage, and the numbers may surprise you," said Tourism Harrison's executive director, Robert Reyerse.
The Name "Bigfoot" Was Coined In 1958
In 1958, the first widely publicized encounter with Bigfoot occurred when a logging company bulldozer operator in Humboldt County, California, discovered a set of massive, human-like footprints. Jerry Crew, the bulldozer operator, initially thought someone was playing a prank, but as more prints were found, he contacted a local newspaper reporter, Andrew Genzoli of the Humboldt Times. Genzoli's articles about the strange footprints caught the attention of major media outlets, including the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, and the story quickly spread. As a result, the term "Bigfoot" was introduced as a reference to the mysterious creature leaving the massive footprints in Northern California.
Bigfoot Communicates Through Grunting And Barking
Throughout the history of Bigfoot sightings, alleged vocalizations have played a significant role in the legend's development. Claims of howls, screams, moans, grunts, whistles, and even a purported form of language have been reported and supposedly recorded. Some of these recordings have been analyzed by experts, including retired U.S. Navy cryptologic linguist Scott Nelson. Nelson studied audio recordings from the early 1970s captured in the Sierra Nevada mountains, which have become known as the "Sierra Sounds." According to Nelson, "It is definitely a language, it is definitely not human in origin, and it could not have been faked."
Others have reported hearing strange vocalizations in the wilderness that they believe to be primate in origin. Les Stroud, host of the TV show Survivorman, has claimed to have heard such a sound while filming in the wilderness. Despite these claims, most mainstream scientists maintain that the source of the sounds attributed to Bigfoot are either hoaxes, anthropomorphization, or likely misidentified and produced by known animals such as owls, wolves, coyotes, and foxes.
What Does Bigfoot Actually Look Like?
Bigfoot is often described as a large, bipedal ape-like creature covered in dark brown, black, or dark reddish hair. Eyewitness accounts have estimated Bigfoot's height to be between 6 and 9 feet, with some even claiming that the creature stands as tall as 10 to 15 feet. Skeptics, however, argue that these reports are likely misidentifications of bears standing upright, with broad shoulders, no visible neck, and long arms.
Some alleged sightings have described Bigfoot as having a human-like face, further fueling the debate over the creature's true identity. In fact, a police report filed in The Dalles, Oregon in 1971 described an "overgrown ape," with one witness claiming to have seen the creature through the scope of his rifle, but refrained from shooting it because "It looked more human than animal."
Putting The "Foot" In Bigfoot
The enormous footprints that have become synonymous with Bigfoot are claimed to be as large as 24 inches long and 8 inches wide. Some of these footprint casts have even contained claw marks, leading skeptics to suggest that they likely came from known animals such as bears, which have five toes and claws.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the fascination with Bigfoot continues to captivate believers and skeptics alike. Michael Rugg, owner of the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Northern California, claims to have even smelled the elusive creature. According to Rugg, "Imagine a skunk that had rolled around in dead animals and had hung around the garbage pits."
Bigfoot Sightings Have Been Happening For Generations
Long before the term "Bigfoot" was coined, indigenous cultures across North America had their own tales of mysterious, hair-covered creatures living in the forests. Anthropologist David Daegling has studied these legends and found that they existed in various forms and details regionally and within communities.
Ecologist Robert Pyle argues that most cultures have stories of human-like giants in their folk history, indicating a universal need for a "larger-than-life creature." Each language had its own name for the creature featured in the local version of these legends. Many of these names meant "wild man" or "hairy man," while others described common actions attributed to the creature, such as eating clams or shaking trees.
Some Indigenous Folklore States That Bigfoot Is A Shapeshifter
The Sts'ailes people, for example, tell stories about the sasq'ets, a shapeshifting creature that is said to protect the forest. The name "Sasquatch" is the anglicized version of sasq'ets (sas-kets), which roughly translates to "hairy man" in the Halq'emeylem language.
These legends have been passed down through generations and continue to fascinate believers and skeptics alike. Join us as we explore the rich history of Bigfoot tales and the cultures that have embraced these stories. From the Sts'ailes people to the Nlaka'pamux at Lytton, British Columbia, we will delve into the details of these stories and the impact they have had on our perception of Bigfoot.
According To Indigenous People Sasquatch Is A Spiritual Being
According to Kelsey Charlie, a Sts'ailes band councillor, the traditional belief of the Sts'ailes people is that the elusive creature known as Bigfoot has the ability to shape-shift from its physical form into various other forms, such as a rock, a tree, or even another animal.
This belief, which has been passed down through generations, is deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual practices of the Sts'ailes people. Despite modern skeptics dismissing such claims, for many indigenous communities across North America, the existence of Bigfoot is not just a matter of debate, but an integral part of their cultural heritage. Charlie explains:
My grandpa used to say, 'The slollicum is a shapeshifter and can walk in the two realms, the spiritual and the physical. That's why you'll never catch him.'
Modern Researchers Believe Bigfoot Has Rudimentary Architecture Knowledge
Some researchers claim that Bigfoot creates structures out of broken and twisted foliage that are seemingly placed in specific areas. Some even suggest that patterns such as weaving and crisscrossing may serve as potential territorial markings. Entire deer skeletons have also been reported suspended high in trees, leading some to theorize that Bigfoot may be responsible for these behaviors.
Furthermore, some Bigfoot enthusiasts believe that the creature constructs teepee-like structures out of dead trees and foliage. In Washington state, a group of amateur Bigfoot researchers called the Olympic Project claimed to have discovered a collection of nests. The group brought in primatologists to study them, with the conclusion being that they appear to have been created by a primate.
Nighttime Sightings Of Sasquatch Are Most Common... Which Is A Problem For Getting an Accurate Description Of This Cryptid
Many alleged sightings of Bigfoot occur at night, leading some to speculate that the creature may possess nocturnal tendencies. However, experts find such behavior unlikely in a supposed ape- or human-like creature, as all known apes, including humans, are diurnal, with only lesser primates exhibiting nocturnality. Most anecdotal sightings of Bigfoot describe the creature as being solitary, although some reports have described groups of the creature being observed together.
Some Theorists Believe Bigfoot Travels Through Interdimensional Portals
The biggest questions surrounding Bigfoot is why the creature is so rarely seen if it's a giant hairy ape creature. It's a fair question, and the answer is pretty outlandish but stands consideration. What if Bigfoot is traveling through a dimension that humans can't experience? Bill Penning told Mass Live that he had a run in with a Bigfoot in a rural area near Leominster where a creature suddenly appeared behind a deer, grabbed it, and quickly vanished. He noted:
[Portals] could be why we don't see any bodies, why there are no bones.
Is Bigfoot An Alien?
Some Bigfoot believers have put forth a theory about the creature's origins that may seem outlandish to many. According to these individuals, Bigfoot may not be of this world at all, but rather a survivor from an alien planet. The extraterrestrial beings are said to have brought Bigfoot to Earth either as a way to contact or study humans.
The theory suggests that Bigfoot is able to avoid detection by residing in a secret location hidden with advanced alien technology, and that sightings of the creature only occur when one of them strays from their hidden refuge. While this theory may be dismissed by some as a wild idea, it has captured the imagination of many Bigfoot enthusiasts who continue to search for answers about the creature's mysterious nature.
An Underground Network of Caves Helps Sasquatch Escape Detection
Some Bigfoot enthusiasts have put forth a theory that may sound even more far-fetched than the idea of the creature using alien technology to avoid detection. According to this theory, Bigfoot could be utilizing an underground network of caves to travel long distances or avoid detection. As North America boasts a vast network of unexplored caves, Bigfoot could use them for moving around without being detected by the general public.
Additionally, some believers argue that if Bigfoot is as intelligent as they are believed to be, they may have an oral history of the location and geography of the caverns, as well as the skills to navigate them. While this theory remains largely unproven, it has sparked the interest of many cryptid fans who continue to search for evidence of Bigfoot's existence and elusive nature.
The Patterson–Gimlin Film Is One Of The Most Important Documents On The Bigfoot Phenomenon
The Patterson–Gimlin film, an American short motion picture that purports to show Bigfoot, has been a topic of heated debate since it was shot in 1967 in Northern California. The film has been the subject of numerous attempts to authenticate or debunk it. The footage was captured by Roger Patterson and Robert "Bob" Gimlin, who claim to have encountered the creature while riding on horseback near Bluff Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River, roughly 38 miles south of Oregon and 18 miles east of the Pacific Ocean.
On the afternoon of Friday, October 20, 1967, the two men spotted what they claimed to be a large, hairy, bipedal, apelike figure with short, "silvery brown" or "dark reddish-brown" or "black" hair covering most of its body, including its prominent breasts. The figure was initially crouching beside the creek to their left or standing on the opposite bank. Patterson estimated the creature's height to be around 7 feet 6 inches, while Gimlin's estimate was 6 feet. The figure in the film generally matches the descriptions of Bigfoot offered by others who claim to have seen one.
Patterson Wasn't Ready For The Creature's Appearance
Patterson claimed that he was about 25 feet away from the creature at his closest and spent roughly 20 seconds getting his camera from his saddlebag before running toward the figure while operating his camera. Gimlin followed him, crossing the creek on horseback and approaching within 60-90 feet of the creature, rifle in hand, but did not point his weapon at the creature. The figure walked away from them to a distance of about 120 feet before Patterson began to run after it.
The resulting film, about 59.5 seconds long at 16 fps, shows the figure glancing over its right shoulder at the men before Patterson fell to his knees. Patterson later characterized the creature's expression as one of "contempt and disgust". While many have attempted to debunk the footage, others argue that it offers the most compelling evidence yet of the existence of Bigfoot. Regardless of one's stance on the issue, the Patterson-Gimlin film continues to captivate and intrigue those interested in cryptids and the unknown.
One Bigfoot Truther Believes That The Creature Is Actually A Neanderthal
According to renowned Bigfoot hunter Bill Brock, the elusive creature could be the prehistoric human rival, the Neanderthals. Brock posits that Neanderthals developed as a species parallel to human beings, but while humans were busy building cities and developing technology, Neanderthals were adapting to life in the forests and hiding from their enemies.
Brock's theory may seem far-fetched, but it attempts to provide answers to some of the questions that skeptics have posed about Bigfoot's existence. For instance, why are the creatures so difficult to find? Brock believes that Neanderthals' tens of thousands of years of experience with camouflage could explain their elusive nature. While his theory may not have the support of the scientific community, it highlights the ongoing fascination with Bigfoot and the many attempts to unravel its mysteries. Brock stated:
It's a known fact that human beings and Neanderthals were battling pretty heavy 35,000 years ago. Like us, they became masters of their domain, but their domain was the forest. They know how to hide.
But what about their bones? That's easy. Brock says:
By eating their bodies, they do two things. First, they feed themselves. Second, they dispose of the bodies.
Bigfoot Sightings Are Good Luck
While speaking with the BBC, Kelsey Charlie explained that indigenous people believe that having a close encounter with a Sasquatch should be viewed as a spiritual positive. He said:
If you're able to see him, hear him or see his footprints, there's some type of good fortune that's going to come your way because he's making sure that you know that he's there and that you still have to live by the rules. They live off the land, they live on the land, they are the land.
Northern California Into The Pacific Northwest Is Considered The "Bigfoot Capital Of The World"
Today, Willow Creek and Humboldt County are considered by some to be the "Bigfoot Capital of the World." However, according to data collected from the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization's (BFRO) Bigfoot sightings database in 2019, Washington has over 2,000 reported sightings, California over 1,600, Pennsylvania over 1,300, New York and Oregon over 1,000, and Texas has just over 800. While many sightings have been explained as hoaxes or misidentifications, Bigfoot remains a popular subject of interest for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
People Will Always Be Searching For Bigfoot
The debate over the legitimacy of Bigfoot sightings reached a peak in the 1970s, and Bigfoot has been regarded as the first widely popularized example of pseudoscience in American culture. Despite this, sightings and reports continue to surface, and some researchers have even attempted to collect physical evidence, such as hair samples, for further analysis.
While the existence of Bigfoot remains a mystery, the fascination with this elusive creature shows no signs of waning. From the Pacific Northwest to the Great Lakes region and beyond, people continue to report sightings of a massive, hairy creature roaming the wilderness. Whether Bigfoot is a real animal or a figment of the imagination, its place in American folklore is secure.
