Moderated Bigfoot- Anybody Seen one?

[William Parcher]

Todd Standing has now released a close-up photo of Bigfoot...

And now another one...

 

[DennyT]

I had another "bigfoot" encounter last night, my 4th since April. For those keeping score:

[actual unexplained event]
1) Pre-dawn bipedal footsteps in a forest (April)

[events others might label as "squatchy"]
2) Stick structures, "woods gone silent", and whoop call (May)
3) Odd, creepy feeling in woods plus coyote and barred owl calls heard (June)
4) Walking "bigfoot" (last night)

I took the kids out for ice cream last night and as we were driving down a quiet street we (all three of us) saw a large, uniformly dark figure walking toward us from a distance of about 400m. I can't explain why, but we all thought it looked really big and beefy with unusually long arms. If I had photographed it at that instant, the resulting blobsquatch could've gotten a lot of attention from the 'footers. The only strike against it would've been that is was obviously in a suburban area, but the figure itself was far more bigfooty-looking than, for example, the Silver Star Mountain photo or the recent Mt. St. Helens images.

Of course as we closed the distance to the figure we could plainly see that it was a man, especially as he walked under a street light and he no longer looked uniformly colored. What looked to us like a bigfoot walking toward us was actually a fairly large (230 lbs?) African American man walking away from us. He was stooped over a bit and walking (fitness-walking, apparently) with a cane or short walking stick. While his arms, legs, and head were uniformly dark, the street light revealed a red top and shorts, white shoes, etc.

This was a wonderful illustration for my kids about how light, perspective, and expectation can result in a pretty convincing optical illusion, as well as how easily someone could unwittingly (or unscrupulously) create a bigfoot sensation with a single, ambiguous photograph of something mundane.

But, he was a human, right? So he MIGHT have been a Bigfoot.

 

[River]

But, he was a human, right? So he MIGHT have been a Bigfoot.

♫
Absolutely true. Sasquatch = humans (and misidentifications/fabrications/psychosis/pareidolia/etc) Humans are bigfoot, and bigfoot is us.

For once I agree with *footers™. Maybe not in the same context...but hey.

 

[George Kennedy]

I'm not saying he's lying, but i've no real way of knowing if he really is said George Kennedy or not, haha. I'm just curious as to why he's so quick to cry "Sasquatch!" if he's so logical about his way of breaking an event down and getting to the bottom of it... Seems odd.

Hey guys. I've haven't been able to post comments lately because I have been very busy with school finals, etc. (Not to mention a family member having major surgery.)

I do not spell check, grammar check, etc. on my posts. I quickly type random thoughts/responses to comments w/o making corrections.

Prior to having a personal encounter with a Sasquatch during the Summer of 2009 I had never given the topic any real thought. Now, I'm one of those "believers."

I like to play "devil's advocate" with many comments/theories made by people who claim to be open minded, logical thinking people.

As an investigator, I simply view evidence for what it is, not what it isn't. Ex: A large footprint discovered in a very remote area, (far away from "normal" human population) that has characteristics of a living, flexing, weight distributing foot (along with dermal ridging) is virtually impossible to hoax. I didn't say impossible, but highly unlikely and anyone would have the craftsmanship and resources to create such an elaborate hoax.

Further, when independent labs have numerous hair samples that have the same characteristics and obviously come from the same species of animal, yet the animal is listed as "unknown primate" I would have to assume that the people who collected the samples and the labs/lab techs aren't all in on the hoax too. The hoax theory is possible, but high improbable.

When I made my bigfoot roadkill comments, I was simply stating that this argument doesn't hold water.

If I removed my personal encounter from this equation, and I was presented all of the undisputed evidence that has been collected recently concerning Sasquatch/Bigfoot, I would have to logically conclude that in all probability, something other than a large scale, highly elaborate world wide hoax was taking place.

For me, it is easier to accept the fact that a very rare, highly stealthy/intelligent animal is out there somewhere rather than accept that such a large scale, perfectly detailed hoax is taking place throughout the entire globe.

Recently, (three/four years ago) our State Department of Natural Resources publically stated that elk were not in WV. A few days after the press release one of our local newspapers posted the picture of a large bull elk and three cows near the town of Logan. (About 40 miles from where I live.) The DNR made another public announcement stating the the elk were "someone's pets" and they had been obviously brought by truck to that area and released.

The DNR refused to look into the matter. They simply stated that people were "mis-identifying" cows for elk, deer for elk, etc. They continued to publically discount the elk pictures.

One problem with the DNR's theory. When I was a field Trooper, we often investigated destruction of property complaints in the Williamson WV area that were caused by elk. What the DNR failed to acknowledge was the fact that Kentucky had stocked elk in the 1980's. The herd grew and thrived. Eventually, the elk started to migrate into southern WV. Rather than simply investigate the matter, the DNR immediately attacked the credibility of the witnesses, used "misidentification" as the source of their accounts, and then used the "hoax" theory.

Finally, after three/four years of calling everyone in Southern WV liars, misidentifiers, hoaxers, etc. they are now forced to acknowledge that elk are living in the rugged hills of southern WV. (Even though no one has actually hit/killed one of the elk with a vehicle.)

Back to my old sayin' "If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it most likely is a duck."

 

[The Shrike]

But, he was a human, right? So he MIGHT have been a Bigfoot.

True, but this was a black guy, so chances are he didn't have much Iberian DNA in 'im.

The irony of bigfoot being a direct descendant of Don Quixote is simply delicious.

 

[LTC8K6]

Where are these tracks of a living, weight distributing, sasquatch foot with dermal ridges, so that we can all take a look and make an informed judgement?

Where are the reports on these hairs so we can all make an informed judgement?

I have been following the bigfoot story for a long time now, and I have yet to see either.

Also, what is with the strawman of a big "perfectly detailed" hoax? No skeptic I know of believes there is a big giant organized hoax going on to fool people about bigfoot. This is just a strawman.

 

[LTC8K6]

As far as Elk in WV:

http://www.wvdnr.gov/Publications/Draft_Elk_Plan.pdf

 

[Vortigern99]

Yes, George Kennedy, I second the call for evidence -- unambiguous pictures, a link, a news article, something -- to support your contention that a "large footprint [has been] discovered in a very remote area... that has characteristics of a living, flexing, weight distributing foot (along with dermal ridging)". Let's see it so we can decide for ourselves whether your description is accurate.

Also, please provide evidence for these "independent labs [which] have numerous hair samples that have the same characteristics and obviously come from the same species of animal, yet the animal is listed as 'unknown primate'...". This forum and its various BF threads serve as a comprehensive database for such claims, and I've never seen nor read anything like what you're describing.

 

[Volsquatch]

On BFF V2.0, skeptics are the enemies of faith, while possibly working for the government or the timber industry.

 

[LTC8K6]

I'm glad I never was a BFF member.

 

[Gilbert Syndrome]

Hey guys. I've haven't been able to post comments lately because I have been very busy with school finals, etc. (Not to mention a family member having major surgery.)

I do not spell check, grammar check, etc. on my posts. I quickly type random thoughts/responses to comments w/o making corrections.

Prior to having a personal encounter with a Sasquatch during the Summer of 2009 I had never given the topic any real thought. Now, I'm one of those "believers."

I like to play "devil's advocate" with many comments/theories made by people who claim to be open minded, logical thinking people.

As an investigator, I simply view evidence for what it is, not what it isn't. Ex: A large footprint discovered in a very remote area, (far away from "normal" human population) that has characteristics of a living, flexing, weight distributing foot (along with dermal ridging) is virtually impossible to hoax. I didn't say impossible, but highly unlikely and anyone would have the craftsmanship and resources to create such an elaborate hoax.

Further, when independent labs have numerous hair samples that have the same characteristics and obviously come from the same species of animal, yet the animal is listed as "unknown primate" I would have to assume that the people who collected the samples and the labs/lab techs aren't all in on the hoax too. The hoax theory is possible, but high improbable.

When I made my bigfoot roadkill comments, I was simply stating that this argument doesn't hold water.

If I removed my personal encounter from this equation, and I was presented all of the undisputed evidence that has been collected recently concerning Sasquatch/Bigfoot, I would have to logically conclude that in all probability, something other than a large scale, highly elaborate world wide hoax was taking place.

For me, it is easier to accept the fact that a very rare, highly stealthy/intelligent animal is out there somewhere rather than accept that such a large scale, perfectly detailed hoax is taking place throughout the entire globe.

Recently, (three/four years ago) our State Department of Natural Resources publically stated that elk were not in WV. A few days after the press release one of our local newspapers posted the picture of a large bull elk and three cows near the town of Logan. (About 40 miles from where I live.) The DNR made another public announcement stating the the elk were "someone's pets" and they had been obviously brought by truck to that area and released.

The DNR refused to look into the matter. They simply stated that people were "mis-identifying" cows for elk, deer for elk, etc. They continued to publically discount the elk pictures.

One problem with the DNR's theory. When I was a field Trooper, we often investigated destruction of property complaints in the Williamson WV area that were caused by elk. What the DNR failed to acknowledge was the fact that Kentucky had stocked elk in the 1980's. The herd grew and thrived. Eventually, the elk started to migrate into southern WV. Rather than simply investigate the matter, the DNR immediately attacked the credibility of the witnesses, used "misidentification" as the source of their accounts, and then used the "hoax" theory.

Finally, after three/four years of calling everyone in Southern WV liars, misidentifiers, hoaxers, etc. they are now forced to acknowledge that elk are living in the rugged hills of southern WV. (Even though no one has actually hit/killed one of the elk with a vehicle.)

Back to my old sayin' "If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it most likely is a duck."

Well, George, you can't really question a persons open-mindedness simply because they take what you say with a pinch of salt.... My ma' always said, "its okay to have an open mind, but if you open it too much your brain might fall out.."

 

[George Kennedy]

Well, George, you can't really question a persons open-mindedness simply because they take what you say with a pinch of salt.... My ma' always said, "its okay to have an open mind, but if you open it too much your brain might fall out.."

I find it very amusing that most everyone who has made comments here are the exact opposite of open minded. (Although I am sure that these people refuse to acknowledge this.) Very close minded, the world is flat, OJ is innocent because the glove didn't fit type of people.

Sorry for the reality check, but its true. These are the same type of people who set on a jury and say, "the police planted evidence," or "just because the guy confessed don't mean nothin."

Why should I have to provide sources that confirm my prior posts? Most people here make up off the wall scientific theories about things they have no idea about, nor are they qualified to even speak about.

For every independent study I can provide, I will receive the same ol' "open minded and objective" response of, "they are liars," "they are crazies," or "they don't know what they are talking about," etc.

For those who truly want to learn more; actually do a little unbiased research. (If possible.) You will be truly amazed at how narrow minded and misinformed that you have been. For those who do not, great; you are already there.

To be completely blunt; I have probably seen more, experienced more, did more during my short life of 41 years than most of you guys have ever dreamed of doing why setting in your dirty underwear behind your computer screen for days on end.

Get up out of your chair, go clean yourself and change your underwear. Then, go experience the real, non-cyber world for yourself. Go for a hike, try hunting, go camping. Better yet, simply quite thinking about what is and isn't real out there and go find out so no one has to tell you on a computer.

Chances are you won't see a Sasquatch, but you may discover a few new things in life that you were missing out on.

Every shred of information I have posted from day one has been completely true. I have no reason to lie. While trying to find information to disprove me, I am sure that you will discover that my credibility is completely authentic. (Unless you consider the federal courts, Attorney General's Office, etc. misinformed, simple minded agencies too.)

What am I saying? You had already made up your mind long before reading my first post. Open minded? Logical? Nah. Very self-indulging.



Oh yeah, sorry for the grammar errors etc. I am actually out experiencing life for real in the Great Smokey Mts. on a camping trip. (Rather than discussing whether or not the Great Smokey Mts. are actually Smokey and if someone is a liar for claiming that they are.)

 

[LTC8K6]

I never heard of you...

 

[Humanzee]

To be completely blunt; I have probably seen more, experienced more, did more during my short life of 41 years than most of you guys have ever dreamed of doing why setting in your dirty underwear behind your computer screen for days on end.

Get up out of your chair, go clean yourself and change your underwear. Then, go experience the real, non-cyber world for yourself. Go for a hike, try hunting, go camping. Better yet, simply quite thinking about what is and isn't real out there and go find out so no one has to tell you on a computer.

/begin lurker rant

Such talk seems highly arrogant and uncalled for. It certainly doesn't aid your credibility.

Personally I enjoy birding. I spend a fair amount of my free time outdoors sneaking up on and trying to get a sharp photo of a tiny bird that won't hold still. That bigfoot investigators can't or haven't done the same in any believable fashion says alot. They are the ones that need to get outside and get the evidence.

/end lurker rant

 

[atpeace]

As far as Elk in WV:

http://www.wvdnr.gov/Publications/Draft_Elk_Plan.pdf

Hey, thanks for posting that. Interesting! And I didn't even have to change my underwear (hope you don't mind) to learn something new about elk populations in the east.

 

[atpeace]

I actually didn't go into detail about why my wife was sleeping so hard but she had just gotten back the day prior from an extended stay in the hospital. She had developed kidney stones and during the laser surgery her kidney had been accidentally punctured. She had became septic. When I finally got her home I was allowing her to rest. Actually, I woke her up at three that morning, (I was preparing to pack up my family and leave because this spooked me so bad) immediately my wife could detect that something was wrong. When I told her what I had heard she acknowledged that she had heard the similiar sounds the day prior when she had gotten home from the hospital. According to my wife, the sounds were coming from a much further distance away, so the "shock and aw" effect was greatly decreased. My wife went on to tell me that "whatever the thing was, it kept striking wood together."

Apparently my son (6 years old) had heard the thing making sounds too and he called it an "alien." (No, I don't believe in aliens.) My son became scared of it's screams and would not stay outside and play. (My wife had failed to tell me any of this prior to my incident.) I assume it was because she was extremely sick, weak, and tired.

Also, to say that he vocalizations "shook my house" was used as an analogy by me. The best way I can describe the power of the vocalization would be comparing the howl to standing near Bristol Motor Speedway during qualifying, or whenever it thunders prior to a rain storm.

I am not exactly sure what a GE90 is, but the sound I heard was horrifyingly loud/powerful. The volume was comparable to loud speakers and a amplifier.

I actually live in a log house with very thick walls. We also use a small fan for constant noise to help us sleep. (I was use to the noises of Charleston, WV. When I moved into the country the silence was deafening. I couldn't sleep w/o some type of noise.) All of the above reasons (mostly my wife's illness) is probably why she did not wake up during the incident.

I currently live in the middle on "nowhere" and the area these sounds came from was completely unhabitated. No homes, no business, only mountains and woods for miles.

I realize that the story sounds far fetched, but prior to this incident happening to me, I looked at Bigfoot as total hogwash.

ALSO NOTICED: my dogs became very afraid and they hid. the neighbors dogs were barking and going crazy also. Also, another neighbor has horses he keeps in a field where I heard these sounds. His horses became so afraid, they refused to leave their barn to be fed the next morning.

bolding and underscoring mine, ap

The only black bear I ever saw cross a road in WV was given a police escort across a busy street. Officer had one hand up stopping traffic and one hand on his sidearm. So maybe Bf has similar crossing guards. But I doubt it's the opposum....

 

[The Shrike]

Personally I enjoy birding. I spend a fair amount of my free time outdoors sneaking up on and trying to get a sharp photo of a tiny bird that won't hold still. That bigfoot investigators can't or haven't done the same in any believable fashion says alot. They are the ones that need to get outside and get the evidence.

From a birder: respect.

 

[Resume]

To be completely blunt; I have probably seen more, experienced more, did more during my short life of 41 years than most of you guys have ever dreamed of doing why setting in your dirty underwear behind your computer screen for days on end.


Oh yeah, sorry for the grammar errors etc. I am actually out experiencing life for real in the Great Smokey Mts. on a camping trip. (Rather than discussing whether or not the Great Smokey Mts. are actually Smokey and if someone is a liar for claiming that they are.)

I've been lots of places much wilder than the WV Smokies. Think Nunavut, BC, Alberta, the Rockies in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and more. I've seen caribou, barren ground griz, moose and the rare pine marten. Heard weird things like bobcats getting it on, but never ran into a Squatch.

Nice try at generalizing though.

 

[mikeyx]

On BFF V2.0, skeptics are the enemies of faith, while possibly working for the government or the timber industry.

Partial credit, anyone questioning anyone's crackpot theory is categorically pronounced a witch, er skeptic and therefore is the enemy. You missed a step.

 

[EHocking]

Originally Posted by George Kennedy
To be completely blunt; I have probably seen more, experienced more, did more during my short life of 41 years than most of you guys have ever dreamed of doing why setting in your dirty underwear behind your computer screen for days on end.

Get up out of your chair, go clean yourself and change your underwear. Then, go experience the real, non-cyber world for yourself. Go for a hike, try hunting, go camping. Better yet, simply quite thinking about what is and isn't real out there and go find out so no one has to tell you on a computer.

/begin lurker rant

Such talk seems highly arrogant and uncalled for. It certainly doesn't aid your credibility.

Personally I enjoy birding. I spend a fair amount of my free time outdoors sneaking up on and trying to get a sharp photo of a tiny bird that won't hold still. That bigfoot investigators can't or haven't done the same in any believable fashion says alot. They are the ones that need to get outside and get the evidence.

/end lurker rant

From a birder: respect.

+1

George should check out the forum birdwatching threads if he wishes to find out just how well travelled he thinks he is.