The Bigfoot: Recent Sighting Sparks Renewed Interest

By Larry Billinger

The Colorado Sighting

Earlier this month, Shannon and Stetson Parker captured Bigfoot on camera during their sightseeing tour in Colorado. Shannon Parker described the creature as “at least six, seven feet or taller,” and it blended seamlessly with the mountain surroundings. While the video, shared on Facebook, excited many, it also triggered skepticism.

What is Bigfoot?

Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is a legendary creature believed by some to inhabit the forests of North America. It’s often depicted as a large, hairy bipedal humanoid, standing over eight feet tall with a powerful build.

Physical Appearance and Behavior

Descriptions of Bigfoot vary, but many accounts, including the recent one by the Parkers, mention a tall, upright creature resembling a hairy human or a large ape. The creature is often said to be shy and elusive, which might explain the rarity of sightings and the difficulty in obtaining clear photographic evidence.

Evidence and Credibility

While numerous people have reported seeing Bigfoot, skeptics often wonder about the lack of concrete evidence. The video from Colorado, like many before it, raises questions. Was it a prank? Could it have been a hunter in camouflage or even the musician Saxsquatch, known for his Bigfoot getup? Shannon Parker mentioned that a train conductor shared stories of similar sightings and unexplained large footprints in the snow, adding another layer to the mystery.

A Historical Look: Top 10 Bigfoot Sightings

Bigfoot sightings have been reported for many decades across North America. Here are 10 notable sightings or events related to Bigfoot:

1. Patterson-Gimlin Film (1967): Perhaps the most famous and debated piece of evidence for Bigfoot’s existence. Filmed by Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin in Bluff Creek, California, it shows a large, hairy creature walking upright.
2. Jerry Crew’s Footprints (1958): In Bluff Creek, California, Jerry Crew discovered and made casts of large footprints, which garnered significant media attention and helped popularize the name “Bigfoot.”
3. Skamania County Ordinance (1969): While not a sighting, it’s notable that Skamania County in Washington state passed an ordinance declaring Bigfoot an endangered species and making it a felony to harm it.
4. Battle Mountain Fire (1999): Firefighters in Battle Mountain, Nevada reported large, human-like footprints around their campsite. Some suggest these prints were left by Bigfoot.
5. Ape Canyon Encounter (1924): Prospectors in Washington state claimed to have been attacked by a group of ape-like creatures. They described large rocks being thrown at their cabin and seeing large, shadowy figures.
6. Spokane, Washington (1982): College students claimed to have found footprints and hair samples, which they believed belonged to Bigfoot.
7. Ruby Creek Incident (1941): A Canadian family reported a large, hairy creature near their home in Ruby Creek, British Columbia. They described finding huge footprints and having their children’s play equipment scattered.
8. Bart Cutino Thermal Footage (2012): In the Sierra Nevada mountains, Bart Cutino and his team captured thermal images of what they believe to be a Sasquatch.
9. Georgia Bigfoot Hoax (2008): Two men from Georgia claimed to have a Bigfoot body stored in their freezer. It was later revealed to be a hoax, involving a costume filled with roadkill and other animal parts.
10. Police Dashboard Camera (2009): In Lumpkin County, Georgia, a police dashboard camera captured a large, unidentified creature crossing the road. Some speculated it could be Bigfoot, though no concrete conclusions were drawn.

Origins and Scientific Perspective

Some believe Bigfoot might be a descendant of an extinct giant ape, Gigantopithecus, which coexisted with early humans. The University of Arizona points to this theory, suggesting a possible evolutionary connection. However, most scientists remain skeptical due to the lack of physical evidence.

Habitat and Other Cryptids

Bigfoot, primarily associated with the Pacific Northwest, isn’t the only large, hairy humanoid reported in North America. Different regions boast their own versions of this elusive creature:

• Sasquatch: The most famous of them all, primarily spotted in the Pacific Northwest.
• Skunk Ape: Found in Florida and the Southern U.S., this creature gets its name from its foul odor. Florida’s swamps, especially the Everglades, are the most common locations for reported Skunk Ape sightings.
• Grassman: Hailing from Ohio, this creature is named for the small huts or nests it supposedly builds out of tall grass.
• Fouke Monster: A Southern Sasquatch variant, it’s named after the town of Fouke in Arkansas where numerous sightings have been reported.
• Momo (Missouri Monster): With sightings in Missouri, this creature is described as a large, bipedal humanoid with a furry body and a hair-covered face.
• Wood Booger: Found in the eastern U.S., especially in the Appalachian region, this creature has a name derived from the old term “booger,” which means ghost or spirit.

Internationally, tales of similar creatures are widespread. For instance, the Himalayas have the Yeti, while Australia reports sightings of the Yowie. These creatures, regardless of their geographical origins, have made significant cultural impacts. They’ve inspired movies, literature, and festivals, reflecting humanity’s enduring fascination with the unknown.

Protection and Conservation

Bigfoot, as an iconic and mysterious figure, has attracted not just attention from believers and skeptics alike but has also prompted some regions to take legal steps to ensure its protection.

• Skamania County, Washington: One of the earliest and most well-known ordinances, Skamania County in Washington state passed a law in 1969 declaring Bigfoot an endangered species. Killing Bigfoot in this county could result in a felony charge, showcasing the region’s commitment to protecting the creature. The ordinance was later amended in 1984, turning the felony into a gross misdemeanor and imposing a $1,000 fine.
• Whatcom County, Washington: Following Skamania’s lead, Whatcom County also passed an ordinance in 1991 declaring it a Sasquatch Protection and Refuge Area.
• Whitehall, New York: Recognizing the significance of reported Bigfoot sightings in the area, Whitehall passed a local law in 2004 making it illegal to kill or harm the creature.

The primary intent behind these laws and ordinances is twofold: first, to protect what could potentially be an unknown species from harm or exploitation, and second, to acknowledge and preserve the cultural and economic importance of Bigfoot in these regions, given its attraction for tourists and enthusiasts.

In Conclusion

The recent sighting in Colorado has once again ignited the debate on Bigfoot’s existence. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the stories and mysteries surrounding this creature are a testament to the human fascination with the unknown. As the search for evidence continues, Bigfoot remains a captivating figure in American folklore and culture.