Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 10th, 2007
This launch of a new on-going feature at Cryptomundo explores the representations of extinct and living animals tied to cryptids at the International Cryptozoology Museum.
Investigate Further: Replica Cryptia: Mammoths »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 10th, 2007
Jerome Hamlin of Dinofish has been able to gather very credible testimonies on the presence of coelacanths in the archipelago of the Solomon Islands in the Western Pacific.
Investigate Further: New Coelacanth Discoveries in Solomon Islands »
On September 16, 2007, a game camera located in the forests of Northwest Pennsylvania snapped photos
that has sparked the Media into frenzy.
These photos first became public in late October on the website belonging to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization; and organization who in itself the last few years have been at the very center of controversy. The following is the actual BFRO recount.
From the BFRO website:
“The three images at the top of the page were obtained with a Bushnell trail camera in Northwest Pennsylvania on the evening of September 16, 2007 by R. Jacobs.
Jacobs had placed the motion-sensing camera on a tree along a game trail in a remote forest area in order to photograph any deer that might be using the trail. He did this in preparation for the Fall deer hunt. Jacobs was not trying to obtain images of a bigfoot/sasquatch.
The area in the foreground was baited with a deer attractant mix and a mineral lick block. In the first image (the one with the bear cubs) the mineral lick block can be seen sitting on a large black plastic plate. One of the bear cubs is apparently licking or sniffing the mineral block. In the two subsequent images the black plate is turned over and leaning against the mineral block.
Several minutes elapsed between the image of the bear cubs and the images showing the ape-like animal (see the time stamps in the lower right corner of the images).
The second image shows the ape-like animal from a rear-side angle, with its head obscured by its shoulders. In the third image the ape-like animal appears to smell the ground near where the deer attractant mix had been scattered.
Various anatomical elements can be seen upon careful examination of the images, including a bare spot in the fur under the arm. More details, data, and related images will be added to this page in coming days.
Various primate experts and bear experts in the US and Canada are currently examining these photos. The ones who have offered initial impressions to the BFRO say the latter two images do not show a bear, but rather a primate.
These recent images from Pennsylvania are very significant to bigfoot research. They likely show a young juvenile bigfoot (smaller than ~5 feet tall), as they have been described by eyewitnesses over the years. Young juvenile bigfoot are typically described as quadrupedal (walking on four legs), with the ability to climb trees or run very quickly on all fours (See the New York Baby Footage). They are sometimes seen alternating between a quadrupedal posture and an awkward bipedal posture. Whereas the larger bigfoot (5 feet tall and above) are almost never described as walking or running on all fours.
It was thought for a long time that any legitimate images of an adult bigfoot would likely be dismissed by the public as showing a human in a costume due to the bipedal posture of adult bigfoot, which is so reminiscent of a human posture. In the case of a young juvenile (quadrupedal) bigfoot, by contrast, the scientific debate would not revolve around whether the figure could be a man in a costume. Rather, the debate would revolve around what type of animal it is ... an entirely different debate.
The BFRO has the privilege of informally naming the apelike-figure captured in these photos. It will be referred to as the "Jacobs creature" (like the "Patterson creature").
Formal, scientific, taxonomic classification, usually cannot be derived from photographs alone, but can be tentatively suggested.
Over the years we have heard of other decent photographs of these animals, in other parts of the country, which have never been released to the public, for various reasons.”
I have no problem with the BFRO toting the suggestion that perhaps these photos may represent a young sasquatch. My problem is the lack of details given to the public after the posting of these photos to the website.
If you possessed such photographic evidence, would you not also be willing to share any supporting evidence?
Listed below are my personal issues with this situation.
1. Upon posting the photographs and subsequently after, no measurements such as height and width of the tree, the posted game camera height, and the distance from the camera to the tree have been given. How can measurements of this “creature” be made if we have nothing to compare it to? We can only estimate which still leaves a large margin of error.
2. Jerry Feaser, the spokesman for the PA Game Commission, stated: “This strange looking animal in the Jacobs photos is "definitely" a "skinny mangy bear."” This statement was posted on the BFRO website, under the Jacobs Photo page, in a text box titled ‘DEBUNKING THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION’. From there they go on to derail the PGC’s credibility due to its cover ups of Mountain Lions in PA. This is the only place on the webpage where an official source citing the subject from the photos as bears is listed. By insinuating past discretions of the PGC they hope to invalidate their stance on the photos.
3. Who has more to lose? The BFRO has again put their reputation on the line by making claims that they cannot validate without possessing necessary evidence; or by withholding key information pertaining to supporting evidence.
A Copyright has been registered for these photographs, and licensing deal can be made by emailing THROUGH a BFRO.net email address. Exactly who is receiving monetary gain from these licensing deals? So by debunking these photographs – the BFRO not only takes a financial loss – registering a copyright is not free (http://www.copyright.gov/docs/fees.html), the loss of licensing agreements (a possible major loss of revenue), but also another smack to the face of the organization. That leads to the question of how many times are they willing to sacrifice their public image as “The Scientific Research Organization Exploring the Bigfoot/ Sasquatch Mystery”.
Since the debut of these photographs, I maintained my objectivity, and waited for the evidence. My associate researchers and I have waited for the supporting evidence, even contacted the BFRO offering assistance. It has obviously fallen on deaf ears. The offers are still there.
On numerous editions of “The Sasquatch Experience”, I stated that we should remain objective and wait. It’s been three weeks and no supporting evidence has come to light. I doubt anything new will show light, and if it does… the damage is done. How can we recover as a legitimate field of research if we continually make these mistakes?
More importantly, how can we help the BFRO recover? As many faults as the great organization has, it still has many researchers who are true to the case. Some of who I call friends. Is it fair to let one of the most recognized organizations flounder because of some “PR” problems? I don’t think so. What we should do is send a message. A message that clearly states that as a community we can no longer afford to have these blunders. A message that thanks them for their continuing service and research – but firm in the fact these PR stunts are intolerable.
“The Jacobs Photos” are just the latest focus. We can all go back to Sonoma, Manitoba, Tennessee, etc. How many times will we fall on shoddy photos and video? Bottom line: Take nothing at face value unless you have the supporting evidence to help further your cause. Sometimes, it’s best to leave some things in the closet.
Those are my final words on this, and the last time I will comment publicly on the matter. My Best of luck to the BFRO and their endeavors, and hopefully we will find some evidence that some day may unite us.
+SF
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 10th, 2007
In Australia, there appears to be compelling footage that may show evidence of the survival of the thylacine. Three videos for your review.
Investigate Further: Thylacine Videos »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 10th, 2007
Best wishes to the gathering people in Jefferson, Texas. Classic Bigfoot clip.
Investigate Further: Texas Bigfoot »
The Sasquatch Gang
Cinema Blend - USA
Suddenly, the profitability of their operation is in jeopardy based on the diagnosis of Dr. Artimus Snodgrass, Sasquatch expert. Is it a hoax? ...
See all stories on this topic
Search for truth continues after Sasquatch spotted in Pa.
SRU The Online Rocket (subscription) - Slippery Rock,PA,USA
Now, what appears to be a "baby sasquatch" has appeared on surveillance cameras that a hunter placed in the woods. I've known many hunters and I hunt myself ...
See all stories on this topic
An overnight adventure
Cameron County Endeavor - Emporium,PA,USA
The only reasonable explanation for such a ruckus was a bear, or perhaps Sasquatch. Whatever it was, it was upset that someone else occupied its bedroom. ...
See all stories on this topic
Bigfoot enthusiasts to gather in Jefferson for conference
Texarkana Gazette - Texarkana,TX,USA
Speakers include W. Henner Fahrenbach, Rick Noll, Kathy Strain, Alton Higgins, Peter Aniello and Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, author of "Sasquatch; Legend Meets ...
See all stories on this topic
Todd Hicks
WSAW - Wausau,WI,USA
Some are calling it a young "sasquatch" or "Bigfoot", but some are saying they are skeptical until the photo is proven valid. In the age of cell phone video ...
See all stories on this topic
Writers' strike effect on Texas depends on length
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA
Bonus footage: SMU film grad Sean Whitley's documentary Southern Fried Bigfoot screens at the Texas Bigfoot Conference at 3 pm Saturday in Jefferson. ...
See all stories on this topic
San Diego Zoo - Great Ape Awareness Launches this Weekend
Imperial Valley News - Holtville,CA,USA
Every day throughout the event the Zoo's three great ape species - gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans - will be spotlighted with animal enrichment sessions ...
See all stories on this topic
No monkey business here: Students, apes share gifts Students, apes ...
DesMoinesRegister.com - Des Moines,IA,USA
"For instance, we were looking at the bonobo outside enclosure and one of the bodily kinesthetic students' questions was, 'Do the bonobos know how to swim? ...
See all stories on this topic
Washoe the talking chimp, RIP
MercatorNet - Australia
And the bonobo Kanzi learned how to use a keyboard simply by watching its mother use it. The chimp Nim sometimes signed to himself while flipping through ...
See all stories on this topic
THE BOOTLEG FILES: "THE PATTERSON-GIMLIN FILM"
Film Threat - Los Angeles,CA,USA
by Phil Hall BOOTLEG FILES 206: "The Patterson-Gimlin Film" (1967 footage that purportedly shows a Sasquatch in the wild). LAST SEEN: The film is widely ...
See all stories on this topic
Posted by: Craig Woolheater on November 9th, 2007
Bigfoot enthusiasts to gather in Jefferson for conference
Believers and skeptics alike will descend on Jefferson, Texas, this weekend to attend the city’s annual Bigfoot Conference.
The event will cover all of the region’s supposed boogers, including the Fouke Monster.
Several scientific researchers will be on hand to tell of their experiences and opinions. Speakers include W. Henner […]
Investigate Further: Texas Bigfoot Conference Tomorrow »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 9th, 2007
Can we find any of these? Are some of the “extinct animals” merely today’s cryptids? Is this footage of a Thylacine? Compare it with all the known footage of living thylacines. Two videos.
Investigate Further: Thylacines and More »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 9th, 2007
Does a Komono Dragon-type monitor roam the Outback of Australia? Video.
Investigate Further: Megalania »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 8th, 2007
See a sampling of various Alien Big Cats videotapes within three video clips, which exist of the usually black unknown felines seen in the mysterious British countryside.
Investigate Further: Alien Big Cat Footage »
SEGMENT 3: 12 am – 01 am Eastern / 9 pm – 10 pm Pacific
DR. MATTHEW JOHNSON - This Child Psych Came Face-to-Face with Bigfoot - What would you do if you were hiking in the woods and suddenly saw a huge, terrifying creature watching your children? That’s just what happened to Dr. Matthew Johnson, a national parenting expert and clinical psychologist who lives in a remote corner of Oregon . Since he’s a former Alaska resident, he knew it wasn't a grizzly bear. Although Dr. J is 6’ 9”, this dark hairy animal towered over him. That’s when he realized he'd actually seen Bigfoot. A renowned child psychologist, Dr. J helped his family stay calm after this sighting. He can help your audience understand and soothe their kids’ childhood fears, whether they’re scared of spiders or the Bogeyman under the bed. Dr. J is a compelling guest who’s been featured on The Early Show, CNN, FOX and over 250 radio shows. Dr. Johnson is a clinical psychologist and author of “Positive Parenting with a Plan.” - www.family-rules.com/drj.asp
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 8th, 2007
Can Cryptomundians help me? I’m attempting to locate online video clips of the appearances of the International Cryptozoology Museum (ICM) on documentary programs. I’ve only found one.
Investigate Further: International Cryptozoology Museum Video »
Posted by: Craig Woolheater on November 8th, 2007
Daniel expounds on his Bigfoot population “guesstimate.”
Investigate Further: Daniel Perez on Bigfoot Population Estimates »
Posted by: Craig Woolheater on November 7th, 2007
The report of a “big-foot-type monster” terrorizing a rural home outside of Fouke spawned the documentary-style film by South Arkansas native Charles Pierce in the early 1970s. The film assured a place in folklore history for the Bigfoot look-a-like, which has allegedly been seen in and around Fouke since the 1940s. The low budget, campy movie earned cult status and the familiarity of this tale and the regular resurgence in the media of yeti, Bigfoot, and caveman-like characters keep the legend alive.
Investigate Further: The Fouke Monster is Passionate about the Environment »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 7th, 2007
Jeff Meldrum, Ph. D., Idaho State University, proposes a new moniker to be used in talking about the tracks for Bigfoot / Sasquatch. Complete downable paper here. Others have proposed names for the species directly; here’s a review and link.
Investigate Further: Anthropoidipes ameriborealis” by Loren Coleman">Anthropoidipes ameriborealis »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 7th, 2007
The time has come to pay attention to a few remarkable new marine species discoveries. Here’s a quick review. Plus marine biologist Robert Pitman shares details on the first-ever sightings of living Shepherd’s beaked whales.
Investigate Further: First Live Sightings of Shepherd’s Ziphiid »
Posted by: Craig Woolheater on November 7th, 2007
It’s commercial features two young men looking for “Bigfoot Burrito” out in the woods. At the end, a “Big Burrito” mimicking Bigfoot is spotted. The commercial closes with Chipotle’s logo and a slogan that reads, “Our Big Burritos Aren’t a Myth.”
Investigate Further: Bigfoot Burrito: Not A Myth »
Sasquatch Attack - Does Canada have its own Bigfoot? Owners of a fly-in fishing cabin report attacks by an unknown creature. Can DNA tests on blood and tissue from the alleged beast reveal its true identity? The test results will surprise you. The best evidence available will be examined, from pictures and video, to hair and bones. Scientists will be brought in to tell viewers what the evidence reveals. Discover the truth behind these beasts and take a scientific look at legendary creatures around the world.
Wednesday November 7th at 10PM
Check your local listings for times and channel.
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 6th, 2007
The latest edition of Marine Mammal Science carries an article about a likely new species of Mesoplodon.
Investigate Further: New Species of Tropical Pacific Beaked Whale? »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 6th, 2007
New findings confirm the presence of at least one markedly smaller ecotype, a probable new species, of killer whale occurring in the Southern Ocean. Complete paper downloadable here.
Investigate Further: Dwarf Killer Whale Discovered in Antarctica »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 6th, 2007
Images and laughter sometimes are worth a thousand words. Photos.
Investigate Further: Suttons, Flatwoods & Oompah-Loompahs »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 6th, 2007
A peek at how academics are viewing “an ultimate postmodern novel/anti-novel, the Gray Barker archive: a hodge podge of correspondences, newsletters, sci-fi stories, photographs, alien seeds, amateur metaphysical musings, [and] folklore.”
Lots of photos.
Investigate Further: The Flatwoods Monster Decoded »
Currently on the auction block is a four for one package and the auction runs through November 9th. Item # 290177441054. Worth having a look.
This according to George Eberhart: "I hear that University of Chicago Press will be publishing a Bigfoot book next year in the Fall. It’s called Bigfoot, and is written by Joshua Blue Buhs.
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 5th, 2007
The just-ended Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts conference conveyed the not-so-coded message that cryptozoology’s jargon is exploding beyond the boundaries of the field. This is an invitation to thought on things “wet,” “dry” and someplace in-between. Photos.
Investigate Further: Cryptid: Code Beyond Cryptozoology »
Posted by: Craig Woolheater on November 5th, 2007
Riverside (CA) resident Daniel Perez says he believes there may be more than 100,000 of the Bigfoot creatures in North America today but concedes that any such figure is a “guesstimate” at best.
Investigate Further: Daniel Perez: On The Trail Of Bigfoot »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 5th, 2007
This seems to be rather typical of how this story is being treated on local news stations. Video.
Investigate Further: Mangy Comedic Relief »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 5th, 2007
Using a little handy software, things become clearer.
Investigate Further: Jacobs Bear Superimposition »
Posted by: Loren Coleman on November 4th, 2007
This media flap beats to the drum of a different kind of absurdity. Photos.
