Big Foot could be real, and other unique thoughts

Published on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 4:48 PM MDT

Cryptozoology - n. the study of hidden or unknown animals.

“Yet down through the ages thou hast followed him - Clear-eyed Belief - who journeys with light heart.” - A line from the poem “Doubt” by Robert Cameron Rogers.

Some people believe in Santa Claus. Some people believe in Jesus Christ and that he was the son of God. Some people believe every word of the Koran. Some people believe - and this is not a joke, I know of a school district that taught this - that Abraham Lincoln was the first black president. Other people believe in cryptids.

From the bright side
Lindsey Bright

Cryptozoology is becoming a more popular field of study, and I for one am in full support of it. To me, it seems like a natural amalgamation of literary folklore studies and zoology. As the definition above says, this cryptozoology studies hidden or unknown animals, referred to by those in the field as cryptids.

Now, what can fall into the category of cryptids are probably animals you’ve passed off as fairy tales and drunken mirages. The tales, the myths, the legends that you heard as a child or around the campfire. The stories of men, women or children deep in a forest or in a stark desert when they saw something; some type of thing, an animal, came upon them, but what it was they didn’t know. Sasquatch, el chupacabra, yeti, Big Foot, and you might as well throw unicorns in the group. All of these are cryptids.

Cryptozoology takes a scientific approach to researching these animals, both in what their habitats are and also by collecting stories of those that have claimed to have seen them. Some specialize in collecting data in the field, which means setting up camp and hoping to see the cryptid. Others research the literature, the ancient texts. Like the reference in Job 41:1, “Canst thou draw out leviathan with a hook?”

Throughout history, records and tales mention animals that cannot be categorized. The 13th century Map of Mundi depicts people in far away lands with huge ears to wrap themselves from the cold and others with one giant foot that can act as a slide. Were these depictions drawn from fantasies or passed back from an eyewitness? After so many years, that question becomes impossible to answer.

Sightings of strange creatures are still heard about today. Those people are often pushed to the side and called crazy, unstable, looking for attention. But think about it. Maybe they’re not. Maybe they saw something that is beyond current scientific classification systems. Maybe you have, too. Something that you have no idea what it is.

The “thing” is beyond your scope of reasoning. Is it fear of the unknown or is it fear of something being greater than your intelligence that you ignore it? What if a cryptid was real? What if that “thing” you saw wasn’t your mind playing tricks on you? There are things in this world that we don’t understand, but some of us believe and walk on with a light heart.

Lindsey Bright is a reporter for the Sidney Herald. She can be reached at 406-433-2403 | reporter@sidneyherald.com

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Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

anonymous wrote on Apr 17, 2008 8:40 AM:

" there was many sightings of flying rods in philippines i dont now what it is but i think is a flying snake or something?? "

Roz wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:38 AM:

" "Chewbacca" in Star Wars was a Bigfoot, called a "Wookie". People accepted him when portrayed as a fantasy character. His kind are real, but communicate by telepathy, normally. The authentic sounds that "Chewy" makes are used by Yeti to call family members at a distance, and to express extreme emotion. It's better that people don't believe in them, because they only want to capture and kill this pure parallel creation that is on a slightly different frequency. Thanks, Roz. "

Pam Williams wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:40 PM:

" loved your article. used to have a
friend who came from Arkansas, and
had seen a whole family. she said
they acted similarily to humans with
their children.
love Pam in Tennessee "

Miller wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:33 PM:

" The topic of bigfoot/sasquatch has increased in the last decade with biological proof of its existance, from hair samples containing DNA from "unclassified primate", to thousands of sightings and tracks. Primatologist jane Goodall is a supporting figure in this topic. I suggest you read the website from the BFRO(Bigfoot field Research Organization) they have a continent-wide database with sightings, and a huge wealth of scientific information. http://www.bfro.net is there websight. Those who doubt don't know the facts. Read the facts then make a descision. "

Nelson wrote on Apr 6, 2008 9:27 AM:

" She didn't say Abraham Lincoln was black. She said there was a school district that taught he was the first black president.

"

G H Green wrote on Apr 5, 2008 11:00 AM:

" Abraham Lincoln was not the first black president, however there is a hint of historical evidence that he was in fact "maloto", or of mixed origins. At this time, it is obvious that further research is being blocked. "

Todd wrote on Apr 2, 2008 9:40 PM:

" Love the article. I'm a fan of Cryptozoology and enjoyed reading your column.

Thanks,
t "

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