While some of the world’s most renowned cryptozoologists and legendary Bigfoot investigators have come out in full support of the recent video and photographic evidence of yeti, Others remain skeptical.
Is this proof enough to convince you that Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch and others) really does exist?
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the evidence and whether or not this elusive cryptid really is out there.
Bigfoot In Peril
As we’ve established, Bigfoot sightings have been recorded across the world for many decades now, with the majority of sightings occurring in North America. In fact, the Sasquatch, better known as Bigfoot, is the largest and most commonly reported cryptid in the world.
However, in recent years, Bigfoot has become more vulnerable as anthropologists, primatologists and other cryptozoologists have come forward in support of the big hairy creature. (And no, we’re not talking about the actor. We mean the actual animal!)
In light of this, it’s no wonder why Bigfoot is known as the “Uncanny” animal. After all, not only does it inhabit the lands that we inhabit, but it also seems to be able to appear when and where we least expect it.
While it would be wonderful to think that Bigfoot is just looking out for us and has remained undiscovered because we’ve been looking for it, that’s simply not the case. (Although it’s definitely a comforting thought.) The fact of the matter is that Bigfoot is struggling for its very survival. (And for those of you who are fans of cryptids, the struggle is real.)
As with many creatures of legend and lore, Bigfoot is the subject of much debate. Some argue that it’s a gigantic mutant cow or a cross between a gorilla and an orangutan. Others think that it’s the product of human greed and the hunt for resources, while others think it’s the product of alien contact. (Although that one seems a little farfetched to us.)
No matter what you think you may know about Bigfoot, from the legend to the misinformation, there’s a good chance that you’re wrong. (And that’s okay. We’re sure you’re not alone in being unfamiliar with the origins of this legendary creature.)
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the recent sightings and evidence that has been uncovered.
Photographic Evidence
In the video we saw earlier, we were treated to some absolutely stunning and historic footage; however, it was not without its skeptics. One of the people queried whether or not the pictures were actually doctored, arguing that they looked too good to be true. (We have to admit – that one got us a little skeptical as well.)
In recent years, there has been a rash of faked Bigfoot photos and videos, usually featuring the actor (most notably, Oliver) trying to cash in on the phenomenon. Just last year, we were treated to the sight of an “authentic” Bigfoot video, which was later revealed to have been completely staged.
That said, this does not mean that all of the photographs and videos we’ve seen of Bigfoot over the years have been doctored either. (Although it does seem like a bit of an epidemic that whenever there’s a new sighting, there are always a handful of people accusing the photographer of fakery.)
If anything, this documentary series has proven that it’s more important than ever to be careful and considerate of the evidence before attributing the existence of Bigfoot to an undeniable fact. (Yes, even in the face of photographic proof.)
Bigfoot On Tape
Not all of the footage we’ve seen so far has been of the “live” variety. In fact, a lot of it has been captured via motion photo and video. (Most notably, the viral video, “This Is Bigfoot,” in which a shadowy figure hunts, tracks and kills a mountain goat.)
The reason for this is simple. As we’ve established, being a creature of legend, Bigfoot is a remarkably easy target for copycats and pranksters. Since these videos and photos can be so easily faked, researchers and professional cryptozoologists have turned to video recording as a way of differentiating “real” sightings from those that are purely the product of human imagination.
We have to say, the “This Is Bigfoot” video was pretty incredible to begin with, and it only got better when we found out that it was filmed entirely on a green screen; meaning that the filmmakers had inserted the “Bigfoot” into the scene at a later date.
Bigfoot In The News
Speaking of which, let’s take a quick look at the news coverage that has sprung up around the recent string of sightings.
On August 24th, 2019, The New York Times ran a piece on the rise of “Sasquatch mania.” In it, reporter Darryl Mathis takes a brief look at the impact that the viral videos and increased social media coverage have had on Bigfoot research, as well as the increasing number of people who believe that he (or she) actually exists.
“This Is Bigfoot” was one of the videos that served as the inspiration for Mathis’s story. It featured Christopher Goodman, who at the time was a graduate student at George Washington University’s School of Media and Communications. (Now, he’s an associate professor there.)
Goodman began studying Bigfoot as part of his doctoral dissertation, in which he compared the social attitudes and media-mediated perceptions of the creature with those of other controversial topics, such as the Loch Ness Monster and the Abominable Snowman. (Or, as Goodman likes to call him, “the Yeti.”)
In Mathis’s words, “[Goodman]’s research focused on how online communities, including those on social media platforms such as YouTube, have influenced how people around the world perceive and experience Bigfoot.” (We couldn’t agree more.)
“[YouTube] has opened the channels for people to discover things that they never knew existed. It’s created this new world wide web of evidence that’s never been seen before,” Goodman told Mathis. (Goodman has also spoken to Business Insider about how YouTube has changed the way we look at Bigfoot and other cryptids.)
We couldn’t agree more. The fact that we have access to so much evidence, all in the palm of our hands, means that more and more people are coming forward to share their stories and lend their support to this amazing, elusive animal.
The Legend
Now, if you’ll pardon us, we have to get some more news. (And don’t worry – we’ll try to be as brief as possible.)
Bigfoot is rarely, if ever, taken entirely seriously by the scientific community, which is mainly why we find ourselves in this predicament. (Although many of its cryptid cousins are definitely more than just a little infamous.)
The creature has been featured as a legendary monster in everything from horror movies to cartoons and even video games. (In some instances, it’s been depicted as a parody of the “Grumpy Cat” meme, complete with a snarl and wearing a t-shirt that reads, “Not really.”)
While this has undoubtedly helped fuel its popularity, it’s also caused its fans some troubles. (Some of which we’ve mentioned already.) In recent years, some very serious accusations have been levied against Bigfoot – and it’s not just limited to fake photos and videos. (Although, as we’ve established, those certainly don’t help matters.)
Last year, an academic paper was published that sought to explore how Bigfoot’s image has been co-opted by right-wing extremist groups in the United States. The study was co-authored by Erika Ransom, a doctoral candidate in American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (So, not only are we dealing with accusations of fakery, but also far-right extremism.)
In it, Ransom compares the popularity of Bigfoot to that of another legendary cryptid, the Yeti. (Which, as we’ve established, is often confused with Bigfoot.) As with many other creatures of myth and legend, the Yeti has been used by right-wing extremists as both a symbol and an excuse to promote their beliefs. (Although, in most cases, this has been done in a comical fashion.)