Sasquatches Are Sus. What Do You Think?
Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is an alleged ape-like creature said to inhabit the forests of North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest. Descriptions typically depict a large, bipedal, hairy figure standing between 6 to 10 feet tall. Despite numerous eyewitness accounts, photographs, and footprints, the scientific community remains skeptical due to a lack of conclusive physical evidence.
Until we know more, we think sasquatches are simply sussquatches because they are sus to the status quo. This blog reviews the most up to date evidence and it’s interesting, especially with so many eyewitnesses. We believe there’s something to be said about bigfoot, but for some reason they are incredibly elusive. There are also a lot of fakes out there, which doesn’t help. What do you think?
Scientific Investigations and Evidence
Over the years, various scientific analyses have been conducted to ascertain the existence of Bigfoot:
- Hair and DNA Analysis: In 2014, a comprehensive genetic study analyzed hair samples attributed to Bigfoot. The results revealed that these samples originated from known animals, such as bears, wolves, and cows, with no unknown primate DNA detected.
- Footprint Analysis: Jeff Meldrum, a professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University, has studied numerous footprint casts alleged to belong to Bigfoot. Some prints exhibit dermal ridges and other features that Meldrum argues are difficult to hoax. However, skeptics contend that these prints could be fabricated or misidentified.
- FBI Investigation: In the 1970s, the FBI analyzed hair and tissue samples provided by Bigfoot researcher Peter Byrne. The analysis concluded that the samples were from a deer, not an unknown primate.
Alternative Theories and Explanations
Beyond the conventional explanations, several alternative theories have been proposed to explain the elusive nature of Bigfoot:
- Supernatural Abilities: Some proponents suggest that Bigfoot possesses supernatural abilities, such as invisibility or telepathy, which enable it to evade detection. These claims, however, lack empirical evidence and are often dismissed by the scientific community, but the scientific community has a really hard time with the science of the unexplained, so we are pretty sure this doesn’t disprove this theory.
Here’s a pretty good site with a lot of recent videos and interesting stuff: Squatchable
- Interdimensional Beings: Another theory posits that Bigfoot is an interdimensional entity capable of moving between different planes of existence. This hypothesis attempts to explain the creature's elusiveness and the lack of physical evidence. However, it remains speculative and is not supported by mainstream science. Again, we, sussquatches don’t rule out this theory. Again, suss out the sus, which means we are open minded.
- Mimicry of Other Animals: Some enthusiasts propose that Bigfoot hair has the ability to mimic the hair of other animals, leading to inconclusive DNA analyses. This idea lacks scientific support, as hair structure and DNA are specific to each species and cannot change to resemble another.
Challenges in Obtaining Conclusive Evidence
Several factors contribute to the difficulty in obtaining definitive evidence of Bigfoot's existence:
- Remote and Dense Habitats: Bigfoot is often reported in remote, densely forested areas, making it challenging for researchers to conduct thorough investigations.
- Brief and Unexpected Encounters: Many sightings are fleeting, leaving little opportunity for the collection of evidence. Witnesses often lack the equipment or presence of mind to document their experiences adequately.
- Psychological Factors: The human tendency for pattern recognition can lead to pareidolia, where people perceive familiar patterns, such as faces or human-like figures, in ambiguous stimuli. This psychological phenomenon may cause individuals to interpret shadows, noises, or movements in the wilderness as evidence of Bigfoot.
Notable Sightings and Reports
Throughout history, there have been numerous reports of Bigfoot encounters:
- Patterson-Gimlin Film (1967): Perhaps the most famous piece of Bigfoot evidence, this short film allegedly captures a female Bigfoot striding along a riverbank in Northern California. The footage has been extensively analyzed, with opinions divided on its authenticity.
- Skookum Cast (2000): Discovered in Washington state, the Skookum Cast is a plaster cast of an impression believed by some to be made by a Bigfoot. Skeptics argue it more likely represents an elk imprint.
- Recent Reports: In October 2023, a resident of Fairfield County, Connecticut, reported hearing mysterious "screaming/long-duration whooping" noises attributed to Bigfoot. The incident was deemed credible enough to be categorized as Class B by the Bigfoot Field Research Organization.
Scientific Skepticism and Critiques – But they haven’t disproved anything.
The scientific community generally remains skeptical of Bigfoot's existence due to several reasons:
- Lack of Physical Evidence: Despite numerous reports, there is a conspicuous absence of verifiable physical evidence, such as bones, teeth, or confirmed DNA samples.
- Hoaxes and Misidentifications: Many pieces of purported evidence have been debunked as hoaxes or misidentifications of known animals, undermining the credibility of genuine reports.
- Scientific Methodology: Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. The current lack of conclusive proof leads scientists to attribute Bigfoot sightings to psychological factors, cultural influences, or misidentified wildlife.
Conclusion
While the legend of Bigfoot continues to captivate the public imagination, the absence of conclusive evidence keeps it within the realms of folklore and speculation. Alternative theories, such as supernatural abilities or interdimensional existence, remain speculative and lack empirical support. Without verifiable physical evidence, the scientific community remains unconvinced of Bigfoot's existence.
Recent Bigfoot Sightings and Reports:
From UFO sightings to Big Foot — inside the eeriest National Park in America: ‘Like the X-Files’
Forensic Experts Say Bigfoot is Real
Bigfoot heard 'screaming,' 'whooping' in Connecticut Sasquatch hotspot