Bigfoot Population Explosion?

[William Parcher]

This thread picks up from others concerning the distribution and numbers of reported Bigfoot encounters.

Tube posted (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=4076031#post4076031) a BF encounter map published by John Green in 1973...

This is a map that appears on page two of John Green's The Sasquatch File, which was published in 1973. Green already had two Sasquatch books published by this time; On the Track of the Sasquatch (1969), and Year of the Sasquatch (1970). Green included the "Cheam Publishing Ltd." address in both of those books. This was obviously the source for his growing database of anecdotal reports in the stone-age before e-mail and the World Wide Web.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w310/william_parcher/977517a2.jpg


Here is a fairly recent map showing reported encounters from a number of sources...

http://forums.randi.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=14147&d=1243971890


An interesting BFF thread (http://www.bigfootforums.com/index.php?showtopic=15180) titled "BFRO report submission rate, A little math...".

The thread is from 2006 and it was estimated then that the BFRO receives about 3400 reports per year. They filter out spam, junk, and what they consider to be hoaxes or misidentifications. Annual published reports is estimated at 252.

The recent map shown above has presumably already had hoax/misidentification filters applied by those who present the reports.

It looks like Bigfoot is expanding, and/or the modern age has brought the means and incentive for more people to report their encounters. Green's map is essentially all recorded reports up to 1973. The new map brings us forward by about 33 years.

[kittynh]

ohhh... so maybe we'll get a photograph? Since so many more people have cameras now including most people with their phone which they always take out in the woods?

[kittynh]

Scientific Proof of a Mysterious Creature

The top scientists in the world were baffled. There were reports of sightings of some strange new creature, a creature so alien and unlike what was known, that it could only be a fantasy or a figment of the imagination of those reporting the creature. The only proof the scientists had were eye witness reports and crude drawings. Perhaps this creature was just something more common, an animal well known that was being mistaken for something else in shadows and half life. Perhaps those reporting this creature were listening the the stories and fables of the poor native people, people full of superstition and fantasy. Despite the reports being made by all sorts of people, including explorers and scientists, accounts were dismissed because of lack of evidence. Until one day, a dead creature was delivered to the top biologists and other scientists in England. Scientists at first suspected a hoax, surely such a creature was stitched together from various parts! But after careful examination the scientists had to agree that as fantastic as the reports were, people had been telling the truth.

That truth was, the PLATYPUS was REAL.

Sound familiar? Alien visitation and Bigfoot believers like to use the story of the platypus and the mountain gorillas as an example of how close minded science can be. But, for some of us the story isn't one of close mindedness, but one of how science demands a level or proof beyond hearsay. Science was correct in wanted to see a platypus before confirming their Resistance. As today, science is overwhelmed with reports of mermaids, lake monsters, Yeti, Big foot, fairies and other creatures of cryptology. If science had a lower standard, such as well enough people have reported them and we have some nice drawings much time and money would be wasted on trying to find and understand these elusive creatures. People often complain that science and government aren't doing enough to look for aliens and Bigfoot. But, until there is definitive proof, such as an alien body or a Big foot body, perhaps even a Loch Ness Monster egg, science will keep it's focus and limited time and funds on very necessary scientific work.

We have to remember also that the platypus and other unknown animals such as the gorilla were never really unknown. Certainly people living in Australia and Africa knew of these animals. The problem with aliens and Bigfoot is that so far, we only have hear say and certainly no one that can say they are to be found there. While a gorilla is perhaps not easy to find, you can go on a trip and be fairly sure of seeing one. If not in Africa at least in a zoo. The platypus is also fairly easy to find if you travel to the right parts of the world.

Should science devote resources to looking for Big Foot, or should biologists devote resources to studying how viruses pass from birds and pigs to humans? Should astronomers and NASA spend their time looking on Earth for aliens, or should they direct their research to space where asteroids and comets potentially threaten the Earth? Also, there are enough amateur astronomers along with radar at every major airport to alert us to an Earthly visitation. Astronomers with funds to spare would rather look out to see if there are any planets like Earth. Planets with a star like our sun, that could potentially have life forms much like ourselves.

Amateurs are welcome to spend time and money looking for aliens or Big foot. Millions of telescopes are owned by people across the world for their personal use. The best person to look for and find a Big foot is a person familiar with the areas where Bigfoot supposedly lives. In this case a local hunter is far better suited than a scientist unfamiliar with the area and wildlife.

While we may laugh that at one time the platypus was a matter of doubt, think how very unusual the platypus is. A duck billed mammal that lays eggs? The platypus is a good example of how evolution is more about what works than perfection.

What would have been wrong is if science, when confronted with a dead platypus and finding no sign of faking, had continued to deny it's existence. The day a Bigfoot body or alien body is brought to science, or perhaps dumped in the front lobby of the New York Times, is the day science will embrace and devote time, energy and funding for research and study.

.................................................. ................

the following is from the CLEAR online newsletter from www.badalien.org

Bring the body with the DNA and you can throw out those maps.

Map with a lot of "sightings" does NOT equal ONE FREAKING DEAD BIGFOOT.

or even ONE FREAKING STRAND OF DNA FROM A BIGFOOT

[Stellafane]

Hmm...even Bigfeet avoid the Dakotas, I see.

[jasonpatterson]

I find it amazing that bigfoot apparently avoids those portions of the country that are least populated. Good grief, from that map it looks like there were bigfoot sightings in New York City and Washington, DC. Perhaps it has survived in the sewers in those locations, or there is sufficient food available for a viable population in Central Park...

[kittynh]

well there are a lot of really hairy guys in New York...

[William Parcher]

You can see that this human population density map (1990) closely resembles the modern BF report map.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w310/william_parcher/9dba42b3.gif

[SweatyYeti]

William Parcher wrote:
You can see that this human population density map (1990) closely resembles the modern BF report map.



One notable exception, from my neck of the woods.....Eastern Massachusetts.

This half of the state is heavily populated.....and there are still some considerably large areas of heavily-wooded forests, and swamp areas...(such as Hockomock Swamp, as one example).....yet there are very few Bigfoot sightings reported in this area.

In fact, the Bfro website lists only 4 "Class A" sighting reports for all of Massachusetts, from the beginning of time itself.


That just doesn't mix with the theory that Bigfoot is a 'natural psychological phenomenon' of humanity. It just ain't a-happenin' here...:).


A few interesting links...about the Hockomock Swamp area...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hockomock_Swamp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgewater_Triangle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dighton_Rock

[jasonpatterson]

You can see that this human population density map (1990) closely resembles the modern BF report map.


Which means, of course, that bigfoot pheremones are aphrodisiacs for humans, and thus those areas in which bigfoot populations are highest, human populations are highest too. It's just that simple! :)

[William Parcher]

In fact, the Bfro website lists only 4 "Class A" sighting reports for all of Massachusetts, from the beginning of time itself.


That just doesn't mix with the theory that Bigfoot is a 'natural psychological phenomenon' of humanity. It just ain't a-happenin' here...:).


I already said in another thread that one cannot get a complete picture of the cultural phenomenon unless they see all of the hoaxes and misidentifications that are filtered out by the BFRO, etc. You see 4 reports and want to argue that there only were 4 reports from Massachusetts. There could be many hundreds of reports that were filtered out. Therefore, you cannot know to what extent the folks of your state are compelled to lie about seeing Bigfoot. The concealment of that information is part of the phenomenon itself. Only 4 reports makes it seem more real, doesn't it?

[clayflingythingy]

WP,

I like the Saint Grover. You should keep that one for an extended time.

IIRC, WP has more or less stated that the bigfoot myth is begging for a dissertation. Bigfoot, along with alien abductions and now, I suppose, Chuppacabras, are great examples of modern mythology.

Frankly, I'm baffled that anyone can believe that BF exists coast to coast but no one can shoot one of the damn things.

[SweatyYeti]

I already said in another thread that one cannot get a complete picture of the cultural phenomenon unless they see all of the hoaxes and misidentifications that are filtered out by the BFRO, etc. You see 4 reports and want to argue that there only were 4 reports from Massachusetts.

There could be many hundreds of reports that were filtered out.

Therefore, you cannot know to what extent the folks of your state are compelled to lie about seeing Bigfoot. The concealment of that information is part of the phenomenon itself. Only 4 reports makes it seem more real, doesn't it?



And there may be no more 'filtered-out' reports...percentage wise...in Mass. than in any other state in the country.......right? :)



You see 4 reports and want to argue that there only were 4 reports from Massachusetts.


I never stated that there were "only 4 reports" in this state.

I simply gave the number of 'Class A' sighting reports for Massachusetts....and said that there is a very low number of reported sightings, considering how many people live in this half of the state.


Again....there is a lot of folks here.....:crowded: :crowded: :crowded: ....(YES!! I finally found a reason to use this emoticon! :) ).....and a lot of woods here.....and dang few sighting reports.

[foxholeatheist]

Too easy. Come on... there'd be a corpse by now.

[William Parcher]

I simply gave the number of 'Class A' sighting reports for Massachusetts....and said that there is a very low number of reported sightings, considering how many people live in this half of the state.


Again....there is a lot of folks here.....:crowded: :crowded: :crowded: ....(YES!! I finally found a reason to use this emoticon! :) ).....and a lot of woods here.....and dang few sighting reports.



It looks like one of your Bigfoots had a taste for lobster.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w310/william_parcher/c70942e0.gif

[Stellafane]

One notable exception, from my neck of the woods.....Eastern Massachusetts

Hey, I was born in Middleboro -- what town do you live in?

Oops, derail -- um, so maybe Bigfoot in SE Mass is disguised as a plaid-shirted hitch-hiker scaring the bejeezus out of drivers on Route 44 (http://www.paranormalknowledge.com/articles/the-hitchhiker-of-route-44.html).

[Stellafane]

It looks like one of your Bigfoots had a taste for lobster.

Heh -- it looks like the Bigfeet in VT seem to hang around Lake Champlain. Hunting Champs, no doubt.

[SweatyYeti]

Hey, I was born in Middleboro -- what town do you live in?



Pretty cool, Stellafane...:). I grew up in Weymouth...and at the moment, I'm living in Brockton.


Your description says 'Green Mountains'....are you living in Vermont? Lucky you, if you are! ;)

I've been meaning to take some sightseeing trips through there, for the last 25 years, or so.




Oops, derail -- um, so maybe Bigfoot in SE Mass is disguised as a plaid-shirted hitch-hiker scaring the bejeezus out of drivers on Route 44 (http://www.paranormalknowledge.com/articles/the-hitchhiker-of-route-44.html).


Loren Coleman talked about that hitchhiker, last fall, at the Mass Monster Mash, in Watertown. It kinda makes you wanna not drive down Rte. 44 late at night...:eye-poppi...

[SweatyYeti]

Stellafane wrote:

Originally Posted by William Parcher http://forums.randi.org/helloworld2/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=4787078#post4787078)
It looks like one of your Bigfoots had a taste for lobster.


Heh -- it looks like the Bigfeet in VT seem to hang around Lake Champlain. Hunting Champs, no doubt.



Have you seen the new Champ video, Stella? It looks intriguing.


There's a cluster of sighting reports around the Whitehall area. That's my new favorite place to go hiking....and Bigfoot 'hunting'...:cool:.
I'm planning on taking 2 or 3 trips up there, this year.

[SweatyYeti]

Originally Posted by William Parcher http://forums.randi.org/helloworld2/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=4787078#post4787078)
It looks like one of your Bigfoots had a taste for lobster.


A few years ago, I read a sighting report of a Bigfoot, somewhere out on the Cape...:boggled:.

I gave it no credibility then....and, presently....it's still zippo! :)

[quarky]

I'd like to hunt bigfoot on a beach in Tahiti, for 2 weeks.

[kittynh]

so all those bigfoots and no one had a cell phone with a camera or say a GUN?

cause I see a lot of people in the woods when I go for a walk, and honestly, almost all of them are armed. (hey we got bears).

[makaya325]

so all those bigfoots and no one had a cell phone with a camera or say a GUN?

cause I see a lot of people in the woods when I go for a walk, and honestly, almost all of them are armed. (hey we got bears).

I agree with you that we should have a good picture by now. However, the "Everyone is armed with hq camera phones and weapons" is the biggest myth.

[Silly Green Monkey]

I have a cell phone with a camera, and I didn't think to take a picture of something I'd spotted until half an hour later. Now I make sure to think of it first, and have gotten a picture both of what I first saw and of the tiniest little bunny ever.

[makaya325]

I have a cell phone with a camera, and I didn't think to take a picture of something I'd spotted until half an hour later. Now I make sure to think of it first, and have gotten a picture both of what I first saw and of the tiniest little bunny ever.

Cell phones are not perfect. They sometimes die, glitch, etc. :o

[Stellafane]

Pretty cool, Stellafane...:). I grew up in Weymouth...and at the moment, I'm living in Brockton.

I like Brockton. I know it's often the butt of many local jokes, but for all that I always seemed to spend a lot of time there over the years.

Your description says 'Green Mountains'....are you living in Vermont? Lucky you, if you are! ;)

Yep, moved up here six years ago this summer. We used to vataction here a lot, and liked it so much we ended up moving. It's kind of like living on vacation now.

Loren Coleman talked about that hitchhiker, last fall, at the Mass Monster Mash, in Watertown. It kinda makes you wanna not drive down Rte. 44 late at night...:eye-poppi...

Route 44, in its peculiar way, is a scary road. Statistically, the stretch through Middleboro used to be literally the most dangerous hiway in Massachusetts. I've seen drivers do things there that defied belief. And the stretch from Taunton to the RI line is just weird -- around every turn I keep getting the impression I've been there recently (probably because I keep seeing things that recall long-lost memories of when my family used to drive that stretch frequently when I was a kid). It's an odd feeling, although I haven't seen any spectral hitch hikers yet.

[CORed]

I find it interesting how closely the density of sightings seems to track human population density. Certainly for people to see bigfoots there have to be people around, but if these represented sightings of a real animal I would expect the population density of bigfoots to be a much more significant factor in the distribution of sightings.

[SweatyYeti]

I like Brockton. I know it's often the butt of many local jokes, but for all that I always seemed to spend a lot of time there over the years.


It certainly has it's good points, and it's bad points.

One of my favorite places there....George's Cafe.

Did you ever eat there?




Yep, moved up here six years ago this summer. We used to vataction here a lot, and liked it so much we ended up moving. It's kind of like living on vacation now.


A beautiful deal....literally. :)



Route 44, in its peculiar way, is a scary road. Statistically, the stretch through Middleboro used to be literally the most dangerous hiway in Massachusetts. I've seen drivers do things there that defied belief... :eye-poppi

And the stretch from Taunton to the RI line is just weird -- around every turn I keep getting the impression I've been there recently (probably because I keep seeing things that recall long-lost memories of when my family used to drive that stretch frequently when I was a kid). It's an odd feeling, although I haven't seen any spectral hitch hikers yet.



Gee, I didn't realize it was quite that bad. Too bad nobody managed to get some of those manuevers on tape...


Are we off-topic yet??? :rolleyes:

[makaya325]

It certainly has it's good points, and it's bad points.

One of my favorite places there....George's Cafe.

Did you ever eat there?







A beautiful deal....literally. :)







Gee, I didn't realize it was quite that bad. Too bad nobody managed to get some of those manuevers on tape...


Are we off-topic yet??? :rolleyes:

Oh yeah...We were talking about a population explosion of an imaginary "Unconfirmed" species.