Bigfoot

Cause Before Symptom - With Your Host James Carner

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Bigfoot

I live in the Pacfific Northwest right next to the cascade mountains. I have had two encounters of Sasquatch in my lifetime that cannot be explained. I never had an interest in the subject until I turned 16 and heard one. I’ll save that story for later. My family are hunters and I have spent years in the woods hunting a camping, although my brtohers were better at hunting than me. I never felt comfortable in the woods like my family does and it was because of the event that happened to me personally.

The enigmatic figure of Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, has captivated the imaginations of people worldwide for decades. This elusive creature, often described as a large, hairy humanoid, is said to inhabit remote forested areas, primarily in North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest. While scientific consensus leans towards skepticism, the enduring allure of Bigfoot continues to fuel countless investigations, folklore, and popular culture references.

The Myth and the Mystery

The origins of the Bigfoot legend can be traced back to indigenous North American cultures, who have long shared stories of mysterious, ape-like creatures inhabiting their lands. These tales often intertwined with spiritual beliefs and served as cautionary reminders to respect the natural world. In the 19th century, as European settlers ventured into the wilderness, encounters with these legendary creatures began to be reported more frequently, sparking public interest and igniting a modern-day fascination with the unknown.

The Evidence, or Lack Thereof

Despite numerous alleged sightings, photographs, and footprint casts, concrete scientific evidence supporting the existence of Bigfoot remains elusive. Many of the purported proofs have been debunked as hoaxes or misidentifications of known animals, such as bears. Cryptozoologists, individuals who study creatures whose existence is not scientifically proven, continue to investigate the possibility of Bigfoot's existence, but their findings are often met with skepticism from the mainstream scientific community.

The Psychological Appeal

The enduring appeal of Bigfoot can be attributed to several psychological factors. Firstly, the idea of undiscovered creatures lurking in the wilderness taps into our innate fear of the unknown and our fascination with the mysterious. Secondly, the belief in Bigfoot offers a sense of wonder and possibility, allowing us to imagine a world beyond our current understanding. Additionally, the search for Bigfoot can be seen as a metaphor for the human quest for meaning and purpose, as we strive to uncover the secrets of our own existence.

Bigfoot in Popular Culture

Bigfoot has become a cultural icon, influencing countless books, films, and television shows. From the classic "Harry and the Hendersons" to more recent documentaries and reality shows, the image of Bigfoot continues to captivate audiences of all ages. This widespread cultural influence has helped to perpetuate the legend and maintain public interest in the elusive creature.

While the scientific evidence for Bigfoot's existence remains inconclusive, the enduring fascination with this mysterious creature is undeniable. Whether it is a product of folklore, misidentification, or something more extraordinary, Bigfoot continues to spark our imaginations and remind us of the enduring allure of the unknown. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the natural world, the legend of Bigfoot will likely remain a captivating part of our cultural landscape.

Inconclusive doesn’t take this phenomenon off the table. There have been too many stories and encounters via audio and video that have captivated the minds and hearts of all generations. To believe there is a tall hairy muscular creature living in the woods that covers up the animal bones by burying them is hard to believe since it’s too fantastical to believe anyways. Yet, the amount of evidence that is out there is certainly cause for investigation and they have been trying their best to find this elusive being.

My story

When I was a teenager, a group of friends decided it would be a good idea to go camping near Mt. Hood and have BB Gun wars. We got all decked out in camo and hunted each other with the welt creating armaments. The crazy one of the bunch was carrying his 22 pistol which made the war even scarier. I decided the best approach since I was not a good hunter was to find a spot and cover up. After all, who wants to get shot with a BB or a 22. Looking back, I am assuming the crazy one would never use it, but it was enough to make the experience terrifying for me since I didn’t know this guy as he he was a friend of a friend. We all woke up the next morning and started our hunt for each other in this canyon where only the young could hike up and down in. Definitely not a place to hunt for deer or elk as you would take an entire day to get the meat out of there.

I crept slowly down the halfway point of the hill and found a few logs that were overlapping each other creating a nice cover to see through the cracks and yet be hidden. I watched the war from my post keeping still and observant. I had no intentions of shooting anyone as it would disclose my location and quite frankly, I didn’t want to get hit with anything from an air rifle, let alone a 22 caliber pistol. There were four of us. Danny, Jason, Duncan and myself. Danny and Jason were the elders of the group and Duncan was my best friend at the time. I really didn’t want to be there, but the beer gave me much incentivization to continue the assault. Danny, the crazy one, was kicked out of the army and had a grind to pick with everyone. He had no humor and I remember never seeing a smile on that bitter face of his.

Although I couldn’t see his face due to the camo, I did watch Danny slither down the canyon and scout out for the enemy with his binoculars. Duncan and myself were the enemy. Duncan, knowing Danny better than I, was fearless and crept closer down the ridge towards Danny. For some reason, Duncan never saw him and was headed straight towards him. I watched from my crevice Danny raise his air rifle and shoot Duncan right in the ass. Duncan winced like a little girl and fell down holding his left butt cheek. Later he showed me the welt as hald his ass cheek was purple and bright red. War wound among friends. Duncan headed back to camp while Danny and Jason hunted me.

For hours I watched them go up and down the ridge and meet up to try again. At one point, they were about 15 feet away from me but never saw my hiding place. All I could think of is, if I make it out of here alive, I will never go campign with these nutjobs ever again. I was never this dangerous, yet these guys would build huge wooden swards and hack away at each other every weekend for sport. Blood and broken bones were common for this clan. Duncan got bored and decided to come back and see if anyone found me yet. Hi brother Jason shot him in the arm. He went down holding his wound and yelled back, I am already dead you assholes! I am just here to watch! Satisfied with the response, the hunt was back on. Another few hours went by as they continued up and down left and right from my position.

I remember having many thoughts. Hours of laying down quiet, you think about spiders, snakes, mosquitoes and other bugs that could be crawling up and down your body. Me being ADHD, I would think of that and then to another subject of Mrs. Fazio, my 8th grade teacher whom I had a crush on. I also thought what would happen if Danny killed me. Would they bury me and make up a story? Thousands of thoughts popped in my head as I watched these posessed kids getting frustrated. I do rememeber praying. As the sun started going down, Danny stood up on a stump and yelled, “That’s it Jamie! I am thirsty! Come on out!”

I didn’t understand what he meant. Did he mean, come out and let me shoot you so we can have beer or come out and we won’t shoot you? I was confused but determined to keep quiet. He thought about what he said for a moment and then yelled back, “I promise I won’t shoot you. Come on out so we can go back to camp. It’s over.” Knowing them, they will shoot me anyways when I pop my head out so I stayed quiet. Danny thought again for another moment and then yelled at Jason. “Don’t shoot Jamie. It’s over. I’m tired.” Jason gave the thumbs up. Should I get up? Should I wait for one more confirmation? While thinking this, Duncan said from the ridge, “Don’t worry Jamie, they are done.” This gave me enough confidence to slowly stand up.

I’ll never forget the look on Jason and Danny’s faces. They looked at each other for a while and you could tell they were in sync with extrasensory perception as if to say we were there like 2 or more times. How could we not have seen him? I remember thinking it’s probably because I was praying to keep me invisible. They walked over to me as Duncan waited for us to meet and come back up. Their weapons were down and they seemed impressed with my hiding capabilities. Danny was first to congratulate me on hiding so well. That felt good. Even though I didn’t like that kid. As we were walking up the steep ridge to meet Duncan to head back towards camp, Danny shot him in his other cheek. He made sure he had a matching pair. I kept my mouth shut.

A few hours and many beers later, we all were around the camp fire reminiscing of the day and telling jokes. Jason started talking about a hot springs he went to once. I was called Bagby hot springs and about an hour from our camp. Danny was interested and it seemds he made the choice for us as well. They packed the cooler and within what seemed like 30 seconds, Jason and Danny were in the cab while Duncan and I were riding in the back of the pickup. After an hour of driving, Jason seemed lost. Danny opened up the back window and looked at Duncan and myself, then asked us, “Do you know where you are?” Being a comedian, and knowning the war was over, i couldn’t help but reply, “We’re in the jungle baby! And you’re gonna die!” In my best Axl Rose impression. Danny wasn’t impressed and slammed the slide window shut. Duncan caughed up a lung and gave me a look as if, this is why we are friends.

An hour goes by again and it’s getting cold in the back. They finally found the hot springs and pulled into the parking lot. Keep in mind we were driving for 2 hours on dirt roads so it actually felt like we never were going to get there. It was dark and we had no flashligts. But there were no clouds and the moonliight lit up the trail as we all took turns carrying the beer an eight of a mile away from our truck. I remember there was no wind, the temperature was comfortable and since I never have been there, I was getting nervous as if we were lost. I learned later the trail was almost a mile but the boys neglected to tell me. Carrying a cooler full of better while not knowing where you are going witha psychopath in your group, you definitely get a little nervous.

Then I heard the sound of a radio playing some lame 80’s song and started to hear laughs and also running water. My ease lfited as I knew there were people here. I thought this is good because there needs to be a witnesses if Danny’s decides to kill me from that Guns N Roses joke. From my observation, there were around 10 people there in several different stations of the hot springs. There is a main building with small rooms with canoes inside them. Around 4 or 5 if I can remember. Each canoe was a hallowed out tub of wood that drew the water into. This was a naked hot springs so our eyes were peeled. I didn’t see anything, unfortunately. The last place available was the community tub which could fit about 10 people. No one was there and we claimed it as ours. We filled the tub, cracked open the beers and started what we left off back at the fire pit.

We didn’t have a radio so we evesdropped on the neighbors’ tunes. We were only about a half an hour in the tub starting another buzz when we heard something. This wasn’t natural. This sound traveled through the forest as if it was a sprit and swirled around all of the camp. While we were all wondering “what the hell was that”, the music shut off in the other camps and the entire place was quiet except for the drip of water coming into the tub. Danny turned that off and now it was eerily quiet. We all were moving our best ear towards where each of us thought the sound came from. Our memories were filled with the first sound and imaginations dancing to what kind of animal it is. Usually, a mountain lion can sound like a woman screaming and that was the most probable thing we all thought it was.

I think about a minute went by when everyone seemed to get bored and turn the water back on or grab their beer for another swig when the sound came back. I didn’t know at the time but birds have two voice boxes! They're called syrinxes, and they're located at the base of the trachea, where it splits into the lungs. This unique anatomy allows birds to produce a wide range of complex sounds, from simple chirps to intricate songs. Some birds can even produce two different sounds at the same time, thanks to the independent control of their two syrinxes. This ability is particularly impressive in songbirds, who use their complex vocalizations for mating, territorial defense, and communication with other birds.

This sound was no bird. If it was, the bird would have to weigh at least 1,000 pounds. The lungs on this thing that the sound came from could blow this sound for many seconds. I have tried to mimic it over the years and when screaming that large can only hold the sound for a second and a half. Imagine screaming from the base of your body and lungs as loud as you can for as long as you can. You too, will not be able to get anymore than a few seconds in. This sound was at least a solid 10 seconds non-stop. Count to ten and imagine you screaming with everything you got. Impossible. All of us looked to the strongest. Danny. This was fight or flight time. We knew Danny was carrying his 22 and for a split second we all felt a wince of security.

But a 22 would only piss off this thing. We all knew that from the many deer and elk hunts we did together and with family. We all knew that a weapon would just scare it off or buy us some time. All of those thoughts came to us together in less than a second after the sound stopped. Imagine 4 naked boys jumping up and out of the water scrambling to get their clothes on just a second after the sound stopped. That’s all you heard throughout the camp. Whispers, scrambling, things getting knocked over and just pure quiet chaos. Seconds later, you started to see people hopping out of the shelters on one boot while they are pulling the other on and running towards the trail in panic. Safety, at this point, was not welcomed here. It was a mile away in all of our cars and trucks.

It was an every man for themselves moment. No one took a leadership role to calm one or two down. Jason was the first to have his pants and shoes on holding his tshirt as he bolted. Danny, the one you would think since he was in boot camp, would have been the first dressed but he froze at the tying of laces. A quick moment of pause for reasons I can only guess was racing throughout his mind. Duncan and I were dressed and quietly screaming at Danny to get up. About half of the entire camp of people were gone within seconds and the rest of us were trying to talk our friends into leaving now. The sound back back, but this time it was closer and louder. After the third time hearing it, I knew in my gut this was not an animal. The sound had a message to it. It said, leave for I am coming home.

I mentioned ealirer the two voice boxes. This scream had two separate sounds come from it. A low and high pitched. Like a low growl and a high pitched sound all at once. It started together low and went up in range together in perfect sync. I often thought about reproducing the sound myself with friends as I did the low and they did the high. But none of us could even hold it for that long or move in sync like that without a mess up or two. This sound was not from two entities. I knew that. Imagine a hippo grunt and a woman screaming for terror at the same time for 10 seconds. That’s as close to it as I can visualize and hear in my mind. But it was worse. Scarier. Uninviting. It was a warning. As we finally got Danny’s boots on and were running on the trail at 3 in the morning, I was thinking about how fast that thing travelled from the second to the third sound. I was thinking of watching for rocks on the trail and calculating how a being can move a half a mile in just a few seconds.

Perhaps this was a second creature. It had to be. Impossible for it to run a half mile to a mile and scream again in just 5 - 10 seconds. I later confirmed to myself that there were two. One was calling the other. We were just in the middle of a pair of sasquatches calling each other for a report. We left the beer. All of it. The other campers left their stereos and booze as well. Everyone running down the trail were half naked and you could hear them holding their keys. You could hear the ones who made it out first yell at each other. Thinks like “leave it … go go go …” or “don’t stop!” Jason was gone. It was three of us who were now natural olympians hurdling over rocks, logs and sticks as if we did this before. I think the movies have it all wrong. When people run for their lives, a supernatural mechanism turns on where you have the ability to see time in slow motion. You have more time to pick your footing and jumping stances. None of fell once.

I was at the front, Danny before me and Duncan a little behind. I remember it took no time to get to the truck. We beat all records. As soon as my hand was on it, I felt a little safer. First thing out my mouth were, “Keys!” Danny and Duncan looked perplexed. Jason had them. I knew it, but I said it anyways. As I said that, there were already cars high taling it out of there down the dirt road. We were the second to last lifeline of cars and our new found safety was starting to look bleak. Without hesitation, all of us dove under the truck and waited for Jason. Shivering, shirtless, dirty, scared and wishpering where the hell is Jason. Turns out he took a fork on the longer way back as we learned later. What seemed like hours waiting under the truck, Jason came our of the brushes from a location which made no sense. He was completely lost doing circles in the dark. He heard us whispering and followed the noise to find us.

We all got in the cab and slammed the doors. Danny didn’t seem to mind Duncan and I riding up front this time. Jason turned the truck on and backed out hitting the garbage can. No damage, we later learned. And Jason earned his offroading drift awards for we were doing at least 100 miles an hour around dirt corners without any fear or accidents. They knew the way back to camp this time and we pulled in and fell out laying on the ground next to the dead campfire. The sun started coming up. We didn’t talk to each other as we packed up and left for home. Out of beer and out of bravery. Years later, we all met up at a party and wen’t over the details. Everyone’s story matched up and it confirmed our experience was actually real. Your mind tries to play it off and make you remember it was less scary, when in reality, the brain is trying to help you recover from trauma.

Evidence

There are many theories out there as to what Bigfoot is. Some say it is what was left over from the evolution of man. Some say it is interdimensional and can travel between realms. Some say it visiting from another planet and some say demons. In 2019, the FBI released its four-decade-old file on Bigfoot including an analysis conducted on hair that allegedly belonged to the sasquatch.

Legends of large, ape-like beasts can be found all over the world. Since the 1950s, the U.S. version has been “Bigfoot,” a tall, hairy humanlike creature believed by some people to dwell in forests of the American Northwest. Sightings and even pictures have emerged, prompting research and raising questions about whether the creature, also known as Sasquatch, was real.

Since 1976, the FBI has had a file on him.

That year, Director Peter Byrne of the Bigfoot Information Center and Exhibition in The Dalles, Oregon, sent the FBI “about 15 hairs attached to a tiny piece of skin.” Byrne wrote that his organization couldn’t identify what kind of animal it came from, and was hoping the FBI might analyze it. He also wanted to know if the FBI had analyzed suspected Bigfoot hair before; and if so, what the bureau’s conclusion was.

At the time, “Byrne was one of the more prominent Bigfoot researchers,” says Benjamin Radford, deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine. “In 2019, a lot of people think of Bigfoot as being sort of silly and a joke, or whatever else. But in the 1970s, Bigfoot was really, really popular. That was when The Six Million Dollar Man had a cameo by Bigfoot.”

This was also after Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin released their famous video footage in 1967 supposedly showing Bigfoot in Northern California. It’s worth noting that the original “evidence” that launched the Bigfoot craze—a trail of oversized footprints discovered in the same region in 1958—was revealed to be a prank by logger Ray L. Wallace in 2002. Many people believe the “Bigfoot” creature in the Patterson-Gimlin film was a costumed prankster as well. Byrne has always believed the footage is real.

Jay Cochran, Jr., assistant director of the FBI’s scientific and technical services division, wrote back to Byrne that he couldn’t find any evidence of the FBI analyzing suspected Bigfoot hair, and that the FBI usually only examined physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Still, it sometimes made exceptions “in the interest of research and scientific inquiry,” and Cochran said he’d make such an exception for Byrne.

Unsurprisingly, Cochran found that the hair didn’t belong to Bigfoot. In early 1977, he sent the hair back to Byrne along with his scientific conclusion: “The hairs are of deer family origin.” Four decades later, the bureau declassified its “Bigfoot file” about this analysis.

To be clear, this is not evidence that the FBI endorsed the existence of Bigfoot, any more than the U.S. military’s decades-long investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, popularly known as UFOs, is an endorsement of the existence of aliens.

“All it means is the FBI did a favor to a Bigfoot researcher,” Radford says. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for de facto government endorsement of the reality of Bigfoot.”

Even so, Bigfoot believers may be tempted to spin it that way. “They love the idea that there’s a smoking gun in the FBI files—‘See, look, Bigfoot must be real, otherwise the FBI wouldn’t have taken it seriously,’” he continues. “Well, the FBI didn’t send out a team of investigators to look for Bigfoot, they agreed to run an analysis of 15 hairs."

To add more layers to what is already an unusual case, 93-year-old Byrne doesn’t seem to remember receiving the FBI’s response that the “Bigfoot hair” was actually deer hair.

Because Byrne had been out of the country for several months, Cochran sent the letter to the executive vice president of the Academy of Applied Science, which was associated with Byrne’s Bigfoot organization. The executive wrote that he would give Byrne copies of the correspondence when he returned. Yet when the FBI released its Bigfoot file—which was exclusively about Byrne’s inquiry—on June 5, 2019, Byrne reacted as though he were hearing that it was deer hair for the first time.

“Obviously, I can’t speak for Peter Byrne,” Radford says. But “if you’re going to make a big enough deal about this unknown specimen to give it to the FBI, then you’re not going to want to publicize the fact that it turned out to be deer.”

Books

Obviously the government wouldn’t admit to these things being real or not and most likely will not. If we are to find any evidence, we have to turn to witness testimonies and books. The best books out there for this subject are The Locals: A Contemporary Investigation of the Bigfoot/Sasquatch Phenomenon, Where the Footprints End: High Strangeness and the Bigfoot Phenomenon, In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond: In Search of the Sasquatch and Enoch: A Bigfoot Story.

Source: In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond

In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond is an excerpt from a travelogue recounting the author's journey through the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, Canada, while investigating reports of Sasquatch sightings. The author interviews numerous residents, including Indigenous peoples, gathering firsthand accounts and exploring the cultural significance of the creature. The narrative interweaves personal experiences in remote locations with historical context, exploring the impact of logging and resource extraction on the region's ecology and Indigenous communities. The author also examines the psychology of belief and perception, questioning the validity of the Sasquatch reports while acknowledging the compelling narratives and cultural importance surrounding the legendary creature. The book ultimately combines elements of travel writing, investigative journalism, and anthropological study.

The Power of Place: The Great Bear Rainforest is portrayed as a place of immense natural power, imbued with mystery and a palpable sense of the unknown. This wildness fosters an environment where the possibility of Sasquatch's existence feels tangible. Indigenous Knowledge and Beliefs: The deep connection of First Nations people to the land is highlighted, emphasizing their oral histories and beliefs surrounding Sasquatch-like creatures. These narratives are presented as integral to understanding the region's cultural and spiritual landscape. The Limits of Perception: The author grapples with the subjectivity of perception and the role of belief in shaping our understanding of reality. He explores how the human mind interprets sensory experiences, particularly in environments that challenge conventional notions of what is real or possible. The Lure of the Unknown: The search for Sasquatch becomes intertwined with a broader human quest for meaning and connection to something beyond the ordinary. The pursuit of this enigmatic creature serves as a catalyst for personal introspection and a confrontation with the limitations of human knowledge.

Key Facts and Ideas:

The Great Bear Rainforest: Located on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada, it is one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world, renowned for its biodiversity and cultural significance.
Sasquatch/Bigfoot: A large, ape-like creature said to inhabit remote forested regions of North America. The source material presents anecdotal accounts, folklore, and personal experiences related to the possible existence of this creature, particularly in the context of the Great Bear Rainforest. Heiltsuk First Nation: An Indigenous group with deep historical roots in the Great Bear Rainforest. Their traditional beliefs and stories about Sasquatch-like beings, such as the "Bukwus" and "Thla'thla", are explored as part of the region's rich cultural heritage.

Scientific Skepticism vs. Openness to the Unexplained: The author navigates the tension between mainstream scientific skepticism towards Sasquatch and the persistence of beliefs and anecdotal evidence that defy easy explanation. He examines the role of cognitive biases and the limits of human perception in shaping our understanding of the natural world. Personal Transformation: The author’s journey through the Great Bear Rainforest is presented as a transformative experience, prompting him to question assumptions, confront fears, and develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature and human consciousness.

Illustrative Quotes:

On the power of place: "The one thing that has caught me off guard, more than anything else, is the unbridled power of nature in this area—and its ability to wreak havoc upon the senses and emotions."
Indigenous knowledge: "In our culture, individuals and families own stories. They’re a kind of property. Like when someone writes a book and owns the copyright. To tell other people’s stories, you need to get permission from them first.” Perception and reality: "Contrary to our assumptions, humans don’t perceive the world in the way we think we do. The manner in which we register our surroundings is at best convoluted." The allure of Sasquatch: "All of us yearn to be heroes in narratives of our own making, if only to live lives brimming with purpose. Most of us take up that call, at one time or another, to a greater or lesser extent." The transformative journey: "The separation between past, present, and future also melts away. I realize that I’m floating down the river in its timeless, eternal form."

Notable Encounters and Individuals

The book features numerous encounters with individuals who contribute to the narrative, including:

* Clark Hans: The author's initial guide into the Great Bear, who shares unsettling experiences and sets the tone for the exploration.
* Dr. John Bindernagel: A wildlife biologist and Sasquatch researcher, presented as a thoughtful and dedicated scientist challenging stereotypical "monster hunter" portrayals.
* William Housty ("House"): A Heiltsuk ecological researcher and cultural knowledge keeper, who provides insights into Heiltsuk perspectives and the importance of respecting their traditions.
* Jess Housty: Shares her own Sasquatch sighting and reflects on its psychological impact.
* Alex Chartrand Jr.: A Heiltsuk Guardian Watchman, who offers a glimpse into their role in protecting their territory and resources.
* Johnny Johnson: A Wuikinuxv resident who recounts stories of the Hoodoo Valley, adding to the mystery surrounding the area.
* Leonard Ellis: A hunting guide, whose perspective contrasts with the conservationists', offering a different lens on human interaction with the wilderness.

The document provides a rich tapestry of information and reflections on the Great Bear Rainforest, exploring the interplay of nature, culture, and the enduring human fascination with the unknown.

Further Research:

Investigate the specific cultural beliefs and stories of the Heiltsuk and other First Nations groups regarding Sasquatch-like creatures.
Explore the scientific arguments for and against the existence of Sasquatch, examining the available evidence and the challenges of proving or disproving its existence. Consider the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to the persistence of belief in cryptozoological creatures like Sasquatch.

Source: Thom Powell's "The Locals"

Thom Powell's "The Locals" presents a comprehensive exploration of Bigfoot evidence, challenging the commonly held skepticism surrounding its existence. Powell meticulously examines various types of evidence, including footprint casts (highlighting their anatomical detail and the difficulty of faking them), eyewitness accounts categorized by their reliability, and DNA analysis (explaining the difficulties of extracting usable DNA from hair samples). He critiques the scientific method's application to the enigma, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and replication, while acknowledging the challenges posed by anecdotal evidence. Finally, the text delves into more extraordinary claims, such as Bigfoot's potential use of infrasound, its intelligence, and even its possible interaction with UFO phenomena, demonstrating a balanced approach that weighs scientific scrutiny against the compelling nature of the accumulated evidence.

Sasquatch Encounters and the Nature of Reality

Main Themes:

1. Sasquatch Sightings and Encounters: The primary focus of these excerpts is the recounting of various Sasquatch sightings and encounters, primarily along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. This includes firsthand accounts of vocalizations, footprints, and even glimpses of the creatures themselves.
2. Indigenous Perspectives and Folklore: The excerpts delve into the cultural significance of Sasquatch within indigenous communities like the Heiltsuk First Nation. They highlight the deep-rooted belief systems and traditional stories that incorporate the creature as a part of their natural world and cultural heritage.
3. The Nature of Reality and Perception: Through the lens of Sasquatch sightings, the author explores the limitations of human perception and the role of belief in shaping our understanding of reality. The excerpts question how our minds process information, particularly in environments that challenge our preconceived notions.

Important Ideas and Facts:

* Diverse Accounts: The excerpts present a diverse range of Sasquatch encounters, from intimidation tactics involving tree throwing ("The Locals") to more passive observations like bed impressions ("In The").
* "There had been a tree thrown atop the fence, smashing down the strands of barbed wire. This tree was about 14 or 15 inches in diameter, lying where the fence used to be." - "The Locals"
* "Beneath a few of the trees, the forest floor is packed down. Clark wanders over to one of the impressions and moves his open palm over it. 'Day bed,' he says. 'A mother and cub were just here.'" - "In The"
* Elusive Nature: Sasquatch are often described as highly intelligent and elusive creatures, skilled at avoiding detection and manipulating human perception.
* "So, I'm getting closer to this thing doing the belly crawl, but still too far away for a good picture. All of a sudden, I hear something else start screaming and howling behind me, but this one was behind me on my other side." - "The Locals"
* The Role of Belief: The author emphasizes the significance of belief in shaping our interpretations of the unknown. The excerpts suggest that those who believe in Sasquatch are more likely to experience encounters, potentially due to heightened awareness and a willingness to accept the possibility.
* "’Have you ever seen a sasquatch?’ Rocky asked, as does every other witness I interview. ‘Nope. But the Bible says, “Blessed are those who have not seen, but who believe.” Maybe that makes me blessed, though I don’t think the Bible was talking about bigfoots.'" - "The Locals"
* The Human-Nature Connection: The excerpts highlight the author's growing connection with the natural world, particularly in remote wilderness areas like the Great Bear Rainforest. This connection, they suggest, might be essential for understanding creatures like Sasquatch, who exist on the fringes of human awareness.
* "Something else happened in this period that became apparent only later: the forest made me one of its own, in the same way it does to those growing up or living in real wilderness regions. Its essence was injected into my blood, its pattern imprinted on my brain." - "In The"
* Cultural Significance: The author acknowledges the importance of respecting indigenous perspectives on Sasquatch, recognizing that their beliefs are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and connection to the land.
* "’Everyone’s invited,’ she says, before giving me a penetrating look. ‘Maybe a chance for you to take a break from all your Sasquatch snooping and learn something dierent about us for a change.’"

Key Quotes:

* On the Elusive Nature of Sasquatch: “It's not that they never leave footprints. It's more like, they don't leave footprints when they can help it. And they're probably even more wary when they know people are around.” – "The Locals"
* On the Significance of Belief: "The decision has been made to initiate me. Alex picks up a shell and grabs the gun before standing up. Both he and Archie have a look of impatient relish on their faces, as if they’re about to play a joke on me. I stand up without protest." – "In The"
* On the Human-Nature Connection: "I realize that I’m oating down the river in its timeless, eternal form. Seen from its own vantage point, the valley has assumed its true character and scope.” – "In The"
* On Indigenous Perspectives: “It’s not something that you’re afraid of when it happens. They’re there and part of the same landscape that we’re a part of.” – "In The"

Overall Impression:

The excerpts provide a compelling glimpse into the world of Sasquatch sightings and the people who dedicate themselves to understanding these enigmatic creatures. They challenge readers to consider the limitations of human perception and the potential for the existence of things beyond our current understanding. They also emphasize the importance of respecting indigenous perspectives on nature and the creatures that inhabit it.

Source: Where the Footprints End: High Strangeness and the Bigfoot Phenomenon

Volume Two of Where the Footprints End examines unusual phenomena reported alongside Bigfoot sightings, such as strange lights and sounds. The authors explore eyewitness accounts of Bigfoot's unusual physical characteristics, including multicolored eye glows and unique locomotion. The book also investigates Bigfoot's alleged abilities to mimic sounds and even communicate telepathically, exploring the potential connection between Bigfoot and UFOs or other paranormal events. Finally, the text analyzes the frequent disappearance or destruction of evidence related to Bigfoot encounters, suggesting that the phenomenon might be more complex and mysterious than previously understood. The authors consider the implications of folkloric parallels and the possibility of misidentification or intentional deception.

Where the Footprints End: High Strangeness and the Bigfoot - A Briefing Doc

This document summarizes key themes and insights from excerpts of "Where the Footprints End" by Timothy Renner and Joshua Cutchin. The book explores the intersection of Bigfoot sightings with various paranormal phenomena, drawing from folklore, witness accounts, and cultural anthropology.
Main Themes:

1. Eyeglow and the Demonic: Many Bigfoot reports describe the creatures as having glowing or fiery eyes. This motif connects to ancient folklore figures like demons, the monster Grendel, and various creatures from non-Western traditions, all characterized by luminescent eyes, linking Bigfoot with the supernatural and primal fear.

“His eyes glistened like burning cinders, and they were as big as saucers."
"In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, the monster Grendel, the shadow-cloaked night-walker, has eyes that produce an “ugly light, most like a flame.”

1. Mimicry and Deception: Bigfoot is often associated with vocal mimicry, imitating bird calls, animal sounds, and even human voices. This behavior is linked to trickster archetypes found in various cultures, blurring the line between animal communication and supernatural deception.

“Sometimes it sounded like a bird call, other times it sounded like a two-finger mouth-whistle.”
"Don’t whistle in the home or in the wood… It’s only the Leshy who whistles.”

1. Altered States and Hypnotic Abilities: The book explores the idea that Bigfoot sightings might be linked to altered states of consciousness, either in witnesses or the creatures themselves. Entheogens, meditation, and potential hypnotic abilities of the creatures are discussed, challenging the objective reality of these encounters.

“Modern technological society idealises and is monopolistically focused on only one state of consciousness—the alert, problem-solving state of consciousness that makes us efficient producers and consumers of material goods and services,”
“Various cultures have employed the alkaloids of the Amanita muscaria mushroom—not always for benign purposes—and it’s been suggested that perhaps sasquatch might do the same.”

1. The Liminal Space of Bigfoot: Bigfoot is portrayed as inhabiting a liminal space, existing between the known and unknown, the natural and supernatural. This liminality is further emphasized by their association with thresholds, transitions, and ambiguous landscapes.

"Tricksters and liminality also share this feature… St. Francis’ association with birds is very well known, but medieval fools were also frequently connected with birds, as were novices in liminal periods.”

1. Questioning Reality and Perception: The book consistently challenges the reader to question their perception of reality and the nature of evidence. The ambiguity of Bigfoot tracks, the possible role of misidentification, and the influence of psychological factors on witness testimony all highlight the difficulty in ascertaining the truth behind these encounters.

"How can we ever hope to measure phenomena that defy our eyes, our most trusted means of navigating reality?"
Important Facts and Ideas:

* The book presents a vast array of historical accounts and witness reports from various cultures, demonstrating the global prevalence of Bigfoot-like creatures and their association with the paranormal.
* It delves into the possibility of Bigfoot being an interdimensional being, capable of manipulating perception and reality.
* It explores the significance of tree structures, bent trees, and glyphs as potential markers or communication methods used by the creatures.
* The book draws parallels between Bigfoot and other cryptids, like the MIB and Black Eyed Kids, suggesting a deeper connection within the realm of high strangeness.
* It analyzes the role of the trickster archetype in Bigfoot lore, highlighting their deceptive nature, manipulation of reality, and ability to induce fear and awe.
* The Minnesota Iceman case is presented as a prime example of the ambiguity and self-negation that often surrounds Bigfoot evidence.

Overall Impression:

"Where the Footprints End" challenges conventional approaches to Bigfoot research. It encourages readers to move beyond the limitations of physical evidence and explore the psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of these encounters. By linking Bigfoot with ancient archetypes and paranormal phenomena, the book proposes that these creatures might represent something far more complex and enigmatic than previously imagined.

Source: Enoch

This text comprises excerpts from a book detailing the author's long-term interactions with a Bigfoot, nicknamed Enoch, through the perspective of a Bigfoot researcher who developed a close friendship with a long-term Bigfoot witness, Mike. The narrative intertwines the author's personal experiences with Bigfoot encounters, Mike's detailed accounts of his relationship with Enoch, and reflections on the challenges and ethical considerations of Bigfoot research. The author emphasizes the importance of respectful interaction and building trust with these creatures, contrasting this approach with the often exploitative methods employed by other researchers. The narrative ultimately argues for a shift in Bigfoot research towards understanding the creatures' emotional and social complexity rather than solely focusing on acquiring physical "proof." The text also explores broader themes of human-animal relationships, ethical implications of scientific pursuit, and the importance of respecting the boundaries and privacy of the subjects being studied.

Enoch: A Bigfoot Story - A Briefing Document

Source: Excerpts from "Enoch - A Bigfoot Story" by Autumn Williams (2010)

Main Theme: This book tells the extraordinary story of Mike, a man who has developed a unique, long-term relationship with a Sasquatch he calls Enoch, living in the swamps of Florida. It explores themes of trust, respect, interspecies communication, and the challenges of carrying such a profound secret.

Most Important Ideas & Facts:

1. Mike's Unique Relationship with Enoch:

* Mike has interacted with Enoch, a "Skunk Ape," for over a decade, providing food and observing his behavior.
* He describes their communication as non-verbal, relying on gestures, vocalizations, and an almost intuitive understanding of each other's emotions.
* Their bond involves playful moments, mutual respect for boundaries, and instances where Enoch seemingly protected Mike from danger.

Quotes:

* "He's not tame but he'll come up to me because I bring him food. He loves fresh fruit like peaches and pears, and he can eat a lot."
* "He lets me know that he can kill me whenever he wants."
* "He trailed me for a while and I lost sight of him, so I stopped and sat down on a log and waited."
* "It's one of my favorite memories of all. On the other hand, it was a reminder of how powerful he is and that I should be more careful around him."
* "When you look into the eyes of a Skunk Ape, you'll know what mood he's in and if he's going to hurt you - just like a human."
* "They can tell if you're trouble or not."

2. Enoch's Physical Description and Behavior:

* Mike provides detailed descriptions of Enoch's physical features, comparing his eyes to "chocolate Tootsie Pops" and noting his wide mouth, thick beard, and bristly hair.
* Enoch demonstrates intelligence through his actions: using found objects, mimicking human behaviors, and seemingly communicating with other Sasquatches.

Quotes:

* "His eyes are dark brown ... you ever eat a Tootsie Pop? A chocolate one? ... It's ... striated. Like that."
* "His nose is kind of broad and flat ... He's got these little pig bristles that stick out from it."
* "He will hide behind a tree with a big stick ... and wait for a wild pig to walk by and then he whacks the pig on the head and kills it."
* "I've seen him follow a boat that was drifting downriver. The men in it who were fishing were unaware that they were being studied."

3. Mike's Internal Conflict and Trust Issues:

* Mike struggles with the burden of his secret, the fear of ridicule, and the moral dilemma of revealing Enoch's existence.
* He grapples with trust issues, even with Autumn, the researcher documenting his story.

Quotes:

* "The way you speak has nothing to do with what you say," I told him, gently.
* "People are always making fun of the way I talk. I don't write no better."
* "I don't believe we have the right to 'take a specimen'. Personally, it's a moral dilemma."
* "I believe this story to be true as I feel the same way he did: it becomes your life and takes a lot away from you, and replaces it with knowledge you cannot share."

4. The Importance of Respect and Observation:

* Mike emphasizes the need for respecting Sasquatches, understanding their boundaries, and letting them choose the terms of engagement.
* He advocates for observation over invasive research methods, believing this is the key to understanding these elusive creatures.

Quotes:

* "The only way to find a Skunk Ape is to let him find you."
* "They are a noble tribe and deserve respect."
* "Researchers don't understand this and never will. That's why they fail over and over again. They think they are smarter than what they chase."
* "For me, it took learning to look through the eyes of my friend and opening my mind to understand what he is and who I am."

5. The Search for Proof and Documentation:

* Autumn and Mike discuss methods for obtaining evidence of Enoch's existence, including DNA samples and video footage.
* They acknowledge the challenges of proving the existence of Sasquatches without resorting to harmful methods.

Quotes:

* "DNA, I suppose. If you could get him to lick a plate clean, the saliva would be testable."
* "Hair would be helpful, in addition to the saliva. If you could collect some hair ... would he let you brush him?"
* "If you could film him licking the plate and you collecting it, the video evidence would go a long way toward supporting test results if they came back 'unknown primate'..."

Overall Impression:

"Enoch: A Bigfoot Story" presents a compelling narrative of a unique interspecies friendship. While lacking traditional scientific evidence, the book offers valuable insights into potential Sasquatch behavior, emphasizing the importance of respect and understanding. It raises thought-provoking questions about the ethics of research and the impact of human actions on these creatures.

Conclusion

While all of the sources discuss bigfoot and bigfoot research, none of them offer definitive proof of bigfoot's existence.

Instead, the sources focus on topics like:

The challenges of bigfoot research.

The types of evidence researchers have gathered.

The importance of respecting bigfoot and the people who report encounters.

Let's examine what the sources say about proof.

The Nature and Challenges of Proof

Many people believe that the only way to prove bigfoot exists is to find a body. However, Autumn Williams argues that a body would not necessarily tell us what bigfoot is, and she questions whether the public would ever learn about such a discovery.

Williams also explores whether people who vehemently deny bigfoot's existence would accept proof, suggesting that some might cling to their beliefs regardless.

Thom Powell acknowledges the desire of bigfoot researchers to be the first to present a body or bones to the scientific community but suggests that physical remains may have already been acquired and kept from public view. He also questions whether certain authorities might actively suppress evidence.

Powell notes the role of the internet in bigfoot research, both as a tool for gathering evidence and a potential threat to bigfoot's privacy.

Timothy Renner and Joshua Cutchin argue that even if physical evidence were found, it would not erase the mystery surrounding bigfoot, which they believe is connected to a larger super-reality.

The author of "inthe.pdf" emphasizes the lack of consensus and frequent infighting among bigfoot researchers, which, along with the elusive nature of the creature, makes it difficult to convince skeptics. This source also expresses frustration with the lack of photographic evidence.

Evidence, Interpretation, and Ethics

Williams discusses the distinction between long-term witnesses, who claim ongoing interactions with bigfoot, and incidental witnesses, who have only had a single sighting. She criticizes researchers who dismiss long-term witnesses as unreliable and emphasizes the importance of eyewitness advocacy.

Williams shares an anecdote about finding and erasing bigfoot tracks, highlighting her concern for protecting bigfoot from those who might seek to kill them.

She recounts her frustration with researchers who focus on physical evidence and disregard the potential for deeper understanding through long-term witness accounts. She argues that this pursuit of proof could lead to bigfoot's demise. Ultimately, she chooses to step back from bigfoot research, believing that seeking proof is not only futile but potentially harmful.

Powell examines various types of evidence, including hair and scat, but notes that these can be inconclusive or difficult to interpret. He emphasizes the need for credible eyewitness accounts and discusses the challenges of verifying them.

Renner and Cutchin catalog a wide range of peripheral oddities associated with bigfoot sightings, such as mystery lights, peculiar sounds, stick signs, and anomalous footprints. They argue that these oddities often defy conventional explanations and support the idea that bigfoot is part of a larger, unexplained reality.

They also address the issue of hoaxes in bigfoot research, acknowledging that some individuals have fabricated evidence or exploited the phenomenon for personal gain. However, they caution against assuming that all evidence is fake, arguing that the sheer volume of reports and the persistent patterns within them suggest something genuine is happening.

In summary, all four books highlight the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding the search for bigfoot proof. While physical evidence is often sought, the sources emphasize the importance of eyewitness testimony, the challenges of interpretation, and the potential for harm if proof is obtained. The focus is not on proving bigfoot's existence but on understanding the phenomenon and protecting the creatures from exploitation. This information does not include the video evience that Todd Standing who supposedly caught many sasquatch on camera up close and personal including a scene where a family harrassed him. Unfortunately, you only get to see video of heads and not the torso and them moving about. This report also does not include the audio footage of Ontario Mike who built a relationship with one and recorded it calling his name.

Any person who investigates, skeptic or not, always comes to the inconclusive report that it either exists or it doesn’t. No one says after a thorough review that it is not real. This is telling, but doesn’t answer the phenomenon. The Bible doesn’t say anything about Bigfoot. But it does talk about the first murderer, Cain who was cursed by God to wander the earth. Some believe that Bigfoot is a descendant of Cain. However, Cain was not cursed with immortality, and there is no reason to believe he would still be alive. It also talks about the nephilim. A race of giants that lived before the Flood, produced by the union of fallen angels and human women. Some believe that Bigfoot is a remnant of the Nephilim.

They are all reported in North America, Europe and Asia. Not South America, Middle East, Australia or Africa. This is a big clue. They are called Skunk Ape, Almas, Yeti, Yowie, Ebu Gogo, Abominable Snowman and Bigfoot. I do not believe they are the Nephilim. I tend to point to the demonic. These creatures are spotted in thick brush and always grainy through film. The amount of hoaxes are high which makes it hard to validate, especially from witness testimonies. The forests, especially old growth, hold amazing elements that can be attractive to spirits. I would imagine the old growth hold mysteries that harness energy. Most likely enough for the beings to manifest through voice and body. Logically, this doesn’t really explain Bigfoot, but biblically speaking, it has to align with my own beliefs. I am torn about this phenomenon because it doesn’t fit the demonic narrative. Meaning, I can’t rationally explain this via the Bible.

But I personally believe I heard them that night in the cascade mountains with my old friends. They believe it, too. After years of analyzing the details between us and our reational ideas of what it could have been, we are no closer to an explanation. Maybe we embelished it. Added details that were not there or remembered it wrong. Being human, we definitely do such things. I don’t think so. Oregon, Washington and California made it illegal to hunt them. This is real legislation. If this thing isn’t real, why bother going to the trouble?

source

https://www.history.com/news/bigfoot-fbi-file-investigation-discovery
https://www.amazon.com/Valleys-Noble-Beyond-Search-Sasquatch/dp/0802129358
https://www.amazon.com/Locals-Thom-Powell/dp/0888395523
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Footprints-End-Strangeness-Phenomenon/dp/B08QRB3HR3/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/145-9772956-4294504?pd_rd_w=sRh3J&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=2W2HWS7EMGRN1CBDCKMH&pd_rd_wg=UUuL1&pd_rd_r=2e1b6a52-8da9-4466-b0a1-307aedd63967&pd_rd_i=B08QRB3HR3&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Enoch-Bigfoot-Story-Autumn-Williams/dp/145154992X

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