Research challenges

10/15/2021

Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Washington.

Weather: Sunshine, a slight breeze from the west. Temperature 55F.

Environment: Thick montane pine forest and dense undergrowth

Note: One of the greatest challenges to successful research in the field of cryptozoology is other researchers. Many of these so-called research organizations are essentially untrained hobbyists who only make the work of serious scientific inquiry that much more difficult by employing techniques that yield little to no results and can drive the target species out of the area. For example, setting up a drum kit in the middle of the woods to create a spectacle that will supposedly lure a Bigfoot to venture in close enough to be captured on film. Unless you are a Buddy Rich or a Tommy Lee I very much doubt that a being of such intelligence and refinement would respond in any fashion other than moving far away from a racket produced by some inexpert percussion.

I generally avoid interacting with the groups if I come across them which is rare considering that they tend to explore areas that are closer to the comforts of civilization. It’s the rare Bigfooter that will make the effort to penetrate the unsullied areas in which I do most of my work. However, if one or more of these pesky individuals or groups contaminate my research areas I am forced to take measures to preserve its sanctity.

Over the years I’ve become adept at replicating certain types of physical and sensory evidence which I use to lead them away from the location I’m focusing on. For instance, I use a cast of an authentic track as a mold to cast a silicone rubber “foot” which when applied along with my extensive experience identifying and recording G. blacki prints results in an excellent facsimile that will fool any but the most discerning Bigfooter. Once the sun sets, I’ll circle their position making as much noise as possible while producing “Squatchy” vocalizations and add in the occasional wood all of which is guaranteed to send them into paroxysms of excitement.

Tree breaks and tree structures are a bit harder to manufacture considering the scale of legitimate examples of this particular type of evidence. However, given enough time I can fashion something that will pass the scrutiny of the majority of casual enthusiasts that currently infest this field as they are given to forming unsupported conclusions due to excessive eagerness and lack of technical training. Real inquiry requires time, patience, and the willingness to endure a level of protracted physical and emotional discomfort that most humans of the modern era are incapable of withstanding. I wonder how much of my “evidence” has ended up being included in some YouTuber’s documentary? I fully realize that these actions can be damaging to the legitimacy of this field of study but I have little patience for the enthusiastic amateurs when they impede my work.