Still frame from the original video

First let me say, I know this is a very old video but I thought it was worth a revisit. I know many are probably not that interested in this old video but maybe I can give some new or updated information about it.  I do know that at one time this video was pretty popular and was even featured on the Finding Bigfoot TV show. Not only that but the video was featured on many top bigfoot video list. I can remember the Facebook/FindBigfoot page having it rank and down as a real bigfoot.

Let talk a look at the background story, here it is from the description used on the video.

"Footage of The Beast Of Gum Hill while ATV riding on 04/05/09 at approximately 6:30pm. This is the 2nd time I have seen this creature/bigfoot called The Beast Of Gum Hill. This is the first time we managed to capture it on video. This is the first known video footage of the BOGH, there was a still photo taken in the early 80's that I remember seeing . The camera used was a cheap digital VuPoint 5.0 With waterproof case that I use while fiming my ATV rides. Local legend has talked about this non-aggressive, reclusive beast for a little over 100 years. The BOGH is around 7ft tall and guesstimated at 350 lbs. I have used the name The Beast of Gum Hill on my ATV videos as a tribute to the local legend."

Now, the best I can pinpoint Gum Hill is in Bristol Virginia and looking at this person's youtube profile I would guess that to be the place.
Now, for those who have not seen the video, or would like to watch it again, here it is.


It is a fun little video and some even said the figure stopped and picked up a baby bigfoot that was in the creek. I can remember a lot of folks getting mad at this guy for riding his ATV in the creek. This video is from a guy who goes by the name Erikus Maximus and some of his videos have been featured on some popular TV shows. For example, Beast of Gum Hill was featured on SYFY's Fact or Faked show and Finding Bigfoot. Another video of his, The Fairfield 400, was featured on the show INSANE OR INSPIRED. Another one of his video, ATV wreck, was featured on Speed Channels show DUMB ON WHEELS.

He is also an artist, and creates some unique art pieces with a redneck style. His real name appears to be Eric Cunningham. I invite you to check out his webpage to see his art and other stuff, the website can be found by Clicking Here.

Now, back to the Beast of Gum Hill video. To my knowledge Eric has never admitted to it being a hoax and lord knows the area is perfect for bigfoot. So, I thought I would check out his youtube channel a little more in hopes of finding something helpful. I think I might have.

There is a video on his channel that is titled THE CHRONICLES OF LOUIE #52 Boat Problems , well in the video the guy is talking to a bigfoot. It is one of those run of the mill bigfoot suits that is very popular. It also looks strikingly like the one in the Beast of Gum Hill video. To the left is a still frame from the "Boat Problems" video.  It is hard to see the figure in the "Gum Hill" video but it does appear to be very similar and I would guess it is the same suit.

Here is a zoomed in version of the "Gum Hill" figure. The long forehead looks to be the same as the suit to me.
Chances are it is the same suit and the guy was just trying to get some views and in the end he did just that and got on a couple TV shows.
If you want to find out more about Eric then just go to this Page, it should clear it up. He seems like a fun guy. 

What brothers me the most is these "bigfoot experts" who did not and will not look at videos like this with a skeptical eye. They are eager beavers ready to put the stamp of real bigfoot on every video that comes out.

That is all I have for this video. I always liked this video but thought it was a fake. One of the reasons I always thought it was fake was the really short strides the figure was taking. The set up was nice and the kid asking "what was that?" are still classics.



Thanks
~Thomas~


 
This post by Thomas Marcum, Thomas is the founder/leader of the cryptozoology and paranormal research organization known as The Crypto Crew. Over 20 years experience with research and investigation of unexplained activity, working with video and websites. A trained wild land firefighter and a published photographer, and poet.





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