Do They Help Research Or Hurt It?

This Post By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher. Dorraine is a Professional Writer, a nature, wildlife and Bigfoot enthusiast who has written for many magazines. Dorraine conducts research, special interviews and more for The Crypto Crew. Get Dorraine's book The Book Of Blackthorne!

By Dorraine Fisher

With the influx of Bigfoot TV shows in the wake of a lot of breakthroughs in bigfoot research, a lot of researchers complain these shows make a mockery of them and those who are serious about the subject. Especially in light of so much money changing hands sometimes, and so many supposed authorities on the subject suddenly emerging out of the shadows.

"In my opinion, these TV bigfoot shows create a phony set of "experts" and the general public are just unaware that there are no "experts" when it comes to bigfoot. Thomas Marcum, founder of our team said in a recent statement. "Yes, there are some knowledgeable people out there, but please don't believe everything you see on these shows," he said. "They are created mostly for entertainment and profit."

Profit is the one big thing that factors in the most with these complaints about the shows. And it’s the main thing that gets under the skin of those researchers who work quietly in the background on a shoestring budget and don’t get too much credit for what they do and virtually no monetary reward.

And audiences, who are usually far removed from the technological and scientific side of research and everything that really goes on in real investigations can easily be convinced that individuals chosen for these shows are "experts" on the subject. It’s true that a few of them know a great deal, but most were chosen for the purpose of making the shows interesting and keeping people watching.

Another complaint is that the shows are more interested in turning a profit than really finding proof Bigfoot exists. But I’ve often heard, under the table in the dark, that if Bigfoot is proved to exist, then the mystery goes away. And the mystery is what sells it. So if you prove they exist, the money goes away. At least that’s what some fear. Many write books and create documentaries innocently enough in order to inform the public of their findings and tell their stories, but there will always be a few that just want to make money. And that creates the fear in the community that hoaxes are born from this mentality. And it severely cuts into those who do the work to actually prove existence. And that’s what the bigfoot TV shows often represent to them. Fame, money, and no proof or substance.

The shows like Finding Bigfoot tend to focus on footage that has become famous or infamous, and isn’t necessarily accepted by real researchers in the community. So viewers are led to believe all bigfoot researchers must also believe it too. When the truth is none of them agrees on every piece of footage that’s out there. All footage is fully scrutinized and debated endlessly.

And why aren’t the producers of these shows talking to the habituators: those people who claim to live near and work closely with sasquatches in something akin to a "Jane Goodall" type approach to sasquatch research based on proximity and trust building? You’d think those would be the people these shows would be the most curious about in getting some real footage of sasquatches. But maybe there’s a reason these researchers aren’t approached, as cryptozoologist, Sharon Day, founder of Ghost Hunting Theories explained in a recent conversation about sasquatches and approaching them in this way, under the belief that they are a type of human species.

"It’s misleading to show the public that going into a forest for a weekend is going to be how one gets evidence of Sasquatch. Rushing the woods in a disruptive manner is only going to put Sasquatch on their guard. They do not like intrusion by strangers and they will simply go deeper into hiding. If a cable channel wanted a true reality show with any chance of glimpses of the Sasquatch, a show would need to revolve around habituators, those who live in on property shared with Sasquatch clans. The residents would probably have to film the show themselves, something like "Ghost Adventures." It would need to unfold over time and with patience. The key thing with this "Habituation Situation" show would be to bring to light the family units of Sasquatch, their reticence in trusting us, and the way in which they are able to coexist with us with great dignity, given our antics on their land. Knocking on trees and hollering, disrupting the peace of the forest by strangers who are unpredictable, is the worst possible example to give the public of how to have Sasquatch encounters. Although it certainly makes for entertaining TV to see the use of crying baby dolls and fireworks, it is a dangerous example of how to handle a shy people like sasquatches."

In essence, that would take too much time and effort. Maybe that’s more of a project for Nova or National Geographic over a period of years.

So, is there anything good about these shows from the perspective of the researchers in the field? It seemed to me like a bit of a double-edged sword.

"There are a few people who get out in the woods often, who know more than most. But their reputation gets somewhat diminished because of the shows," says Washington State researcher, Tommy Naff. " For the outside observer, these shows do provide some value. But for the hard core researcher/enthusiast, the shows are more for passing time and amusement.

"I think it hurts as far as credibility…" Cripple Creek Colorado crytpozoologist and paranormal investigator, Leon Drew, said recently. "But puts more eyes in the woods."

This view is widely accepted among many. The shows brings more attention to the subject, but can detract from serious research that also deserves attention and doesn’t get it, as crytpid hunter, Adam Davies, who’s appeared on National Geographic documentaries and Monsterquest explains.

"I think they are certainly bringing more mainstream awareness of the subject to the general population. But I would really like to see one [show] which concentrates on a couple of really serious potential areas and concentrates professional and scientific resource. I am yet to see one that does not spend more than a week at most in an area and then moves on," he said.

But Massachusetts researcher, Dax Rushlow, a real researcher who was also a member of the original cast of Ten Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty who also has recently casted some very interesting footprints from his area has a somewhat lighter overview from his perspective.

"It’s all just TV," he said. "I like the fact it brings Sasquatch out in the general public. I still do my research the correct way. Yes, some of the shows are bad, but it makes my life easier to do my business in this field."

Yes, the bigfoot craze on TV does bring a lot of trouble for those who are serious about the subject. But it also brings a lot of new fans to the subject too. And when people become fans of Bigfoot shows, whether they believe it all today or not, they’re more than likely the ones who’ll believe tomorrow. So maybe it’s a good thing to keep their attention???

And maybe it’s not bad to make money off of Sasquatch. And maybe it’s not bad to joke about the subject. We all do it from time to time. Just don’t make a mockery of the researcher’s work that takes a lot of time and patience and effort. Don’t lead viewers to believe it’s all so simple and cut and dry and that they all think the same way.

And maybe we shouldn’t expect miracles from these shows, or for them to be exactly the way we want them. Bigfoot shows may really only mean to entertain rather than inform. Isn’t that what TV is really supposed to be? So naturally it latched onto the subject of Bigfoot. Because Bigfoot, whether you believe or not, is like the rock star of the forest. Who wouldn’t latch on to that?

******DF

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Some Questions about Bigfoot

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.

(Please Note: This will probably be our last post for 2013. Thanks for making 2013 Great! Lets make 2014 even better!)

©The Crypto Crew

As 2013 comes to a close, I thought it would be a good idea to ask 3 questions to bigfoot researchers and enthusiast the world over. Some didn't reply, some I probably missed but a good number answered.
Here is the 3 questions:
1. Other than a visual sighting of a sasquatch, what do you think is the best evidence you personally have found or seen?
2. Do you think the government knows about Sasquatch and is covering it up?
3. What do you think 2014 will bring in the way of bigfoot research?

Here are the answers from the bigfoot community.


Adam Davies - 1. I can't discuss that at present. Research is still ongoing. I can say that I believe Bigfoot to be a real living creature. I have no doubt at all.
2. I believe there is no government cover up .The Government would I believe work to protect the species, were it to be scientifically verified.
3.I hope 2014 is a very positive year. I know there has been some disappointments this year, but I am ever hopeful.

Candy - SasquatchWatch Canada -
1- footprints
2- absolutely
3- hopefully 2014 will bring definitive proof of their existence, but I am not holding my breath.  I am 100% no-kill, but it sure seems that a body is the only way.

Jason Morse - The Crypto Crew -
1. A print that I found behind my home.
2. I believe that is the case, for a few reasons that I can only speculate.
3. Hopefully, DNA proof will be obtained, and none of these amazing creatures will be hurt obtaining it.

Don Jeffrey Meldrum -
1. Footprint evidence
2. No
3. More DNA work; definitive analysis of PG film;  possibly get the Falcon Project in the air.

Doug Waller - SOSBI -
1.Tracks....once I got pics of five or six 20 inch tracks spaced sixty some inches apart in a fairly straight line in the snow. They led away from a house that had a history of encounters.
2. YES
3. more people getting involved in bf..that means more good things and more bad things(hoaxing, rumors, fighting accusations!

Mitchell Waite - Mogollon Monster -
1. Video/audio
2. Yes, the Forest Service knows, but they do not want people to be too scared to go camping.
3. quit hunting them, and start studying them.

Bobby Long - The Crypto Crew -
1. My best evidence personally is my track findings and 5 castings from them.
2.I'm positive the government knows they so far have chosen not to recognize it.
3.With all the advanced technology readily available to the public, I am positive someone will bring home proof positive evidence.

Suzy Matiash - Bigfoot Community -
1. The best evidence I have found is in the historical history of Sasquatch. Such as tribal history. 100S of years worth. Not just one tribe but many scattered throughout this country. And our own accounts since the white man settled in this country. Also the historical records from other countries. For example the Yeti is a part of the Tibetan culture for many generations. Stories and folklore of Bigfoot goes back in time long before anyone ever thought of making a custom to Hoax anyone.  And all over the world in almost every country from India to China this creature has been reported, sighted and talked about for 100s of years. This is proof enough for me.
2. absolutely the Government knows about Bigfoot. There are several stories of a body being found. Then it disappears. I can think of at least 6 well documented body recoveries with witness accounts. And then nothing. I think this is a deforestation issue and it is being covered up for that purpose.
3. Not much... I don't think running around the woods with cameras is going to get anyone anywhere anytime soon. Maybe DNA will shed some light on the subject very soon. But as for meeting the big guys up close and personal. Unless researchers change there tactics and take a less evasive approach to Bigfoot research. These creatures have dodged us for 100s of years and will continue to do so. Unless someone gets lucky. Blob squatch photos are all you will get.

Sally Ramey -
1. As far as what I have found on my own (I don't like claiming anything found as part of a team), an area with trackways and convincing structures - structures the parks people removed if they were within sight of trails within a few days of their being constructed. Structures out of sight were left untouched. One of the ones removed was a 30' maple sapling that had been arched over and threaded between several trees, and pinned to the ground with a log. When I came back with a camera a few days later, the log had been removed and the sampling sawed off at ground level and also removed.
2. Yes.
3. More DNA efforts; better research documentation - inspired by Bart Cutino's outstanding thermal footage report; overall backward movement in online interactions due to the ever-increasing influx of newbies who are not bothering to learn anything before dominating discussions; further fracturing of the community along lines of beliefs due to bias confirmation and intolerance of differing opinions; formation of smaller research groups bound by similar approaches/beliefs.

Biggy Foot -
1. A huge footprint..... Twice the size of any humans foot. What else could have done that?
2. Hard to answer, but I think the possibility that they know is well within reason.
3. I actually think that as more and more people are getting their hands on Thermal cameras, that will bring the next big revel in the Bigfoot world.... like the recent Bart Cutino thermal, and the Brown Thermal Video.

Cindy Bowers -
1. In way of evidence I would say the witness sighting IS the most important factor for me. The accounts have transcended time, cultural boundaries  and are found in many countries. While witnesses can be wrong through misidentification, they can also be right. We do after all base a part of our judicial system on witness testimony do we not? There are too many commonalities to ignore, from the Native Americans to modern day sightings. And while they maybe considered antidotal they most certainly warrant further investigation. On a personal note I have had the pleasure of seeing a couple of photos that have given me pause. Whether those are released to the public is up to the respective researchers.
2. Regarding the government and any knowledge they may or may not have. If they know of existence and the subject in question is an animal then I think Field biologists, primatologists and animal behaviorists would be in high demand as studies where conducted. Population densities, breeding areas, would need to be determined. However if the subject is some sort of relic hominid then there would be larger concerns such as the impact on religion, should they be left alone or incorporated into society. What are their intelligence levels? Do they have culture or language ? Again, further studies would be needed. They would probably try to figure out a way to get them to vote. Either way, I think that if the government knew about them it would get out and personally see no reason they would not release it to the public.
3. I can not say what 2014 may or may not yield in regards to evidence. There are too many factors at play, will the right person be in the right place at the right time with the right equipment? Technology has grown substantially in just the last ten years and most certainly has caught up to our elusive friend. There is currently a camera phone on the market featuring 41 mega pixels, Flir and audio equipment that was not available to the founding fathers of Bigfoot research. I would personally like to see further sharing of research techniques, field data, proper evidence collection practices and a more friendly attitude among the community at large.

Randy N Samantha Isaac - Appalachian Bigfoot of KY and VA  -
1. Vocals and a sapling break on top of a giant rock with no other trees around (because of the shallow soil). It was broken about 6' up snapped over but still intact like you would break a small limb. Only about as big around as a nickel at the height of break. No antler marks or scratches.
2. I think the government knows something because the presidents have said that after elected, they learn things you never thought imaginable
3.I think there will be better and more evidence now that the subject is on tv, thus prompting ppl to pay more attention to their surroundings when in the woods. Technology such as thermal imaging is questionable but I believe it will become better with better images and equipment. Also, more pictures and vocals will be reported than any other year, but unfortunately along with more hoaxes. No one comprehends the ability of these creatures when it comes to stealth and Intellect. I think it's impossible to think like them or attempt to

Billy Mills - Renegade Bigfoot Society -
1.In my experience, its been, various vocalizations, tree structures, rocks thrown at and something slapping against my house, food taken in a way that no other animal would do.
2. very good question, I would be inclined to say ''yes'' I've heard reports that people have reported sightings and the next thing you know the military is in the area and telling you to keep quiet,
3. I think 2014 will bring more covert ways of researching these creatures, as far as technology and stealth are concerned.

Robert Lindsay - Robert Lindsay Blog -
1.The best evidence I have ever seen is videos of Sasquatches. I am 100% convinced that some of these videos show real and true Sasquatches and could not possibly be men in suits or CGI.
2.Yes, the government is absolutely covering up the existence of Sasquatch, however, once we truly discover it for real, the state will accept the evidence. The government's mindset has been that Sasquatch discovery will cause mass chaos and they would rather postpone this mass chaos as long as possible. Briefly, they do not think that US society is sane enough to deal with Sasquatch discovery in a reasonable way, and unfortunately, they are right!
3.I still believe that we will see a reveal of Rick Dyer's Bigfoot body in the coming year, along with an explanation from Morgan Matthews about what really happened in the shooting of the movie. Shooting Bigfoot will be shown around the US and will generate a lot of comment. More great videos will appear. National Geographic may well air a documentary with Ketchum starring and Erickson's footage. I also think that Melba will be somehow rehabilitated and I think that Bryan Sykes has some more surprises in store for us.

Larry Surface -
1. my video
2. yes
3. increased acceptance of the Ketchum dna results.

Anita Wittig - Sasquatch Daily -
1) I think outside of a sighting I had as a child, the best evidence I've personally experienced would be tree knocking with howling.
2)I believe strongly that our government has known about them for quite a while, and the reasons are probably numerous as to why they would not want the general public to know including a lot of money involvement (ie logging public lands etc)                                                                                                                
3) I am hoping that 2014 brings definitive results from DNA that underscore the existence of this being.  I am also hoping that perhaps a really great breakthrough on a habituation front will occur that can be shared with the rest of the community and by that I mean no guess video, perhaps language and communication which would lead to our better understanding of them as a people.

Derek Randles - Olympic Project -
Hey Thomas, I'll take a stab.
1.  IMHO I think the best piece of evidence to date is the Patterson Gimlin film.  Pulling off a hoax like that with all the new study done by Munns, and Dr Meldrum, would be virtually impossible in the 60's.
That, coupled with fantastic sightings by credible people, and the footprint evidence available today.
2.  I think there's a strong possibility that the government does know about the Sasquatch.  I'm quite sure the border patrol on the Canadian / American border has picked them up multiple times with their thermal imagery equipment.
3.  Well I hope 2014 will bring clear thermal footage of a Sasquatch walking and in full body position...and I think our research org the Olympic Project has a very good chance of helping with that effort.
DR

Jeff Patterson -
1.I have some information that I've gathered about these "Woods People" that I'd rather keep to myself because as stated too many continue to believe them to be animals...which they are not.
2.I do not believe the Government is covering up Bigfoot in any way. There are far more important things to be concerned with.
3.In 2014 I see pretty much the same as in the past...as long as there are people that cling to the idea of the Sas being an animal.

Mark Hubbard -
1.I would say my best evidence other than any visual sighting would be audio I've recorded and heard in person. My first experience i had was hearing what i call the "siren howl" when i was 17 when we were sleeping in our camper on a logging road way out near Round Lake Oregon somewhere. I was lucky enough to get to hear the same exact howl last summer when me and my sister were investigating in an active area. This was a juvenile that had the intelligence to time his howl with a passing utility truck trying to mask his howl with the noise of the passing truck. About a month prior to that my sister and me were in another active area and we heard something in the trees moving around so i called over to it to make some kind of sound, a yell or scream or anything it wanted. The both of us almost fell over when about 45 seconds later we heard what sounded just like a gorilla in the zoo. Les Stroud did a perfect imitation in his interview on his Alaska experience. I've gotten strange recordings of them checking out my recorder, throwing things at it and making strange popping and clicking sounds with their jaw and tongues. Things that just don't seem normal for known animals.
I've seen footprints from 4" up to 18" in areas where people would not walk around, especially barefoot. Several times when i went back to try casting them they would be destroyed. I've got a few good pictures of some of them. I did have a rock thrown at me one day that still makes me jump. It hit in the tree i was standing under, and it hit it hard ! It fell down through the tree and landed off to my side somewhere but i didn't take the time to look for it. I've been followed, I've been growled at several times.
2.I would be seriously surprised if the government doesn't know about them. With the encounters on military installations and all the national park lands it seems logical they would know.
They could be doing some cover up work. I would say they don't want to deal with it because of all the legal headaches it could cause. If it ever is proven they are a kind of Human then its going to be a real ball of confusion. I personally believe they are more Human than just animal.
3.What 2014 brings to the world of Bigfoot i don't know. It has possibilities of being a great year but it also holds the possibility of being a disastrous mess. With this new show on T.V. with the bounty, I don't know its just a horrible idea. Then on the other side there is the "Falcon Project". If they can get the funding i wish them luck but I'm not sure it will work. It sounds great in theory but in practice I'm not sure. I remember Peter Byrne trying to use helicopters with Flir cameras. The Falcon airship will be quiet and at higher altitude but i don't know if they can get good conclusive video or pictures from that far away. Lets just hope its a good productive year for them and us.

Kerri Okie -
Okay, short and sweet.
1.  Eye glow, large orange eye glow. Orbs also appeared at the same time. 10:30 pm summer night.  
2. Yes, I am certain the government knows.....the government also knows about aliens. We as humans are not equipped to handle everything out there...and I'm talking about the every day person who doesn't want to know about anything outside their 'box'.
3. I don't think 2014 will bring anything other than more videos, more discussion, more photos. They've managed just fine without our 'circus' invite....they are the superior ones....not us.

Dorraine Fisher - The Crypto Crew -
1. I have not personally found any evidence on my own. I have only class B encounters to reference. Evidence is so open to interpretation from the researcher, but DNA evidence is the only thing that can tell us if it comes from a creature other than known ones. At least if we have the results of "unknown primate," we have a little bit to go on. Unfortunately it's rare, and I wish I had found some.
2. There is no concrete evidence that I have ever found in my research to suggest the government knows something. BUT...that being said, I've talked to too many people, reliable witnesses I can't disclose, that have told me stories that make me believe our military may know a lot more than what they're allowed to say. So my answer is yes.
3. Honestly, as much as I hate to say it, unless someone brings us a body or a live capture of a sasquatch (which we all know is extremely unlikely) I don't think 2014 will be much different than recent years. A clear picture of one will not be accepted as genuine. Footprints are too often faked, and everything else is even more subjective. Those of us who are close to the research and the researchers know there is definitely something out there, but it's unfortunately going to take a body to convince science. If science doesn't believe it, the skeptics never will either.

Igor Burtsev - Hominologie -
1. Stick structures in woods.
2. I suppose, in the USA - yes. Re Russia - I'm not sure.
3. It will bring the common communications between humans and BFs

Thomas Marcum - The Crypto Crew -
1. Tracks and a trackline and numerous tree breaks
2. Yes I think the Government know about Bigfoot.
3. Not sure what 2014 will hold but I'm sure there will be more fakes and hoaxers along with some real evidence as well.

Everyone feel free to comment below and again sorry for the outstanding people I missed when sending out this little Q & A.

Thanks again to everyone for making 2013 a good year, everyone be safe on New Years Eve and lets work to make 2014 the best year ever in the bigfoot kingdom.

~Tom~
©The Crypto Crew


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Yeti DNA Report

By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher
Professional Writer, a nature and wildlife enthusiast who has written for many magazines. Get Dorraine's book The Book Of Blackthorne!




 "Professor Syke's research forms three parts. As well as the TV series, there is also a possible paper, and a certain book to come. The films are a PART of it, not the whole. I would suggest that you consider all of the evidence that is presented in all of it before you come to any definitive conclusion. As to the findings in this episode then they certainly don't settle `the mystery of the Yeti once and for all" as the documentary makers (not Professor Sykes) claim. Rather, they point to a consistency with local legends, which point to two or possibly three "Yetis," one of which is a bear, so this exciting discovery seems to vindicate local legends rather than contradict them. For example, the account Mountaineer Reinhard Messner mentions only dates to 300 years ago. There are accounts many centuries earlier than that.
For example that of the ancient shamanistic religion which describe rituals involving sacrifice needing the blood of a horse, dog, black bear, goat, pig , raven, man, and wild man (yeti). Nor do they explain the divergent toe in many of the tracks, nor do they explain the personal eyewitness testimony I received from people whilst I was in Nepal, who know the difference between a bear and a Yeti, whether they are walking on two legs or four!
In conclusion, this discovery is great news. It represents an excellent new start to the research on the Yeti."

Adam also explained that the source document used by the creators of the documentary is just one source, and he believes the science to be sound. But he did express that to present the information presented by the documentary makers as being definitive of all yetis would be incorrect.
And Adam said on his Facebook page Sunday. "You can never disprove something not existing. All you can do is say how plausible its existence is based on your research."

In essence, there are many factors that will weigh in to the final conclusions. And the documentary won’t be all of it either. So Adam’s telling us not to give up on this yet. Wait until we have all the pieces to this complicated puzzle. And there are many details that will come to light all the way into next spring.

And if you can find nothing else positive to glean, consider this: The yeti’s existence has not been disproved here. The discovery of an ancient polar bear is a result we’re poised to be unimpressed by because it’s not the yeti proof we’ve been hoping for. But that discovery does reinforce our knowledge that new species are still being discovered every day. And it gives new hope that our elusive yeti evidence is still out there waiting to be found. *********DF






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Nessie - Real or Not?

By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher. Professional Writer, a nature and wildlife enthusiast who has written for many magazines.










          
But Adam certainly hasn’t lost faith or the inspiration to keep searching for these types of
creatures, as he expressed further thoughts about that in his  statement:                                                                                                                                                      
“Fascinatingly though, I heard on several occasions from locals about Loch Morar.  One very well known Nessie skeptic suggested that I look there to see my second Lake Monster, as did locals. With its clear waters, and without the tourist focus of Loch Ness, it has a real appeal.






[Special Thanks to Adam Davies]

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By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher
Professional Writer, a nature and wildlife enthusiast who has written for many magazines.




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By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher
Professional Writer, a nature and wildlife enthusiast who has written for many magazines.







Is this perhaps the best video footage yet of what’s believed to be the Seljord serpent.

Seljord Lake in Telemark County in Norway is well-known as the home of this legendary creature that has been said to have inhabited the lake for centuries. The first documented account was in 1750.

The creature is affectionately known there as Selma and is believed to be comparable to descriptions of The Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. It is most commonly described as a giant eel and has been seen on occasion rearing its head out of the water...that is by those who have dared to tell their tales. The majority sightings are believed to go unreported.

The Seljord serpent is also the only cryptid that monster hunter Adam Davies claimed to have actually seen in the course of his many hunting expeditions around the world.

This video, by 17-year-old Lisbeth VeFall on an unknown date, shows a serpent-like, possible "creature" undulating through the water very quickly. She claimed to have counted 40-50 humps. Could it really be?

******DF

[Note: Dorraine also interviewed Mr. Davies a little while back - read it by Clicking Here!]



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Adam Davies

 
By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher
Professional Writer, a nature and wildlife enthusiast who has written for many magazines.


All cryptozoologists do the hard work and play an important role in proving the existence of unknown animals around the world. But only a few subject themselves to the dangers and take it to the extremes that Adam Davies has. With expeditions in the Congo, Norway, Sumatra, Russia, Mongolia, China, and the US last September, Adam’s done it all. He’s risked life and limb searching for such elusive creatures as the Alghoi Korkhoi in Mongolia, and the Mokele M’bembe in the Congo. And after his camp was approached by an "unknown creature," while working with researcher Lori Simmons, he has a new interest in our very own Bigfoot.

Davies, a civil servant in Bramhall, Stockport, United Kingdom by day, spends most of his extra money and vacation time exploring jungles, mountain peaks, and everything in between all around the world. He’s made three TV appearances on Monsterquest: The Real Hobbit, The Abominable Snowman, and China’s Wildman. And has also appeared on the National Geographic special entitled Russian Bigfoot, and is also scheduled to appear on Finding Bigfoot, the Sumatra episode, which is scheduled to air on February 17. And he’s also a really nice guy; happy to talk to anyone who would like to know about his adventures.

Dorraine: Okay, Adam, what was it that first got you started with cryptozoology in the first place?

Adam: I first developed a love of tracking animals as a child, and started off tracking animals then. I became really interested in cryptozoology as teenager when I watched an episode of Arthur C. Clarke's mysterious World series which featured Mackerle's hunt for the Mokele-Membe. I decided I would go myself and I did!

Dorraine: When people ask you what you do out there, what do you tell them? What do you call yourself?

Adam: I tell people I research unknown creatures- i.e. creatures that have not been scientifically proved yet. As such, I am a researcher. Other people have described me as an "Explorer" an "Adventurer" or a "Cryptozoologist." I’m good with any of those tags.

Dorraine: How do you plan an expedition? What’s involved? Do you have someone else do it for you?

Adam: I research the area very thoroughly based on three criteria: Are there local stories that go back [in history]? E.g. the Yeren stories go back to 6 B.C. If they are just modern stories, I am suspicious! Does the ecosystem support the plausibility of such a creature existing, and do I want to go looking for it? I do a lot of the research and planning, but I have also worked with other team members and of course local guides. It’s normally my time and money so I have to want to go, but I am always happy for others to help, and they do!

Dorraine: Have you actually seen any of the creatures you're searching for, or do you just have a

burning curiosity like so many of us?

Adam: Yes, I have seen the Seljord Serpent in Norway. When it came out of the water, it was totally

strange. It had barbs on its back, and moved in an undulating motion, just like in a 17th century
woodcut. I had a total burst of adrenaline. If I could have jumped on its back, I would have. I had a complete Captain Ahab moment! The sounds that the team generated were subsequently analyzed by the Marine Research institute in Bergen. Their conclusion: unknown species.

Dorraine: Wow! I’ll have to get back to you later on that story! When you first started doing these kinds of expeditions, did people call you crazy?

Adam: When I first started doing them I did a lot of self-justification i.e. "I am going to look for the Mokele-Membe in the Congo. I know the legends say it’s a dinosaur, but I think it might be......"

Dorraine: And has that changed now?

Adam: Years later, I don't bother. I just say it as it is. I want people to enjoy what I do, but that's up to them. I am not a politician standing for election.

Dorraine: Does being followed around with cameras all the time add pressure to
the investigations?

Adam: I am not followed around with cameras all the time. On most of my expeditions, I haven't had a TV crew with me. So I have freedom to do whatever I choose, which is invariably all about maximizing the best chance of getting any evidence of the creature I am looking for. Its my time and my money after all. If you are with a TV crew, they are obviously all about making a good show as their primary objective, so the shape of the investigation inevitably changes, but then that's understandable. The integrity of any evidence remains the same though, and they can often get stuff tested quicker because they have more resources.

Dorraine: Do the locals in your investigation areas usually cooperate pretty well with you? And do they generally have a pretty good attitude about what you're doing there?

Adam: I research each area very carefully before I go, and try to find the very best local trackers and guides to aid me while I am there. Its all about maximizing the time on the ground. I have rarely come across hostile attitudes to the expeditions I am on. Most local people in the areas I have been to are normally just interested in why I am there, as often, the areas visited could have had few westerners ever there.

Dorraine: You're in some dangerous situations sometimes. Which do you fear more? The creatures you're searching for, or the conditions you're forced to deal with in order to find them?

Adam: It depends on the country. In the Congo, it was the people, as I was shot at. I also witnessed a battle once, and had artillery flares going overhead. In most of the jungles, it’s the little things rather than the big things that will get you normally, i.e. diseases rather than Tigers. I was stuck in isolation in a hospital once! In the Mountains, it’s making sure you don't fall off!

Dorraine: What's been your scariest moment? Or can you even pick one?

Adam: Not one individually-I think see above for detail. Also, I have nearly slipped off the mountain twice now, once in Nepal and once in Russia. I have "nearly died" on a number of occasions. I am still here, so I am very lucky I suppose! Lots of occasions, lots of memories!

Dorraine: Why is it worth the risk to you?

Adam: I think this is the most difficult question to answer. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by whether unknown species roamed the earth, and have been in the past prepared to take enormous risks. I remember thinking before I traversed the Likoula swamps, I am not sure whether I will survive this or not, and wrote letters to friends and family in the event of my death. I guess I am just fascinated by the adventure of it all, solving mysteries, and hopefully in the case of the Orang-Pendek, doing some good by helping to preserve its ecosystem.

Dorraine: In your opinion, what is the most interesting project you've ever been involved in? Is there any one project that stands out above the rest?

Adam: The most interesting that I have been involved in is the Orang-Pendek. This is a bipedal primate that inhabits the jungles of Sumatra. Even most of the skeptics entertain the possibility that it exists. I have been on seven expeditions to look for it, and gathered persuasive scientific evidence of its existence. I have had prints cast analyzed by primatologists, and its hair structure analyzed by a scientist who was used in the Dingo baby case. They confirmed it was is an unknown species of primate.(For example, see `Edge Science Magazine-New Primate species in Sumatra). And I was totally amazed by what happened to me in the U.S. this last year though, when an unknown creature approached Lori Simmons and I when we were asleep by the campfire. That has really kindled a great interest in Bigfoot for me now.

Orang-pendek cast


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