Primatologist: If Bigfoot exists, it's not an ape
By Mike Leggett
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Sunday, October 04, 2009
TYLER — If Bigfoot exists in North America, the mythical beast is no mere ancient representative of an ape family that migrated across the Bering land mass with mastodons and ancient man, a primatologist says.
Bigfoot — or Sasquatch or Skunk Ape or Fouke Monster or whatever name you prefer — would have to be a completely new and specific species, Esteban Sarmiento told attendees at the ninth annual Texas Bigfoot Conference on Sept. 26. "If it's real, this animal is exceedingly human-like," Sarmiento said. "It would be our closest relative on earth."
Sarmiento, though, wouldn't exactly address the question of whether Bigfoot exists or whether he believes the tales about wild, hairy beasts that have drifted out of dark, wooded river bottoms and foggy rain forests for decades. What Sarmiento did say, though, is that, based on his studies of great apes in Africa, Sumatra and Borneo, whatever Bigfoot is, he's not an ape.
Sarmiento spoke during the conference about the so-called Patterson-Gimlin film shot in 1967. A touchstone in Bigfoot lore and the believers' burning bush, the film purports to show a female Bigfoot with pendulous breasts, striding across a rocky area in northern California.
The film has been debated by believers, denounced and debunked by critics, shown on television and dissected and disseminated on YouTube.
Roger Patterson was a would-be filmmaker who had been trying to get funding for a movie about Bigfoot. In early 1967, he rented a quality 16mm camera and convinced Robert Gimlin to travel with him into the wilderness to look for the creature . Amazingly, they found a hairy specimen walking away from them and into heavy timber in the distance. The creature shown in the film is covered in dark hair and walks with a human gait, even turning its head to look back at the camera before it disappears.
Gimlin, who's still alive and attended the conference, swears the film is real. Patterson maintained its authenticity until his death, which happened in 1972. However, a man named Bob Heironimus has claimed he was paid $1,000 to don the suit and walk in front of the camera and out of sight.
Bigfoot and Sasquatch sightings have been common in the Pacific Northwest for decades. They've also been prevalent in East Texas and the surrounding big timber regions of Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Believers think the common traits of a 7- to 9-foot tall, hairy, wild-eyed but super intelligent beast that normally avoids humans but often is spotted walking along roadways or standing close to remote cabins are related to the same species.
Bigfoot is rare enough, they say, that he must move around to find mates and new territory, and that's why reports have filtered in for at least 150 years.
There have been some obscure and out-of-focus photos taken over the years, and there have been Bigfoot hoaxes and claims of capture and kills, even by respected members of the Bigfoot community. But no one ever has managed a quality photo that comes even close to Patterson's film.
Bigfoot believers — the serious ones are called researchers to separate themselves from simple believers who seem to have devout faith as well in Atlantis, UFOs, chupacabras and aliens among us — have claimed the film shows a possible descendant of Gigantopithecus blacki, a great ape that migrated across the land bridge to live in North America. Sarmiento isn't buying that.
"A great ape (chimp, gorilla or orangutuan) can't do this. I guarantee there's no great ape that can do this," Sarmiento says, pointing to the frame in the film when the creature turns in full stride to look over its shoulder at the camera. "A gorilla couldn't do this. It can't turn it's head. An ape would have to stop and turn around to look at the camera." Apes can walk on two legs, he said, but not with the stride and gait the Patterson Bigfoot uses. That's a human trait.
"And the breast is covered in hair. Gorillas don't have hair on their breasts. Apes only have breasts if they're nursing, but there's no baby in the film," Sarmiento said. "Females usually have a baby around, and I don't think it would leave and not take the baby." Sarmiento added that the bottom of the Bigfoot's foot in the film isn't an ape's foot with an opposable toe and even noted that it looks somewhat like a padded house shoe.
So what is it? What does the film show? "If I can't show it either way, why would I make the call," Saremiento said. "If it's real it has to be a whole new species. Is it a man in a monkey suit? I don't know. If I said that and it turned out not to be, then I'd look stupid."
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Monday, October 05, 2009
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Ohio EOBIC Meeting Oct, 2, 2009
I was asked by Don Keating to give a presentation about my travels at his meeting at Salt Fork State park last night. I was a bit nervous, but then just did what I do best, talk.
Don discussed his new weather program and possible guests for his 2010 conference.
There has been no new activity reported in Ohio, and when we went out squatching after the meeting, all we caught was a cold.
here are some pics from the meeting! Enjoy!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
'Ardi:' 4.4 Million-Year-Old Fossil is Oldest Human Ancestor
Oldest "Human" Skeleton Found--Disproves "Missing Link"
An impression of what "Ardi" would have looked like based on the fossil finds
An impression of what "Ardi" would have looked like based on the fossil finds
EOBIC Meeting
I have been asked by Don Keating to give a small presentation at Saturday's EOBIC meeting.
The meeting starts at 7 pm.
See you there!
The meeting starts at 7 pm.
See you there!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Logo Needed
I would like to have a logo created for The Bigfoot Field Reporter.
If you are talented and creative, I would like to see your work!
I would like to incorporate a road map of the United States, a bigfoot character, a really nice design for the words The Bigfoot Field reporter. Maybe a cartoon image of me; audio and visual equipment...you know to embody what it is I actually do..
The person creating the logo chosen for The Bigfoot Field Reporter will receive $50 cash.
I know it isn't much, but I run this show on my own dime!
Spread the word!
Submit artwork to: sharonlee@thebigfootfieldreporter.com
If you are talented and creative, I would like to see your work!
I would like to incorporate a road map of the United States, a bigfoot character, a really nice design for the words The Bigfoot Field reporter. Maybe a cartoon image of me; audio and visual equipment...you know to embody what it is I actually do..
The person creating the logo chosen for The Bigfoot Field Reporter will receive $50 cash.
I know it isn't much, but I run this show on my own dime!
Spread the word!
Submit artwork to: sharonlee@thebigfootfieldreporter.com
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Eerie Horror Film Festival
Seems like it is always one event right after the other!
I will be doing a live radio show form the Eerie Horror Film Festival on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 9 p.m. est.
Presenters at this event are Eric Altman and Don Keating among many others!
Mark your calendars!
I will be doing a live radio show form the Eerie Horror Film Festival on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 9 p.m. est.
Presenters at this event are Eric Altman and Don Keating among many others!
Mark your calendars!
What type of beast clawed S. Jersey horse?
By Peter Mucha
Inquirer Staff Writer
New Jersey wildlife officials hope to determine what kind of animal severely wounded a South Jersey horse on Friday night. "We're investigating whether the injuries were caused by a domestic animal or a wild one," said Darlene Yuhas, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Something jumped on the back of a large white thoroughbred at the DD Ranch on Watsontown-New Freedom Road in Winslow, said Capt. Michael Bartuccio of township police.
Its underside was ripped open "from armpit to armpit" and its back was covered with gashes, he said.
"I know it sounds gross, but I could actually see his lungs going back and forth," Bartuccio said.
"It's incredible he's still alive."
With no witnesses who can talk, police aren't sure if the predator was some kind of dog, bear or cat.
Across the road from the ranch is a large privately owned tract of woods and swamp, Bartuccio said.
No large wild felines are known to prowl the area, though, and no similar attacks on area livestock have happened in recent years, he said.
Tales of cougars being sighted around South Jersey have been mentioned to Winslow police, but Yuhas downplayed that as a possibility.
"We do get a handful of reports about cougars from year to year but none of them have ever been verified," she said.
Investigators have already been to the ranch and another expert was expected to visit today, she said.
Since vets removed flaps of skin and cleaned the wounds, the horse's healing has been remarkable, Bartuccio said.
"This horse is an incredible horse and calm as could be," he said.
A horse owner himself, the captain estimated the wounded animal to be about 13 to 16 years old.
Sounds like South Jersey should also remain calm.
Even if a Philadelphia TV station wondered in a headline:
"Is the Jersey Devil on the attack?"
Link to Article
Inquirer Staff Writer
New Jersey wildlife officials hope to determine what kind of animal severely wounded a South Jersey horse on Friday night. "We're investigating whether the injuries were caused by a domestic animal or a wild one," said Darlene Yuhas, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Something jumped on the back of a large white thoroughbred at the DD Ranch on Watsontown-New Freedom Road in Winslow, said Capt. Michael Bartuccio of township police.
Its underside was ripped open "from armpit to armpit" and its back was covered with gashes, he said.
"I know it sounds gross, but I could actually see his lungs going back and forth," Bartuccio said.
"It's incredible he's still alive."
With no witnesses who can talk, police aren't sure if the predator was some kind of dog, bear or cat.
Across the road from the ranch is a large privately owned tract of woods and swamp, Bartuccio said.
No large wild felines are known to prowl the area, though, and no similar attacks on area livestock have happened in recent years, he said.
Tales of cougars being sighted around South Jersey have been mentioned to Winslow police, but Yuhas downplayed that as a possibility.
"We do get a handful of reports about cougars from year to year but none of them have ever been verified," she said.
Investigators have already been to the ranch and another expert was expected to visit today, she said.
Since vets removed flaps of skin and cleaned the wounds, the horse's healing has been remarkable, Bartuccio said.
"This horse is an incredible horse and calm as could be," he said.
A horse owner himself, the captain estimated the wounded animal to be about 13 to 16 years old.
Sounds like South Jersey should also remain calm.
Even if a Philadelphia TV station wondered in a headline:
"Is the Jersey Devil on the attack?"
Link to Article
Monday, September 28, 2009
TBRC 2009 Conference Recap
I arrived at Tyler airport on Friday. I then went to the Tyler Sleep Inn to check into my hotel room. The lobby was empty except for one lone person sitting at the computer. Esteban Sarmiento. I went up to Esteban and introduced myself and we chatted for a bit. He is sweet and shy. He is intimidated by my likeness to an aggressive female primate. (joke)
After I got my stuff settled into my room, I came back down to the lobby and met up with Craig Woolheater. He asked me if I wanted to help him run errands. This was a working vacation for sure!
We retrieved Loren Coleman from the airport, dropped him off at the hotel, then proceeded to run errands buying consumable treats for the meet and greet to be held later that evening.
When we got back to the hotel, the lobby was filled with about 40 people! They all helped unload the truck, while I went to my room to freshen up for dinner.
We all piled into several cars and head out to Rudys for some Texas barbecue.
The dinner at Rudys was a lot of fun..like one bigfoot family reunion. Sitting with all the notables and chowing down. Peter Matthiessen, Bob Gimlin, John Bindernagle, Loren Coleman, Esteban Sarmiento, John Mionczynski...incredible.
We then headed back to the hotel for the meet and greet and I set up for my live radio show. The atmosphere was festive and we had a great time! Have a listen!
Live Broadcast of TBRC 2009 Conference Meet and Greet
New report from PA Bigfoot Society
Credit: Stan Gordon.
Thursday September 24, 2009 Approximately 5:00 pm Fayette County, near the village of Dunbar PA.
A woman and her daughter were driving on a rural back road. They were out for an evening drive in the mountain (Chestnut Ridge). They drove up the road and stopped and looked up and down a gas well line that crosses the road. They did not see anything. Upon driving back down the road, they again stopped. When they did they looked to the left and hear loud brush breaking. They were fully expecting to see a bear or deer. Instead the woman described that she and her daughter saw a large human like figure, tall, bulky like a football player with muscular arms and broad shoulders come quickly out of the left side of the woods, cross the gas well road and enter the woods on the other side. The creature moved very quickly and disappeared from sight. She stated the creature was covered in head to toe with very dark brown hair and its arms hung down at its side as it quickly crossed the trail. She did not see its face. She states they were only 100 feet from the creature.
I am meeting the witness and her daughter this morning at 8:30 to take me to the sighting location. If any evidence is found, I will be sure to contact those interested in going to check out the location further.
Thursday September 24, 2009 Approximately 5:00 pm Fayette County, near the village of Dunbar PA.
A woman and her daughter were driving on a rural back road. They were out for an evening drive in the mountain (Chestnut Ridge). They drove up the road and stopped and looked up and down a gas well line that crosses the road. They did not see anything. Upon driving back down the road, they again stopped. When they did they looked to the left and hear loud brush breaking. They were fully expecting to see a bear or deer. Instead the woman described that she and her daughter saw a large human like figure, tall, bulky like a football player with muscular arms and broad shoulders come quickly out of the left side of the woods, cross the gas well road and enter the woods on the other side. The creature moved very quickly and disappeared from sight. She stated the creature was covered in head to toe with very dark brown hair and its arms hung down at its side as it quickly crossed the trail. She did not see its face. She states they were only 100 feet from the creature.
I am meeting the witness and her daughter this morning at 8:30 to take me to the sighting location. If any evidence is found, I will be sure to contact those interested in going to check out the location further.
TBRC 2009 Conference Recap
I arrived at the Tyler airport on Friday, then proceeded to the Tyler Sleep Inn to check in to my room. Upon arrival I was greeted by Craig Woolheater. I turned around to see Esteban Sarmiento sitting at the computer and I went over to introduce myself to him.
He is a very nice man, a little shy. I know I scare him, must be my resemblance to a aggressive female primate, lol.
After I get settled, I got put to work! We picked up Loren Coleman from the airport, then Craig and I headed out to purchase treats for the meet and greet. When returned there were about 40 conference speakers and attendees in the lobby. They helped unload the truck and I went to my room to freshen up for the dinner at Rudys.
The dinner was so cool, it was like one big family sitting down, laughing, talking, eating, making new friends.
We then headed back to the hotel for the meet and greet where I set up for my radio show. The atmosphere was so festive and the radio show started off great! lol.
Have a listen...
Friday night meet and greet.
He is a very nice man, a little shy. I know I scare him, must be my resemblance to a aggressive female primate, lol.
After I get settled, I got put to work! We picked up Loren Coleman from the airport, then Craig and I headed out to purchase treats for the meet and greet. When returned there were about 40 conference speakers and attendees in the lobby. They helped unload the truck and I went to my room to freshen up for the dinner at Rudys.
The dinner was so cool, it was like one big family sitting down, laughing, talking, eating, making new friends.
We then headed back to the hotel for the meet and greet where I set up for my radio show. The atmosphere was so festive and the radio show started off great! lol.
Have a listen...
Friday night meet and greet.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Living Legend
Many of us became interested in the bigfoot phenomenon by watching the Legend of Boggy Creek in our younger years. Some of us held onto that fascination into our adulthood. Some of us got busy with life, work family etc. and didn't think about it until we reached our 40's. Perhaps we needed more from life as we began to realize that we won't live forever. Perhaps our interest was rekindled because we wanted more from life. We want to be pioneers, adventurers, researchers.
In our bigfoot world, one true legend remains. Bob Gimlin.
Every single person who has met Bob has come away from the experience in awe of his kindness and love of life.
Bob has a love for life that I have never seen in my life until now. He gives me hope and faith in mankind.
He will answer all your questions, looking you straight in the eye, remembering your name and thanking you for becoming a part of his life.
I met Bob in Oregon last month, and when we met again this past weekend, he came right up to me, hugged me and told me how happy he was to see me again. I know he does this with everyone he meets, but I just get a thrill knowing that this legend, this pioneer, this "rock star" of our bigfoot world is glad to have met me!
I hope you all get the chance to meet him one day, and come away with the same feeling.
In our bigfoot world, one true legend remains. Bob Gimlin.
Every single person who has met Bob has come away from the experience in awe of his kindness and love of life.
Bob has a love for life that I have never seen in my life until now. He gives me hope and faith in mankind.
He will answer all your questions, looking you straight in the eye, remembering your name and thanking you for becoming a part of his life.
I met Bob in Oregon last month, and when we met again this past weekend, he came right up to me, hugged me and told me how happy he was to see me again. I know he does this with everyone he meets, but I just get a thrill knowing that this legend, this pioneer, this "rock star" of our bigfoot world is glad to have met me!
I hope you all get the chance to meet him one day, and come away with the same feeling.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Bigfoot Field Reporter Radio Show
This Wednesday, the 23rd at 2:30 p.m. EST, I will be running a pre-recorded show that highlights a yowie sighting. The witness is being interviewed by my friend Dean Harrison.
The Yowie Witness Interview on The Bigfoot Field Reporter Radio Show
On Friday the 25th of September, I will be reporting live from the Texas Conference and this show will air at 10:30 p.m. EST. Sure to be a good time!
The Yowie Witness Interview on The Bigfoot Field Reporter Radio Show
On Friday the 25th of September, I will be reporting live from the Texas Conference and this show will air at 10:30 p.m. EST. Sure to be a good time!
Good Afternoon!
This new shift is kicking my butt! It seems that there has been no bigfoot activity to report!
Eric Altman was out on a recent witness investigation, but the rest of the story is top secret.
Don Keating tells me that he is going to be on national tv in November, but the rest of that story is top secret too!
Too many secrets in this biz!
Well we are only 4 days away from the BIGGEST Conference of the year!
The 2009 TBRC Conference in Tyler Texas. This thing has been promoted to death, so if anyone doesn't know about it by now, then they have not been paying attention.
I hope you all get out squatching before the cold cold weather sets in. Let's find those monkeys! :)
Eric Altman was out on a recent witness investigation, but the rest of the story is top secret.
Don Keating tells me that he is going to be on national tv in November, but the rest of that story is top secret too!
Too many secrets in this biz!
Well we are only 4 days away from the BIGGEST Conference of the year!
The 2009 TBRC Conference in Tyler Texas. This thing has been promoted to death, so if anyone doesn't know about it by now, then they have not been paying attention.
I hope you all get out squatching before the cold cold weather sets in. Let's find those monkeys! :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Bluff Creek Rock
Mike Esordi who is a graphic artist and founder of the Believe it Tour, has painted a commemorative rock to represent the 2009 Believe it Tour.
This rock was taken from Bluff Creek and was found by your intrepid Bigfoot Field Reporter herself.
The painted rock, which rocks I must say, will be a raffle prize at the upcoming 2009 Texas Bigfoot Conference.
Rock on!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
Here is a site that was shared by our friend Christopher D. Kimball for our Florida contingency!
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Bigfoot Field Reporter Radio Show
Remember to tune in this Friday, September 18th 2009 at 6 pm for the overdue return of The Bigfoot Field Reporter Radio Show!
In case you missed it above, here's the link
Special guests are Esteban Sarmiento and Craig Woolheater!
I will be talking Bigfoot with Esteban, and Craig will be on to talk about the 2009 Texas Bigfoot Conference. Esteban will be one of the speakers at the event.
In case you missed it above, here's the link
Special guests are Esteban Sarmiento and Craig Woolheater!
I will be talking Bigfoot with Esteban, and Craig will be on to talk about the 2009 Texas Bigfoot Conference. Esteban will be one of the speakers at the event.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Squatch the Vote!
Fellow Bigfoot Researcher Cliff Barackman needs your vote NOW!
Cliff wants to prove to the world and Columbia Sportswear Company, that Squatching is the most rugged outdoors adventure taking place in America (and the world) today!
Click on this link and nominate Cliff for Columbia's next Pioneer!
Cliff Barackman, Squatching Pioneer
Cliff wants to prove to the world and Columbia Sportswear Company, that Squatching is the most rugged outdoors adventure taking place in America (and the world) today!
Click on this link and nominate Cliff for Columbia's next Pioneer!
Cliff Barackman, Squatching Pioneer
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Quiet weekend
Just getting ready for my interview with Esteban Sarmiento...hope you all tune in...
Dean Harrison from Australia is sending me audio cd's of 5 witness encounters that he has asked me to transcribe. Will post all that Yowie excitement soon.
Hope you all have a great week and tune in Friday for the Bigfoot Field Reporter Radio Show interview!
Dean Harrison from Australia is sending me audio cd's of 5 witness encounters that he has asked me to transcribe. Will post all that Yowie excitement soon.
Hope you all have a great week and tune in Friday for the Bigfoot Field Reporter Radio Show interview!
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