Primate rediscovered in Indonesia

Further proof that we don't know everything about every creature that inhabits or has inhabited this earth. Stories like this serve to fuel the search for Bigfoot and rightfully so:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – On a misty mountaintop on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, scientists for the first time in more than eight decades have observed a living pygmy tarsier, one of the planet's smallest and rarest primates.
Over a two-month period, the scientists used nets to trap three furry, mouse-sized pygmy tarsiers -- two males and one female -- on Mt. Rore Katimbo in Lore Lindu National Park in central Sulawesi, the researchers said on Tuesday.
They spotted a fourth one that got away.
The tarsiers, which some scientists believed were extinct, may not have been overly thrilled to be found. One of them chomped Sharon Gursky-Doyen, a Texas A&M University professor of anthropology who took part in the expedition.
"I'm the only person in the world to ever be bitten by a pygmy tarsier," Gursky-Doyen said in a telephone interview.
"My assistant was trying to hold him still while I was attaching a radio collar around its neck. It's very hard to hold them because they can turn their heads around 180 degrees. As I'm trying to close the radio collar, he turned his head and nipped my finger. And I yanked it and I was bleeding."
The collars were being attached so the tarsiers' movements could be tracked.
Tarsiers are unusual primates -- the mammalian group that includes lemurs, monkeys, apes and people. The handful of tarsier species live on various Asian islands.
As their name indicates, pygmy tarsiers are small -- weighing about 2 ounces (50 grammes). They have large eyes and large ears, and they have been described as looking a bit like one of the creatures in the 1984 Hollywood movie "Gremlins."
They are nocturnal insectivores and are unusual among primates in that they have claws rather than finger nails.
They had not been seen alive by scientists since 1921. In 2000, Indonesian scientists who were trapping rats in the Sulawesi highlands accidentally trapped and killed a pygmy tarsier.
"Until that time, everyone really didn't believe that they existed because people had been going out looking for them for decades and nobody had seen them or heard them," Gursky-Doyen said.
Her group observed the first live pygmy tarsier in August at an elevation of about 6,900 feet.
"Everything was covered in moss and the clouds are right at the top of that mountain. It's always very, very foggy, very, very dense. It's cold up there. When you're one degree from the equator, you expect to be hot. You don't expect to be shivering most of the time. That's what we were doing," she said.

MonsterQuest Sunday Sept. 28, 2008 10:00 PM

MonsterQuest : Sasquatch Attack?

Airs on Sunday September 28 10:00 PM

Does Canada have its own Bigfoot? Owners of a fly-in fishing cabin report attacks by an unknown creature. Can DNA tests on blood and tissue from the alleged beast reveal its true identity? The test results will surprise you. One-part history, one-part science and one part monster, discover the truth behind these beasts and take a scientific look at legendary creatures around the world. The best evidence available will be examined, from pictures and video, to hair and bones. Scientists will be brought in to tell viewers what the evidence reveals. Ultimately the evidence will reveal the truth....or in some cases continue the mystery.

I'll be watching this show and wondering WHAT DID THEY COMPARE THIS EVIDENCE TO?
I don't really expect to be surprised by the results but I haven't seen this episode yet so I'll reserve any in-depth comments until afterwards. At the very least, it should be entertaining.

**UPDATE**

After watching this episode, I realized that I have seen it before. I've included the most important video clip of the show at the end of this post, the part dealing with the DNA testing.

I found it interesting that Nelson was able to extract DNA showing mostly human but part Chimpanzee and made the statement that there is a 1 in 5000 chance that this sample came from a Human. I can't help but wonder if there may have been some cross contamination of the sample because of the way it was collected- a plastic knife held by Meldrum's bare hand...........but Where would the CHIMP come into the equation?

The entire show is available on youtube in segments. You be the judge:

Ohio Grassman on MonsterQuest

Excellent MonsterQuest episode on the Ohio Grassman and Don Keating's operation:

Two Bigfoot Research Organizations "Kick it Up a Knotch"

In almost every field of research there are those that simply poke along and are content to follow the path that has been carved out for them by their predecessors.

Then there are those who make their own path...............

Two such commited organizations are the TBRC (Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy) and the VBRO (Virginia Bigfoot Research Organization).

Since 2006, The TBRC have been operating a long term remote camera trap operation, called Operation Forest Vigil. I am personally not an advocate of these trail cam setups, however this organization seems to be commited to following through with a PLAN and that is the "Meat and Potatoes" of every successful endeavor. I wish them all the best and I encourage everyone to check out their site and the wealth of information included. I'm willing to bet you'll never see these guys posting a "Blobsquatch"!


In 1995, William Dranginis (VBRO) had a sighting of a Bigfoot Creature while metal detecting with friends in the forests near Culpeper Virginia and has since then dedicated his free time and efforts to capturing video and or audio evidence as proof of the creatures existence. Since that time he has purchased a 24 foot mobile veterinary unit and converted it into the worlds only Bigfoot Research Lab. Bill spent over $50,000 to outfit the vehicle with state-of-the-art gear, most of it custom built. He mounted a Raytheon NightSight 200 thermal camera on a 25-foot-tall crank up mast that could detect an animal in the dark 800 yards away. The vehicle also had two night-vision scopes, a surface-to-aircraft radio, and TV monitors that can combine images from roof-mounted video cams into one 360-degree view, or receive feeds from remote cams in the woods.

Bill sold the Bigfoot Research vehicle to purchase a more permanent Bigfoot research station in the hills of West Virginia. Bill is a highly respected researcher in the field and will be discussing his latest creation, the "EyeGotcha" Digital Video surveillance system. This system is virtually sound proof and can be deployed in the forests for long periods of time. The camera captures full motion video and audio that can be uploaded to a computer for later analysis.

I encourage everyone to visit Bill's site and to check back for updates to his on going operations and innovative technological advances in detection gear.

Organizations like these two are the "Cream of the Crop" because of the level of commitment, persistance and the character of the individuals involved.

Your comments are always welcomed and if you know of any other groups that are striving for excellence in Bigfoot Research then please let us know.

2008 East Coast Bigfoot Conference

The Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society is hosting the 2008 East Coast Bigfoot conference this Saturday (Sept. 27, 2008).
Reserved seats are sold out but General Admission is still available.
Just follow this link for further information:

BFRO Investigator obtains first thermal footage (very brief) outside Phillips

Let me preface this post by letting you know ahead of time, that this supposed "thermal image" of the "big hairy one" has pretty much been diffused by the bright folks over at the BFF, however you can read the full report here at the BFRO site.



My opinion?

A "Thermo-Blobsquatch" is of no more use than a "Blob-squatch"............NEXT!

SasquatchWatch Radio

I'm posting these two back-to-back, due to my being out of town. Give these two shows a listen, they are great. Don Keating and Luke Gross (from the Northeast Texas Bigfoot Research) are the guests. Billy and DBD continue to put forth a relevant and informative show.

Don Keating:



Luke Gross:

Patterson-Gimlin Film...........41 years later

October 20, 2008 will be Forty One Years since the historic PGF was taken. I say "historic" because even in the face of all the hoaxes, blobsquatches and Ray Wallace types, No one has been able to recreate or even convincingly explain "How" what is seen on this film was achieved, if it was a hoax.

http://www.rfthomas.clara.net/bf_pgfilm.html

By today's standards, with all of the CGI programs and artists available, that's still an astounding feat.

Science takes a cold, no nonsence and in most cases an unfortunetly pessimistic approach to the subject of Bigfoot. We, as layman, should not blame these scientists because they are correct in their conclusion that this species cannot and will not be legitimized as such without a specimen, i.e. Body, corpse, etc...

What is needed?

MONEY!

Our mission, as a community of researchers and layman, must be to secure financial backing for prolonged field research. We need to do more in exploring Government Grant opportunities.

In order to do that, we need to have tangible "standards" such as data collection and networking for the sake of information exchange. Quite honestly, I have seen little to none of this.

In my opinion this is where the REAL focus should be. Not on some, well meaning weekend camping trip(s).

We can post all of the Camera traps we want, take all the video and photos and footprint casts we want, but to what end? Do we believe that this will somehow PROVE this creature's existence to a skeptical world?

Absolutely not!

Benjamin Radford "explains" The Top Ten Reasons Bigfoot's a Bust

While perusing my fellow blogger in arms' (psychic bigfoot) site, I found this little tidbit from Radford. I'll have a crack at some excerpts of his thoughts, mine will be in BLUE:

Ten Reasons Why Bigfoot's a Bust:

1.) The Empty Fossil Record:

First on his list: the fossil record. Why, he asked, would a legacy of large mammals reported to exist throughout North America (and beyond) simply disappear from the same soil that has preserved everything from the dinosaur bones pictured here, to wooly mammoths, to tiny marine crustaceans?

"There's no fossil record of anything fitting the description" of Bigfoot, said Radford. "There's simply nothing there."

He makes an excellent observation here, however I would prefer more objectivity and critical thinking because WE don't know everything and have yet to discover Everything:

American Primate Fossil

Can you see what I mean? Yea, It's an ancient monkey and not a Bigfoot, but did SCIENCE know this primate existed in N. America until just recently?

2.) Forget Fossils, Where Are the Bodies?

Putting aside paleontology, Radford points out that today, if Bigfoot exists, it must disappear when it dies. "There's no hard evidence in the form of bones. There are no hair samples, there are no live or dead specimens," he said.

Bigfoot believers argue that the soil in areas where the creatures live -- such as the region surrounding Bellingham, Wash., seen here -- is acidic and quickly breaks down the bones. Nonsense, says Radford: "There's nothing to that, because Bigfoot has been reported in every state but Hawaii."

Very valid argument, however dismissing soil acidity, decomposition characteristics and environment with a simple "There's nothing to that" is more of a pessimist's point of view. Good, No Nonsense, Critical thinking is the KEY.


3.) Where Do Bigfoot Babies Come From?

Even for mammals that are relatively rare in global terms, such as the chimpanzee, it takes a decent population size to maintain a species. "If Bigfoot is a zoological reality," said Radford, "there has to be a breeding population."

For that population to be big enough to account for even a fraction of the sightings, there would need to be tens of thousands of the creatures in North America alone. "Think about that for a second. Tens of thousands of Bigfoot, living, breathing, doing what they do. Where are they? Why don't they get hit by a car?" asked Bradford. "The numbers just simply don't add up."

Think about this for a moment. In Georgia, for example, the estimated population of Black Bear is calculated on an average of 1 Bear per every 25,000 acres of Wilderness. Bears certainly maintain a species and they have a "breeding population", so I don't really think that it requires "tens of thousands" to maintain a Bigfoot species. I would like to see where Radford obtained this data.


4.) Your Lying Eyes

The majority of "evidence" for Bigfoot, says Radford, consists of eyewitness accounts. Yet as psychologists and schooled juries know, such accounts are famously inaccurate.

What's more, says Radford, "the problem is, that's not evidence, it's an anecdote....It's interesting and you shouldn't dismiss it out of hand, but it's not evidence."

Congratulations, Mr. Radford. You have officially earned the Southern Bigfooter's title of Skepti-pessimist. Let me remind the good readers that some of these "famously inaccurate" sightings were submitted by Forestry, Law Enforcement and Military Personnel who, in most cases, are TRAINED in OBSERVATION.


5.) The Ever-Mysterious Blobsquatch

Radford calls it a Blobsquatch. Aside from eyewitness reports, blurry images like this are what most Bigfoot believers rely on.

But it's no proof, said Radford: "These photos show something that is probably alive, it's probably dark, it's not a cat, it's not a camel. It could be a Bigfoot, or it could be a deer or it could be a guy in a suit."

"Ultimately," he concludes, "it's a two-dimensional image. It's pixels."

The "Blobsquatch" is without a doubt MY biggest pet-peeve, but not because I think there is always intent to defraud. In some cases, I believe that it's no more complicated than the lack of proper equipment. In an earlier post, I have stated that a researcher should arm themselves with the appropriate photography equipment and this will serve them well at "crunch" time.

6.) Doctor Who?

For Radford and other skeptics, the only acceptable standard of proof is the scientific one. Why, when there are countless researchers probing the far corners of every continent, is there no rigorous, documented, peer-reviewed evidence for Bigfoot? Only one answer makes sense, says Radford: Bigfoot isn't real.

Jeffrey Meldrum, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Anatomy & Anthropology

Adjunct Associate Professor, Dept. of Anthropology,
Dept. of Occupational and Physical Therapy

Affiliate Curator, Idaho Museum of Natural History

meldd@isu.edu

Room 308/9 Gale Life Sciences Bldg

Evolutionary Morphology Lab
Functional morphology, Evolutionary Anthropology

Send this gentleman an email and I think he can supply a list of his peers that are on board with the reality of a Bigfoot species in N. America.


7.) The Case of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

Speaking of science, Bigfoot believers sometimes complain that funding for Sasquatch Studies is hard to find. But scientists are notoriously good note-takers, Radford points out, even about subjects they aren't directly studying.

Consider this league of biologists scouting for the elusive ivory-billed woodbecker in Arkansas' White River National Wildlife Refuge, an area where Bigfoot sightings have been made.

"There was a huge, hardcore investigation. They were well-equipped, well-funded and made a sustained search," noted Radford. "What I found interesting was, what didn't they find? They didn't find Bigfoot."


Woah, Since this group DIDN'T find Bigfoot, that must mean they don't exist.
I can read the headlines now, "SKEPTI-PESSIMIST Proves Bigfoot doesn't exist after studying Ivory-billed Woodpecker expedition".




8.) This Katydid Couldn't Hide

Dozens of new species, previously unknown to science, are discovered each year. But for the most part, they are tiny: microorganisms and insects such as the newly discovered katydid pictured here. Could Bigfoot really hide in such a peopled world?

Come on down to North Georgia and let me show you the vastness of the wilderness. Any way, it'll be a nice break for you.


9.) If It Walks Like a Hoax ...

This ruddy strand, about 70 micrometers in diameter, could be taken as a hair. But it isn't -- it's a carpet fiber.

A similar thread was once claimed to have fallen from Bigfoot's back. Later, it was shown to be synthetic Dynel fiber, said Radford. An alleged vial of Bigfoot blood once turned out to be transmission fluid, and many Bigfoot sightings, in the end, are admitted fakes.

"There is no category of Bigfoot evidence that doesn't have a string of hoaxes attached to it," said Radford. "If you're studying a subject in which virtually all the evidence either comes down to being inconclusive or a hoax, something's wrong."


Carpet fiber and hoaxers aside, Bigfoot doesn't really walk like a hoax in this little piece of film, or you'd have been able to prove that by now, right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJjUt2sXo5o&feature=related


10.) The Case of the Missing Footprint

Authentic or not, footprints and other physical artifacts are meaningless scientifically, says Radford, when there is no standard to measure them by.

"Some of the footprints have three toes, some have four toes, and some of course have five," he noted. "Even if I'm certain a certain track wasn't made by anything else, how do I know it's Bigfoot? You can't."



Once again, contact:

Jeffrey Meldrum, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Anatomy & Anthropology

Adjunct Associate Professor, Dept. of Anthropology,
Dept. of Occupational and Physical Therapy

Affiliate Curator, Idaho Museum of Natural History

meldd@isu.edu

Room 308/9 Gale Life Sciences Bldg

Evolutionary Morphology Lab
Functional morphology, Evolutionary Anthropology

Athens, Georgia Nature Center hosts Bigfoot Exhibit

How does this question grab you?

"Could an undiscovered ape live in Georgia?"

A really big one, as tall as your ceiling at home, maybe more, with feet the size of car mats.

That's what naturalists at Sandy Creek Nature Center are asking those who dare slip into the corner of its interpretive science area, where one exhibit challenges conventional thoughts on, you guessed it, Bigfoot.

"We think it's fun from kind of a natural science standpoint," said Randy Smith, the facility supervisor. "Why couldn't there be one? We're kind of arrogant to say we know everything."

But he and his staff certainly understand why people do question the legitimacy of what's believed to be an unidentified hairy species that appears more man than ape and is expert at hiding from people.

The exhibit probes the cultural intrigue surrounding the mystery, as well.

Part of the encased-glass display includes a bottle of Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot beer, a movie poster for "Harry and the Hendersons" and a reference to a popular television advertisement for beef jerky titled "Messin' with Sasquatch." The takeaway line: "Feed your wild side."

What the center is encouraging, however, is visitors feed their minds. Camouflaged material, life-size cutouts, leaves and tree shrubs provide the display's backdrop. Replica footprint casts of those collected by credible scientists as well as images isolated from the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film are presented as possible evidence.

Perhaps the most compelling context clues show other mysterious species, which were once considered fiction before being found. Among them: Photos and explainers on the Laotian rock rat as well as a particular fish that stymied scientists for decades until 1938. It's called a coelacanth.

"It's a really fascinating story," Davis said. "There were all these stories about these strange fish. Smart, sciency people didn't believe it until the '30s, when (someone) actually caught one in South Africa."

In the same vein is a photo taken of a model developed from actual fossil finds from Southeast Asia named Gigantopithecus blacki. And yes, the replica looks a lot like what we perceive today as a Bigfoot.

"I don't see any reason why there can't be," said Berkeley Boone, a naturalist who helped put together the exhibit. "It would be fun and add a lot to science."

A flat-screen video that plays an hour-long loop of a Discovery Channel documentary probing the Bigfoot mystery accompanies the display at Sandy Creek.

But what most captivates visitors, Boone said, is the chart relative to Georgia. All sightings reported to Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization are referenced.

There is only one sighting listed for Athens-Clarke, according to the organization's Web site, www.bfro.net.

"People seem to take the, 'Hmm, that's interesting (approach),'" Davis said. "That's the kind of the response we hoped for."

The sightings listed on the chart do not include the national hoax launched last month in Georgia. Two Clayton County men claimed they recovered the corpse of a Bigfoot, before selling their ice-covered "creature" to a promoter in California. But when the freezer contents melted, a rubber costume emerged.

Naturalists at Sandy Creek put up the display months before the firestorm that captivated serious researchers as well as nonbelievers.

It's a good thing.

Just as their exhibit suggests, Bigfoot remains a scientific mystery.

"No one can make a decision," Boone said. "We'll leave it up to you."




• Erin Rossiter is a staff writer for the Athens Banner-Herald and can be reached at erin.rossiter@onlineathens.com.

Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Saturday, September 06, 2008

Sasquatch Watch Radio

Billy Willard's new radio show seems to be off and running. I missed his initial debut broadcast but I listened to the episode from last night (09-08-08) posted below and I must say it was well done.
I'm glad Billy's decided to continue being an informed and informative source in the BF community and I know that he'll maintain the level of integrity required to remain a viable resource to all listeners. The fact that he's cut all professional ties with the "Hoax Crew" is a big plus in my book.

Enjoy the show:

DNA Evidence Collection and the Bigfoot Hunter

DNA collection and analysis has been praised by Science and Law Enforcement since it's discovery.
Let's take a brief look at what DNA analysis can and can't do for the Bigfoot Hunter.

You're on an expedition in the woods and you find some unknown hair or stool (scat) sample(s). If this is something you feel you need to collect then you need to treat the area in exactly the same fashion as a crime scene, i.e. secure the area and control access into the scene. The manner of collecting the specimen is also important to minimize any cross contamination, a common problem to both the crime scene processor and the avid Bigfoot hunter. The use of gloves, slip-on surgical "footies" for shoes, sterile implements (tweezers, etc...) and a sealable collection container/bag must be used to minimize tainting the sample. You also need to document when, where, who and under what conditions the "sample" was found and collected. It is imperative to maintain a "chain of custody" (who collected and/or had access to the sample) from the time the sample is discovered and collected until it reaches it's final destination in a lab for processing.

So you see, that simply the discovery and collection of this potential "evidence" requires extreme care.

Now, let's assume that you have taken the proper steps in the collection of this sample, you've sent it off to a reputable lab for testing. What can you expect?
Law Enforcement generally use DNA analysis data for "EXCLUSIONARY" purposes in criminal cases. It has been shown to be arguably 99.9% accurate in the exclusion of a potential suspect(s) during these investigations.

In the world of Bigfoot, DNA's evidentiary value is significantly more mundane.
It will NOT tell you whether there is a large, bipel primate living in the woods in North America. It MAY exclude certain other known animals, but ONLY if there are existing samples to compare it with. The KEY is in the COMPARISON.

What would one compare a Bigfoot's DNA to?

My point being that instead of roaming the woods searching for samples which may yield some DNA, your time would be wiser spent looking for the elusive creature itself--in the physical sense. Science will correctly maintain that the creature's existence cannot be verified without a "body" and any legitimate BF Hunter will agree with this point of view.

In a nutshell, Stop sifting through manure and put your complete focus on finding what is required for "proof positive"!

Bigfoot Doesn't Live?

According to their latest video released on you tube, the Bigfoot Trackers seem to be indicating that their making a documentary of sorts:





Could this entire charade have been a marketing ploy?

At this point, any thing is possible.

Stop with the "BlobSquatches" Already

Why can't someone capture a clear, in focus and defined photograph of a Bigfoot. The closest thing we have to footage of an alleged actual Bigfoot is the Patterson-Gimlin film.

Why hasn't anyone else been able to get a good photo and what's with all of the "blobsquatch" pictures plastered all over the internet? I don't know about you but I'm pretty much fed up with some of these folks putting up photos that purport to show "something".

These folks need a reality check for sure.

In this day and age, there is no reason that we should be subjected to the type of poor quality images that are being presented as evidence..........or is there?

Actually, What I have found is that most "Bigfoot Hunters" are NOT using equipment that is on par with MOST wildlife photographers.

Why?

Most probably, the price of the equipment required for clear, sharp images at great distances.

First of all, you need to start with a good base camera body, Nikon is great but Canon seems to offer more versatility in lenses and lenses are the key. A good 500mm lense will cost you about $1500.00 US. Every circumstance or potential encounter will require adjustments in your camera equipment and you have to be able to "go with the flow". Will you ever need a 500mm lense? Probably not, unless you're photographing a tick eating dinner from a football field away, but you do need to invest in a variety of lenses and have them available.

I won't even go into nightime photography, don't do it because it's a waste of time.

B&H has an excellent selection for most, if not all applications:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Don't get me started on "trailcams".

So, STOP WITH THE BLOBSQUATCHES ALREADY and get some serious gear--If you're a serious Bigfoot Hunter.

Local environmental group opposes harm to Bigfoot Habitat

Happy Valley group concerned school will harm Bigfoot habitat

Text: By ALEX McRAE
alex@newnan.com

A local environmental group has vowed to stop construction of a new Coweta elementary school, claiming the work will destroy the habitat of a Bigfoot-like creature known as the Happy Valley Horror.

"The Board of Education of Coweta County is going to build a new elementary school on Jim Starr Road and forever change our quiet country life," said Michael Bright, head of the newly-formed group Save The Happy Valley Horror (STHVH).

"My concern is that this area is known to be the home of the infamous and rare Happy Valley Horror," Bright said. "The Horror has been seen by several residents recently and is the only one known to exist. If this habitat is disturbed it will surely mean the demise of a truly unique part of Coweta County's history. Please help us stop this travesty by alerting concerned citizens before it's too late."

The Horror was first reported in 2005 when a resident mailed the Times-Herald anonymously to say he had seen what he described as "an enormous, very hairy" beast walking upright in a field on Happy Valley Circle.

The letter went on to say, "It scared me to death!" and concluded by asking if anyone else had reported seeing something resembling... "a Bigfoot."

After the first sighting, The Times-Herald launched an investigation. A possible indication of an environmental intruder was a recently-noted shortage of armadillos in the area. Armadillos are suspected to be a favorite food of Bigfeet.

A Happy Valley Circle resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Times-Herald, "I used to dodge armadillos every week just driving home from work. But not any more."

Research also indicated most Bigfoot sightings occur near a stream or other body of water. Lake Redwine, located on Happy Valley Circle, offers enough water to support a large Bigfoot population -- but at the time, Lake Redwine residents had not reported seeing large, hairy creatures, except for the resident who caused a stir when he was spotted walking home late at night from a Davy Crockett Day party wearing a large coonskin hat.

"You see a big hairy head like that, what are you supposed to think?" asked the resident who reported the sighting. "Even at Lake Redwine you don't see stuff like that."

The Times-Herald also interviewed Coweta County EMS and 911 director Eddie Ball.

"We haven't heard a thing about a Bigfoot," said Ball. "And I'm glad, because that last thing sure did stir up a fuss."

The "last thing" referred to by Ball is the Belt Road Booger, which Ball is actually credited with naming. Years ago, lawmen and emergency personnel were flooded with reports of a large, hairy, two-legged critter roaming the Belt Road area on Newnan's west side, scaring residents half to death.

The Booger has not been reported since the Clinton Administration, but research shows that Bigfoot-type creatures have been spotted in Georgia over the years, including one just south of Griffin.

Since the 2005 incident The Times-Herald has been in contact with the Chattahoochee Bigfoot Organization and the Bigfoot Research Organization. No new Coweta sightings have been reported, although a woman said her super-sized underwear kept disappearing from her clothesline.

STHVH leader Bright says the lack of contacts probably means the beast has found a new location where it can breed and watch SportsCenter unmolested. Bright believes if the school is built, The Horror will lose its last refuge and possibly, its life.

"This would be a crime of the magnitude of the Tennessee River snail darter and the western spotted owl," Bright says. "Global Warming has already killed thousands, maybe millions of species. But nobody cares because they're mostly bugs. This one is different. It has a fur coat. And it must be saved."

Coweta school board officials would not comment, citing privacy concerns about future students at the planned school, including possible offspring of the Horror who might qualify for the pre-K program.

Bright said donations to pay for legal fees and pizza are being accepted. They are not tax-deductible, but Bright said, "donations are way cool anyway."

Those wishing to contribute may write Bright for instructions at 329 Jim Starr Road, Newnan, GA 30263.

"People talk about wanting to save the world," Bright says. "Why not start right here at home. It may be a Horror, but it's our Horror and it deserves to be saved."





H/T: Newnan Times-Herald

Bigfoot in Georgia

Although a majority of Bigfoot sightings in the United States have occured in the Pacific Northwest, there have been documented sightings here in the state of Georgia as well. The BFRO site has a data base of sightings which includes Georgia and shows some recent activity. Coincidentalty, or not, the area in Georgia which shows the most activity is White County. This includes the city of Helen and the surrounding area, where the infamous "GA Boys" claimed to have found their "body".

Another area of Georgia, which has garnered national attention, is Elkins Creek in Pike County, south of Atlanta. It was here that Pike County Sheriff's Deputy James Akin found an impression in a flood plain. A detailed account of this discovery can be found on the Georgia Bigfoot site
The subsequent cast was sent to Dr. Meldrum and from there to latent fingerprint expert, Jimmy Chilcutt. He examined the cast and found what he believed to contain dermal ridges. You can view his report here.

Chilcutt more recently appears to be distancing himself from the BF community in light of experiments showing that the "dermal ridges" may in fact be "dessecation ridges"

Each year there are many more sightings in Georgia but most do not get officially reported for various reasons, not the least of which include the fear of being ridiculed by the general public.
Your comments are always welcomed.

Steve Kulls continues the role as victim

Well, I was wrong about the terrible music and soft calls, but that's about it. Steve Kulls predictably continued his role as the "victim" and threw Biscardi under the bus. He didn't apologize to his listeners for lying and in fact said he did not lie. He tried to justify his actions by saying that "he said nothing" apparently not understanding that withholding information is the same as deception.
There was no chat available (predictable) and he took no calls.
The only thing that surprised me was that this show made it to the archives.

Here it is, 24:10 of agony:



To say this show left me speechless would be an understatement!

Bigfoot Hoax Recent Updates

The GA Boys have posted a new video where they appear to be visiting a booth setup at one of our local (Atlanta Area) car shows. Whitton talks of a movie release sometime in September called "Bigfoot Doesn't Live". Here's the link, for those interested. These two seem content with their new found status as hoaxers and con men.

On a more serious note, The Grey Area will be interviewing Steve Kulls this Wednesday, Aug 27 at 8:45 EDT. This is an excellent podcast/radioshow and the two hosts, Monica Rawlins and Melissa Hovey, do a great job interviewing guests and putting those that need it in "the hot seat". I'll be listening and offering commentary afterwards.

At the BFF, some folks are still hot on the trail of all that were part of the GA hoax and they continue to bring new information to light. There are still those who feel like Kulls is getting unfair treatment but they are clearly in the minority. Most seem content to make comments here and there on various other topics.

Kulls' "show" this evening is entitled "Bigffoot on Ice? Biscardi on Ice!!!!". Aside from the terrible music, I look for Kulls to continue to play the victim, throw Biscardi under the bus and receive "soft" calls from his friends. Maybe, I'll be surprised but I doubt it.

And CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?: THE SASQUATCH SEQUEL is the MOST VIEWED story over at NEWSWEEK!


Now THAT is SOMETHING!

Steve Kulls issues his time line of events

Here is Kulls' claim of events as posted on his site:


HERE IS FULL DISCLOSURE:

TIMELINE

June 16 - Whitton & Dyers site created

July 9 - Whitton states on video that they've recovered a Bigfoot "corpse". Coincidentally after Whitton is released from hospital from being shot.

July 25 - I issue challenge to get them to come on Radio Show

July 28 - Dyer asks me to call him, speak with him. I can't get him to crack, asks who is Tom Biscardi.

July 28 - I put Biscardi in contact with them.

July 28 - Dyer appears on my Radio Show

July 29 - Called and thank Dyer for being on show. Biscardi tells me Dyer stated they sold the "corpse" to the National Enquirer.

July 30 - I find out they did not sell body to National Enquirer as they stated to us personally, and attorney mentioned on radio show knew nothing of a bigfoot body. Biscardi calls me and tells me Dyer and Whitton want him to deal with the body exclusively.

July 30 - Both Whitton and Dyer appear on Biscardi's Radio show

July 31 - I call SFB VP Bob Schmalzbach and tell him I think this is a con, he needs to talk to Biscardi. He tells me to call him. I do get a voicemail. I'll cll in the early AM.

BISCARDI'S FIRST TRIP

Aug 1 - I call Biscardi and advise him of some revealing information about Dyer, I believe this is a con. Biscardi says he'll get to the bottom of it. Receive a phone call, from Biscardi, wants me to write an interim contract. Tells me he's going to get DNA.

Aug 2 - Biscardi calls and when asked states he cannot speak about what he saw. Calls later saying that he was "Right there when the DNA was cut from the body". States "This thing has incredibly thick skin"

Aug 4 -Contract stated my name as the introductory party as my only involvement. Told that the DNA is being hand delivered to Dr. Curt Nelson

BISCARDI'S SECOND TRIP

Aug 9 - Biscardi told me that tomorrow he's taking the measurements, and taking pictures.

Aug 10 - Biscardi describes the body, tells me about the eyes, the teeth, and genitalia.

Aug 11 - Biscardi forwards me an email from Dr. Nelson stating the DNA amplification size was consistent with human/ape and was going to be sequenced.

Aug 13 - I was given picture of alleged corpse. I had issues with the body. Biscardi sees my doubts tells asks me if he "would drop 50 large if this wasn't the real thing, I saw it".

Aug 14 - Saw comparisons of pictures to costume. Expressed it to Biscardi who told me he saw it and its not a costume, its the real thing. Crew picks up freezer from Whitton and Dyer, give them $50K. Crew thought it was supposed to be defrosted but they found it frozen. when I heard "corpse" was in transport I buy my plane ticket.

Aug 15 - Depart airport arrive in Indianapolis at 4:10PM EST. In flight during press conference. At Press conference (Palo Alto, Ca) Whitton describes how they cam across "corpse" etc. Biscardi states He touched it, smelled it, felt it amongst other deceptions.

Aug 15 - I am driven to location in Indiana, outside of Muncie in a rural community. There are no TV's however I see a few snippets of Whitton on a computer at the press conference.

Aug 16 - Ice melts to where I can get a hair sample. I examined hairs and determine they are not hairs. We burn it an it balls up into a melted wad, uncharacteristic of hair. We begin speed thaw using a salamander heater, and eventually pull a rubber foot out. Advise Biscardi who is unusually calm about it.

Aug 16 - Biscardi calls (two of the crew and investor are not present at the time) and he wants to fill the freezer up with water, freeze it, release it back to Whitton & Dyer and we'd make a statement that the public pressure was too much on them and they took their body back, and place a gag order on it, never speak of it again. I staunchly object and would not participate in it.

Aug 16 - I talk with Whitton to return the money, he states they don't have it and the only want to deal with Biscardi. Biscardi calls back and claims that Whitton & Dyer will sign a promissory note and confession the next morning before they leave for home. I draw up the documents. I try to be extricated but it would be a great burden on my friends and would place one at risk of safety driving there to pick me up. (Did not want him falling asleep at wheel).

Aug. 17 - Whitton and Dyer left before their scheduled meeting with Biscardi. Biscardi wants press there to expose it as a hoax, I am not able to leave because of this. I prepare a statement. Monday is a no go for home either now.

Aug 18 - Bob Schmalzbach removes many of the separation items in the statement. Media shows up and statement is transmitted. They are angry because of this position of separation.

Aug 18 - Squatchdetective Radio airs I announce the hoax at 10:10 PM, am flooded by several questions about Whitton, Dyer, etc. Last callers lower the boom on Biscardi. I am in the presence of Biscardi's son and close friend, if I agreed on the lying at that point it could have risked me physical harm. Why I responded the way I did by not answering. Not denying either. When asked about Biscardi's complicity, I stated "I don't believe so." At the time I did not. But I needed to review the conference as well as other materials and digest.

Aug 18 - Everyone is enraged I didn't call out Biscardi that night...I will not succumb either to peer pressure, to state a popular opinion. I needed to get my "ducks in a row." I had to get my head clear...and relevant facts entered. I also learn from a source that the DNA report he sent me on the 11th most likely was altered.

Aug 19 - I leave 5+ hours early for the airport, and soon as my "handlers" leave I get the word out of what had occurred, the deceptions. I apologized to listeners of the previous show for not being able to tell it like it is. My mistake...show could have waited. I am physically and mentally exhausted. Officially break ties with Tom Biscardi and his company. I arrive home at 11:30PM from airport.

Aug 20 - Whitton and Dyer state Biscardi and I coached them. I issued statement stating the above involvement was all I've had, I never met them or even been to Georgia this year. I Agree to take polygraph if anyone volunteers one. I Issue a cease and desist letter to Biscardi for any attempt at communication to me.

Aug 21 - I appear on Fox and Friends at 6:50AM and reveal the deceptions of Tom Biscardi now believing he was complicit in the hoax based upon the DNA email and statements made.

Aug 22 - Squatchdetective.com updated to reflect the facts in this matter.




You can decide for yourselves if you feel he's "Telling it like it is".
Note that HE had cause and proof that it was a hoax on August 16th during the thaw out. Since then he's appeared on his show twice and has refused to name Tom Biscardi as part of the scam. Only on August 21, probably after seeing the beating he was taking in the forums, does he decide to name Biscardi, on Fox News, as being involved.

Folks, people have left Kulls standing by himself-Friends and business associates alike. They do not want to be associated with someone who has lost all credibility.........and I don't blame them.

Ask yourself this question: Would I sacrifice my beliefs, career, name, integrity and trustworthyness for Tom Biscardi or his crew?

Your comments are always welcomed.

Certain Links removed from this Blog

I have removed from my list of links the Squatch Detective, BF Trackers and The Bigfoot Radio Show. I have left all of the broadcasts and news reports in tact. My decision to remove these links is based on the fact that I no longer find those involved to be credible on any level. I will continue to cover any pertinent information and also continue to weed through all of the nonsense. Over the coming days and weeks, I'll be focusing on diversifying the blog abit and making new contacts.

Also, I would like to thank all of you who have stopped by and left comments and read the blog. Your comments are always welcomed and much appreciated.

Squatch Co-Host Announces His Departure

Billy Willard has posted the following announcement:

Hello all:

This is Billy Willard and I would like to make the following announcement:

I have severed my ties from Steve Kulls and Squatchdetective as well as from Squatchdetective Radio effective immediately. I spoke to Steve a few minutes ago and informed him of this decision. Although many of you may not understand, this was extremely hard for me to do. I have been helping Steve with the radio show for a while now and have really enjoyed it and enjoyed his friendship. I am not and will not bad mouth Steve; I’m keeping it simple and just leaving his group, organization and radio show. I wish Steve and Squatchdetective all the best. I feel that stretching this news out any further than what it is has already gone would be counterproductive. The supposed Bigfoot body was a fake, TB said he touched it, poked it, prodded it, so on and so forth, he was involved and he has been caught red handed.

As you all have heard from me from the beginning, I don’t completely agree and have differing opinions as to how this all went down. In my opinion, TB and his group are just as involved in this latest fiasco as the GA boys are. In my eyes, they are on an equal scale. I voiced my opinion to Steve many times that TB should not be made to look like he smells like a bed of roses, but I feel that is not how things have come across. TB and the team should NOT be clear of any wrong doing in this latest mess.

I’m not going to lie to anyone about anything I have been told, never have, never will. If you have questions, please let me know. All I ask is that you give me some time to answer as my work has greatly suffered during all this. As you all know, if you don’t do any work, you don’t get paid.

As for my future, I will continue to operate Sasquatch Watch of Virginia. I’ve met a lot of great folks and I’m not going to let a set back like this stop me from my purpose, that being to research this creature we all call Bigfoot. I greatly enjoyed doing the radio show and I met a lot of great folks there also, including many eyewitnesses of the creature. There is nothing I love more than listening to folks who have had their own encounters. Therefore; we will be starting a new radio show called the Sasquatch Watch Radio Show in the near future. We will likely keep it on the BlogTalk Radio network. I will make a future announcement concerning what, when, where and all that stuff at a later date. For right now, I want to step back, take a deep breath, get some work done and get some long, needed sleep.

Thank you all for your attention and remember, I will answer questions as I have available time to do so.

Billy Willard
Sasquatch Watch of Virginia

Slowly but surely the end of the Biscardi machine is emminent! There are those in this BF Community who will not rest until they have put an end to it.

Squatch "D" Self Destructs

As promised here is last night's broadcast:




Kulls claims limited involvement intially and only claims to have introduced the parties. Thanks for "telling it like it is" Steve. He continues by referring to Biscardi as a "certain person" and a "certain individual" and proceeds to play the victim role. Kulls does admit that he was not under any contract or gag order to keep quiet so this is yet another lie he told.
So much for "telling it like it is".
Becky Sawyer "relayed" a few questions to Kulls and he danced around the issues.
Billy Willard hasn't jumped ship yet, so from that we can presume he is fully involved or has a very difficult time making friends. Kulls promises that NEXT Monday he will be "raw and Uncensored" and will answer all questions. He also claims he never met Dyer or Whitton in person but only spoke with them over the phone once or twice. This show was every bit as pathetic as the previous night's show.
BYE BYE SQUATCH DETECTIVE!

On another note, various media outlets have announced that Clayton County Chief of Police Jeff Turner is going forward with termination proceedings against Whitton.

In honor of the GA Boys new found infamy and job loss, here's a video dedication that I know you all will enjoy:

Deconstructing the Squatch

**UPDATE**

THE SHOW FROM 8-18-08 IS NOW AVAILABLE BELOW:

I'm quite certain that if you are here reading this blog then you also heard the shameful display that was the squatchdetective radio show broadcast on Aug. 18, 2008.
After more than a half-hour of Billy Willard's stall tactics, Steve Kull made a statement resembling if not identical to the one posted at the SFB site. I have included the statement as it is posted:

Good afternoon. I am Steve Kulls Executive Director of Squatchdetective.com and Host of Squatchdetective Radio. I am here with Bob Schmalzbach, Vice President of Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. I had been invited to be a witness of the thawing of the alleged Bigfoot Body by the Searching for Bigfoot team. As an independent researcher, it has been Squatchdetective.com's goal to obtain proof positive in all cases when either trying to substantiate a claim or debunk it, so as there is no question to the matter's certainty. Having worked in the past, with Searching for Bigfoot, Inc., I understand that it has always been their corporate goal, “to tell it like they see it, as it happens, and when it happens”. In my organization's limited involvement with Searching For Bigfoot, Inc. it is and has been the goal of both organizations to obtain the truth in this and all matters.

On July 9th, 2008, Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer placed a video on Youtube making the claim they had recovered the body of a Bigfoot body. Their website, Bigfoottracker.com also echoed the sentiment. At that time I had doubts and followed the story for two weeks when on July 25th, 2008 I placed a video response to challenge them to come on to Squatchdetective Radio on July 28th , 2008.

On July 14th, 2008 an article was published where Whitton released a statement to his local newspaper, the Clayton Times Daily stating that they had recovered the body of a Bigfoot.

The afternoon of July 28th, 2008, Ricky Dyer asked if I would call him and after interviewing him using various forensic interviewing techniques, which I have been trained on, I could not get an accurate read on him as I was seeing deception on numerous things, but insisted he had a body in his possession. At one point he asked me who Tom Biscardi was. I immediately surmised however their motive was financial.

After concluding my one plus hour long phone call with Dyer I called the CEO of Searching for Bigfoot, Tom Biscardi, and we discussed the matter. We, at that time decided it best to turn the investigation over to Mr. Biscardi and his team. My involvement in the remainder of the process was as an independent observer.

The following are my observations and the facts as I understand and know them:

On August 1st, 2008 Tom Biscardi traveled to Georgia and on August 2nd was given a sample, allegedly, from the corpse, for DNA testing. The DNA was hand delivered to Dr. Curt Nelson of Michigan and a chain of custody of the said sample was maintained from the time it was received from Ricky Dyer and Matthew Whitton.

On August 4th, 2008 both Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer entered a legally binding contract with Searching For Bigfoot, Inc .recognizing the fact that Searching for Bigfoot, had absolutely nothing to do in the demise or storage of the corpse until such time as it was transferred to Searching For Bigfoot for the benefit of scientific study, marketing and promotion.

On August 10th, 2008 Tom Biscardi received an email from Dr. Nelson that after the amplifications of two of the three samples, that the size of the DNA was consistent with human/ape DNA.

On or about August 12th, 2008, Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer requested an undisclosed sum of money as an advance, expected from the marketing and promotion, and as a good faith gesture of the contract.

On August 14th, 2008, after signing a transfer receipt for the amount money requested and counting said money, Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer led the Searching for Bigfoot Team to a location and turned over a freezer with something appearing large, hairy, and frozen in ice.

On August 15th, 2008, Tom Biscardi, Ricky Dyer and Matthew Whitton held a press conference at the Cabana Hotel in Paolo Alto, California, announcing that the corpse of a creature fitting the description known as “Bigfoot” had been discovered. A police officer of seven years, on medical leave, labeled as a hero for being wounded in the line of duty, got up in front of the world and told the world of how he and Ricky Dyer uncovered this creature. This has since been proven a lie. It is notable that Rick Dyer insisted on this press conference and told Tom Biscardi he would not release the “body” unless the conference was held on this specific date.

On August 16th, 2008 the freezer containing the alleged corpse arrived with the Searching For Bigfoot Team. I arrived on location at 6PM to provide initial verification examination, biohazard control and consult for security measures at the location. At that time the ice was being thawed slowly without aid, to prevent any decomposition of the alleged corpse. We estimated that the freezer and its contents weighed over 1500 pounds and it would take several days or longer to thaw completely.

On August 17th, 2008 Searching for Bigfoot Team Director of Field Operations, TJ Biscardi and myself, were up early to discover that some hair was now exposed. I extracted some from the alleged corpse and examined it and had some concerns. Bob Schmalzbach arrived and concurred. We burned said sample and said hair sample melted into a ball uncharacteristic of hair.

At that time we contacted Mr. Biscardi who gave us permission to begin an expedited melting process. We set up a salamander heater to heat the freezer. Within one hour we were able to see the partially exposed head, as I was now able to touch it, I was able to feel that it seemed mostly firm, but unusually hollow in one small section. This was yet another ominous sign. Within the next hour of thaw, a break appeared up near the feet area. As the team and I began examining this area near the feet, I observed the foot which looked unnatural, reached in and confirmed it was a rubber foot.

At that point we immediately contacted, Tom Biscardi and advised him of the situation and he began to take action on his end. Later that day, Tom Biscardi informed us that both Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer admitted it was a costume. They reportedly agreed to sign a promissory note and admission of what they had done, and set a meeting in their hotel room in California for 8AM on August 17th, 2008.

At that time I drew up the documents for Mr. Biscardi. On August 17th, 2008 Tom Biscardi went to the hotel where Dyer and Whitton were staying and found that they had left. At this time action is being instigated against the perpetrators of this fraud. Tom Biscardi asked us to contact you, the press, and share all that we have discovered.

The motives behind this fraud are still unknown at this time. It is still unclear why Whitton who, being a police officer for the Clayton County Police Department in Georgia got up before the world and lied and was complicit in a scheme to defraud in a felonious manner.

At this time the victim of this series of deceptions, Searching for Bigfoot, Inc., is seeking justice for themselves and for all the people who were deceived by this deception. Due to this event peoples lives have been disrupted and many people, so wanting vindication about there prior experiences were hurt. Let us all try to be mindful of such.

On behalf of myself I can say with certainty Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer not the best Bigfoot trackers in the world!

Thank you.

Written by Steve Kulls

Unfortunetly, I am currently unable to find a copy of the broadcast available for download but you can be certain when it's available, it will be here. During the latter part of the broadcast Kulls, Sawyer and Willard seemed upbeat as they were receiving positive re-enforcement from the "callers" who appeared to have been hand picked.

One fine young lady named "Kathy" got through and stunned Kulls into silence by berating him for lying about Biscardi's role in this circus. This was the greatest moment of the show.

Afterwards, I dropped by a couple of the forums to catch the buzz and found that the bright folks at the BFF had already started summarily executing all that is Squatch Detective.

Kulls and Sawyer were eviscerated and called out on their out-right lies and lack of integrity. I feel that the "Squatch" has been sufficiently Squashed.

I have given Kulls credit for maintaining an even keel during the course of this incident but I found his defense of Biscardi shameful and it destroyed Kulls credibility................and folks, If you're in the business of hunting a large, hairy bipedal primate--often times your credibility is all you have!

Allegedly, there is another squatch radio show scheduled for tonight and we're being offered the "Real Story". I will of course give my review of this pending show, if only for the comedic factor.

Steve, If I can't trust you to tell me the truth the first time, what makes you think that anything else you say has any merit. You have disappointed alot of people who believed in you and anything you have investigated or ever will investigate is now suspect.

You sir, are the Captain of that sinking vessel.

In a word, that I saw alot of last night, you are DONE!

An Appeal for calm by the Squatch-D

Steve Kulls posted a statement on his blog a few days ago appealing for calm and promising to call it like he sees it without any BS. I'm all for it because I like the guy and I think he has some integrity about him and he will tell the truth.......but He's also a business man. Were it me, I'd blow the whistle as soon as I found out there was nothing to it! ............and there is nothing to it, folks!

Biscardi and the Boys will have an "out" most likely by claiming they were trying to collect on the Bushnell Challenge.

The rest of us will go on, with a new found skepticism and a promise to be more thorough when turning over stones.

It looks like TOM was at it again, when will we ever learn?................

BF Tracker's Hometown Newspaper Reports........

Clayton men offer shaky Bigfoot 'evidence,' more promises

By Daniel Silliman

dsilliman@news-daily.com

In a room full of reporters, with a world-wide audience waiting to hear what they had to say, two Clayton County men, who claim to have the corpse of a Bigfoot, didn't deliver the evidence they promised would shock the world. Instead, backed by their controversial, California partner, they continued making claims, with a couple of fuzzy photos -- and more promises.

Tom Biscardi, a professional Bigfoot searcher, who has been associated with a number of hoaxes and money-making stunts, said the alleged Bigfoot body was as real as the skeptical reporters. He said Matthew Whitton, a Clayton County police officer on medical leave, and Whitton's friend, Rick Dyer, a tow truck driver, who once worked as a correctional officer, wouldn't be part of a hoax.

"Do you think these fellows would come this far and put their reputations and their jobs on the line, if they didn't have what they say they have?" Biscardi said.

At the end of Friday's press conference in California, however, that claim -- that this was all too crazy to be a con -- seemed to be the strongest "evidence" the three men had.

They have claimed they have the dead body of seven-foot-seven, 500-pound ape-man, with 16-inch feet and a lot of reddish-brown hair. A photo was released on Tuesday, supposedly showing the animal, dethawed in a freezer. The image was met with some skepticism and suspicion, some smugness, and a willingness to wait, see, and to say "maybe," until the evidence was unveiled.

The unveiled evidence consisted of:

• A photo of woods, with what looks like an upright black spot or a solitary, shadow-cloaked figure. Biscardi called this "a bipedal creature."

• A photo of jutting, upper teeth and a flat tongue, sticking out at the viewer.

• Alleged DNA results from a scientist in Minnesota, reporting three tests, one showing an inconclusive gene sequence, one showing a human gene sequence, and one showing an opossum gene sequence.

Loren Coleman, the author of a number of Bigfoot books, who has closely followed Biscardi and watched what he has skeptically called the "Georgia Gorilla" discovery, described the press conference as a carnival show.

"Biscardi is a Las Vegas promoter and a showman, and he's doing it again," Coleman said. "That's what he's really good at. It's like, 'Would you like to come into my tent? I'll show you this one picture. Isn't that interesting? Pay me to see more.'"

The three men claimed there will be an autopsy next week, and more research results coming soon. The Associated Press reported that the 45-minute press conference was attended by several hundred skeptical journalists and a man in a Chewbacca suit. When Biscardi was asked how much money he hoped to make off the Bigfoot body, he said, "As much as I possibly can."

The man reportedly attempted to raise $1.5 million for a Bigfoot hunting expedition in 2004, claimed to have captured a live one in 2005, when he started selling pay-per-view subscriptions on his web site, and then, backed out with a claim he had been hoaxed by "a crazy lady."

"He's already gone through several hoaxes," Coleman said. "We always say, 'This is the end of Biscardi. He's never coming back.' I mean, the man has nine lives."

The Bigfoot Field Research Organization, a group that attempts to verify Bigfoot sightings, issued a release calling the whole thing a hoax, calling Biscardi a "sleazy vulture."

"The purpose of this grand ruse," the release claims, "is to attract lots of attention to himself ... to hold the attention of the mass media while he arranges various deals for documentaries, books, etc."

Coleman thinks Whitton and Dyer may have actually discovered something, and then got suckered by the experienced scam artist. He also thinks it's possible they were running some scam, promoting their web site with videos and hoping to sell T-shirts and ball caps, when Biscardi came in and escalated the enterprise.

The Bigfoot Field Research Operators suggest that Biscardi may have set the whole thing up, but then back down and say Whitton and Dyer were running their own ruse when they got assistance from an expert.

The two men's story has changed constantly since they started their Bigfoot tracking business in June. In early YouTube videos, the animal was supposedly shot by a former felon, and the two men tracked it into the woods. In a second story, they were on a Bigfoot search, looking for a "family of Bigfoot" they claim to have seen in the North Georgia mountains. In a third version, they were just hiking and found it, apparently dead of open wounds.

In the hotel on Friday, Whitton said he didn't even believe in Bigfoot and it was just luck, though he continues to describe himself as "the best Bigfoot tracker in the world."






H/T: Clayton News Daily

Bigfoot Press Conference

Well, I watched the Bigfoot News conference today and really didn't come away with anymore information than that which has been speculated and distributed over the various forums and blogs covering this topic for the last week or so.
I'm not going to focus on the verbal content because most of us have heard "the story" a few times.

I think most of us were not too surprosed by the DNA results which reportedly resulted in one test showing "unknown"(inconclusive), the second showing "human" and the third reportedly showing "opossum". Nothing earth shattering here, right?

Then came the "new" photo releases. A closeup reportedly showing the teeth and tongue of the creature and a not-so-closeup-at-all photo of something hairy in a clump of trees and foliage, which was touted as being a clear photo of the bipedal creature standing upright. I was not impressed but then I have to wait until one of the news agencies sees fit to post the two photos on the internet.

As expected, all of the major Bigfoot sites, blogs and forums have had meltdowns due to excessive traffic. I'm just a small fish in a big pond and I feel pretty good about that, right about now.

I have yet to find a major network who has posted the video of the press conference or a youtuber who has uploaded a recording. CNN only showed a few minutes of the broadcast on air before they directed viewers to go to their site for the rest of it.

I will update this posting over the next few hours as information is accessed and available.


**UPDATES**
JUDGE THESE FOR YOURSELVES:





YOU CAN SEE THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE:

http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=273241

Dr. Meldrum Offers his insight on the GA Bigfoot

Dr. J. Meldrum is probably one of the most respected researchers in the field of "Bigfoot-ology" and evidence analyzation. Below are a few excerpts of an interview with him posted today.


What do you think of this announcement of a bigfoot body being found in Georgia?

I'm extremely skeptical about this bigfoot claim. I've had interactions with Tom Biscardi [the bigfoot hunter holding the press conference] in the past, and based on that history, I would say that anything he is involved in is suspect. The fact that the two Georgian men [who said they found the body] turned to him and not anyone with scientific credentials is very questionable.


So what is the story with the Sasquatch DNA evidence?

All the rumors about the bigfoot DNA results are just that: rumors. I spoke to Curtis Nelson (a biologist from the University of Minnesota) who is doing the DNA tests, and he all he could say is that there are no results yet—he can't say anything more due to a nondisclosure agreement. Apparently Curt just received a vial of tissue in the mail, and there's no chain of custody, no validation that this tissue came from the corpse in question. Since there is no known Sasquatch material to compare it to, he may just end up with a sequence that doesn't match any other primates, at best.


You can continue reading this edited transcript posted at the Scientific American site.

My opinion? There is no reason whatsoever not to include Dr. Meldrum in the examination of this "body". I would recommend to the involved parties to get Meldrum on board quickly, if there is any validity to this incident.

Bigfoot Live Broadcast 08-13-08

This show was very interesting in that Tom Biscardi had Dyer, Whitton and Steve Kulls on air. Biscardi, Dyer and Whitton reaffirmed that they will be present for the press conference tommorrow "100%". Biscardi and Kulls also discussed Matt Moneymaker on a level that would have resulted in Biscardi threatening to sue had it been about him, in my opinion. You are never the bigger, more clever man when you have to resort to insults, name calling and insinuations. The boys and Biscardi addressed the "costume" issue and denied that the picture released was anything but the real creature, which caused me to raise an eyebrow for about the one hundredth time since this all began. I hope you all enjoy listening and remember one thing, RIGHT NOW there are only three people for certain who know exactly whether this "plane" is gonna fly..........or crash and burn!

I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Tom Biscardi interview on Fox News

Here's the Biscardi interview on FOX this morning, Enjoy!

SFB Posts new Bigfoot Photo

The searchingforbigfoot site has posted an exciting and sure to be controversial photo. It appears that they DO IN FACT HAVE ONE!

From Cryptomundo

The following information is posted at Cryptomundo:

"I feel, in all honesty, this, indeed, may be the real deal, and I say this carefully after reviewing information that has been shared privately with me. I cannot say more yet. But people will be very surprised." ~ Loren Coleman

CAN YOU SAY WOW???

**Note the change in location for the press conference:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2008
BIGFOOT BODY FOUND
DNA evidence and photo evidence to be presented at a
PRESS CONFERENCE
to be held on
Date: Friday, August 15, 2008
Time: From 12Noon-1:00pm
Place: Cabana Hotel-Palo Alto (A Crown Plaza Resort) 4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, California 94306

Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. Menlo Park, California
Tom Biscardi, CEO

BIGFOOT BODY FOUND - EVIDENCE AND DNA DETAILS TO BE PRESENTED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 15th

FROM 12 N00N TO 1:00PM AT THE CABANA HOTEL-PALO ALTO IN PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA

A body that may very well be the body of the creature commonly known as “Bigfoot” has been found in the woods in northern Georgia.

DNA evidence and photo evidence of the creature will be presented in a press conference on Friday, August 15th from 12 Noon to 1:00pm at the Cabana Hotel-Palo Alto at 4290 El Camino Real in Palo Alto, California, 94306. The press conference will not be open to the public. It will only be open to credentialed members of the press.
Here are some of the vital statistics on the “Bigfoot” body:
*The creature is seven feet seven inches tall.
*It weighs over five hundred pounds.
*The creature looks like it is part human and part ape-like.
*It is male.
*It has reddish hair and blackish-grey eyes.
*It has two arms and two legs, and five fingers on each hand and
five toes on each foot.
*The feet are flat and similar to human feet.
*Its footprint is sixteen and three-quarters inches long and five and three-quarters inches wide at the heel.
*From the palm of the hand to the tip of the middle finger, its hands are
eleven and three-quarters inches long and six and one-quarter inches wide.
*The creatures walk upright. (Several of them were sighted on the same day that the body was found.)
*The teeth are more human-like than ape-like.
*DNA tests are currently being done and the current DNA and photo evidence will be presented at the press conference on Friday, August 15th.

Bigfoot Tracker's site announces Press Conference

The Bigfoot Tracker site has announced that DNA and Photo evidence will be presented to members of the media on Friday, August 15, 2008 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, California, between 12 noon and 1 pm. This conference will not be open to the public.
They conclude with "are you ready?" and "!!! we told you so !!!".

H/T: jupiter2

Georgia Bigfoot Body Story Gathering Steam Again

With the "release" or some say "leak" of the new BF Tracker photo of "something" in a freezer, there seems to be renewed interest in this story. Cryptomundo's Loren Coleman is once again posting updates about it and this is bringing more folks back to take a look.

The Good folks over at the Bigfoot Forums continue to debate over this story and have since it came out.

Also, the two boys backed by Tom Biscardi are continuing to assert that they have a Body in their possession. Needless to say that opinions range from disbelief to complete amazement that "someone" has actually "captured one".

Let me share with you some things that keep me "on the fence":

Certainly, from the beginning the presentation from the BF Trackers was over-the-top and ridiculous with the insulting videos and the bragging about how they are "The Best Bigfoot Trackers in the World" and so on and so forth.
They have admitted to hoaxing the identity of this "Dr. Van Buren" and this understandibly turned alot of folks off and subsequently resulted in more disbelief and ridicule.
Whitton's statement about being in this field for a long time was in direct opposition to Dyer's interview statement that they had no prior interest or experience before the discovery of this body.

I can certainly empathize with all of the folks who are skeptical and do not believe them, BUT since the very beginning they have maintained that they have a "Body" and "Corpse". Everytime I hear or see them make that statement, I get the same eerie feeling I got when I saw the Patterson footage for the first time. It's just an uneasy gut feeling that there is "something" to this. Steve Kulls involvement also lends some credence to the Trackers' claim and the fact that Biscardi immediately had all the involved folks apparently sign a non-disclosure document is also suspicious. Has he ever gone this far? It's a fair question. Has Kulls ever gone this far?
They MUST know something out of the ordinary has happened.............and I keep coming back to the fact that these two Trackers will not let up on the claim that they have a Bigfoot body, knowing that they will be ridiculed forever if it's a hoax. Now they have released one photo of the alleged Body--which again gives me that eerie feeling.

Maybe I'm biased because I would like to think that this discovery will or has occured here in Georgia........but I don't think that's it. Your comments are welcomed as always.

Squatch Radio Show and Crypto's Breaking News

Kulls makes a few brief references to the BF Trackers "evidence" and eludes to the possibility that new information may be released by the end of this week. The rest of the show is pretty entertaining also. I've included it below for your listening pleasure:

Also, The good folks over at Cryptomundo have apparently decided to start covering BF Tracker news again.
They have some interesting photo enlargements of one of the alleged BF Tracker photos.

The Georgia Bigfoot Team

I ran across these guys at youtube on the recommendation of a good friend. The Georgia Bigfoot Team is out there doing ground level work in Georgia and making some very interesting finds. Please take a moment and look at what they've got going:

http://www.youtube.com/user/georgiabigfootteam

Keep up the great work guys and we'll be checking in on you!

Update at the BF Tracker Site

Thanks to "jupiter2" for keeping track of the changes to the BF Tracker site .

Looks like Biscardi took a photo "op" with the boys while he was down here for "the meeting".

They have also posted a video (I think it was their first one) on the page under the "BIGFOOT" button, so that was certainly entertaining- look under the photo on that page and click the "film reel" icon........The "Knight Rider theme music has been replaced also.

There is now a link from Biscardi's group to BF Trackers.

Whether you believe it, want to believe, or flat out think that it cannot be possible, these are certainly entertaining times. Please feel free to comment with any updates that you run across on this matter, because as always, they will be welcomed.

**UPDATE**

The boys just uploaded a video of still photos to youtube:

The Bigfoot Body and Georgia Law

Over at the Bigfoot Forums they have been discussing to some degree the Bigfoot body and Georgia's "wildlife" laws. Currently, Bigfoot is not considered a species because technically it has not been verified to exist. Creating or interpreting these "wildlife" laws to apply to unknown or unverified species is ambitious at best. Please note that the terms "wildlife" and "wild animal" are not interchangeable under Georgia law and each has a different definition. Currently, any protection afforded to "Bigfoot" would certainly only fall under "wild animals". Let's look at a few excepts:

Definitions:

TITLE 27. GAME AND FISH CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
O.C.G.A. § 27-1-2 (2008)§ 27-1-2. (For effective date, see note) Definitions:

(6) "Big game" means turkey, deer, and bear.

(34) "Game animals" means the following animals: bear, bobcat, deer, fox, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, sea turtles and their eggs, squirrel, cougar (Felis concolor), and all members of the families Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae.

(75) "Wild animal" means any animal which is not wildlife and is not normally a domestic species in this state. This term specifically includes any hybrid or cross between any combination of a wild animal, wildlife, and a domestic animal. Offspring from all subsequent generations of such crosses or hybrids are wild animals.

(77) "Wildlife" means any vertebrate or invertebrate animal life indigenous to this state or any species introduced or specified by the board and includes fish, except domestic fish produced by aquaculturists registered under Code Section 27-4-255, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and mollusks or any part thereof.

WHO owns the Georgia "Wildlife"?

TITLE 27. GAME AND FISH CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
O.C.G.A. § 27-1-3 (2008)§ 27-1-3. Legislative declarations; ownership and custody of wildlife; preservation of hunting and fishing opportunities; promotion and right to hunt, trap, or fish; local regulation; general offenses:

(b) The ownership of, jurisdiction over, and control of all wildlife, as defined in this title, are declared to be in the State of Georgia, in its sovereign capacity, to be controlled, regulated, and disposed of in accordance with this title. Wildlife is held in trust by the state for the benefit of its citizens and shall not be reduced to private ownership except as specifically provided for in this title. All wildlife of the State of Georgia is declared to be within the custody of the department for purposes of management and regulation in accordance with this title. However, the State of Georgia, the department, and the board shall be immune from suit and shall not be liable for any damage to life, person, or property caused directly or indirectly by any wildlife.

Question: Do I need a permit to simply possess a "wild animal" in Georgia?

Answer: Yes (see below)

TITLE 27. GAME AND FISH CHAPTER 5. WILD ANIMALS
O.C.G.A. § 27-5-4 (2008)§ 27-5-4. Wild animal licenses and permits generally:

(a) Unless otherwise provided in Code Section 27-5-5, it shall be unlawful for any person to import, transport, transfer, sell, purchase, or possess any wild animal listed in Code Section 27-5-5 or specified by the board by regulation without first obtaining a wild animal license from the department as provided in Code Section 27-2-23 or a wild animal permit as provided in this Code section; provided, however, anyone holding a deer-farming license is not required to have a wild animal license or permit to possess farmed deer. Unless otherwise specified by the department, such license or permit shall be effective from April 1 through March 31 and may contain such conditions and restrictions, including restrictions as to numbers and species of animals, as the department determines appropriate in light of the provisions of this chapter. An applicant for a wild animal license or permit shall have the burden of proving that any wild animals subject to such license or permit are or will be imported, transported, transferred, sold, purchased, or possessed in compliance with this chapter.

Additionally, since Bigfoot is presumably a mammal , you may be required to obtain another permit from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA.

So, is Bigfoot protected or not?

It depends on whether it is determined to be a wild animal or part human. If it's determined to be a wild animal, then most likely it would receive some protection under the current law. If it's determined to be part human, then that opens up another can of worms altogether.

One thing is guaranteed, the courts would have to decide the status and the Georgia DNR (Law Enforcement Division) would be justified in basically impounding the body and even charging storage costs until a final disposition is issued.