Cryptozoology: Could Unexplained Creatures Be Real?
caught on camera 1 In October 1967 Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin were deep in the forest of northern California They had traveled there in search of the legendary creature called Bigfoot The men had read reports of mysterious large footprints found in the area They were hoping to see the tracks for themselves Patterson and Gimlin were riding on horseback near Bluff Creek when it happened As they approached a fallen tree their horses got spooked Then the two men saw it Less than 100 feet 30 m away was a towering gorilla-like creature The beast was covered from head to toe in dark fur Its upper back was hunched and its long arms swung as it walked Gimlin drew his rifle Patterson grabbed his camera As the figure walked it glanced over its shoulder toward Patterson Then it disappeared into the trees But Patterson’s camera had caught it all 4
Researchers think it is unlikely of a man in a costume because the Patterson and Gimlin’s video is strong evidence of Bigfoot figure’s legs and arms are not proportionate to a human’s Patterson and Gimlin’s story drew worldwide attention Skeptics said the video was a hoax But to many others the footage was proof that Bigfoot exists 5
what is cryptozoology 2 Bigfoot is one of many mysterious creatures whose existence has not been proven These creatures are known as cryptids This term covers all kinds of unknown species The study of cryptids is called cryptozoology Cryptids have been puzzling humans for centuries Legends of cryptids exist all over the world Some involve bipedal beasts scaly serpents and prehistoric dinosaurs These creatures lurk in lakes in forests and on mountains Belief in cryptids is based largely on witness reports Many people have claimed to encounter a cryptid Some of these people have taken photos or videos to support their claims Others have even presented hairs or other body parts thought to belong to a cryptid Cryptozoologists study evidence of cryptids They try to find out if the creature is really part of an unknown species They also determine whether the creature could be a known species or one thought to be extinct Until a creature is scientifically identified it remains a cryptid 6
People continue to report cryptid sightings today Skeptics believe sightings can’t make up for a lack of scientific evidence But unanswered questions have left many people uncertain Could unexplained creatures be real Bigfoot sightings are particularly common in the Pacific Northwest especially in Washington
