| Bigfoot
Encounters "An Attempt to Obtain a Specimen of a Sasquatch Through Prolonged Fieldwork" |
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…"I was arrested by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department for possession of an infrared sniper scope.." |
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INTRODUCTION Between May 19, 1984, and September 6, 1984, the author undertook fieldwork in the U.S. Pacific Northwest (California) in an attempt to obtain a specimen of the supposed North American Sasquatch (Bigfoot). The exact location of the fieldwork has been kept confidential for several reasons: the publicity surrounding the expedition became a storm of controversy, with potentially serious legal implications; some hostile members of the public threatened to follow and disrupt the expedition; and I felt a responsibility to keep overzealous people from tramping through the target area, which would compromise the fieldwork, as well as harm the local environment and possibly the intruders as well.
That said, let me state that the method was to obtain, if possible, a Sasquatch specimen with a rifle. Photos are not considered proof, as has been demonstrated in the past. Also, as the physiology of the supposed animal is unknown, attempts at tranquilization would probably not be successful. Approximately 12 years of prior but low-key interest in, and research on, the subject led to me undertake the endeavor and to finance it personally. My conviction that a real zoological problem existed crystallized when I discovered sets of unidentifiable tracks in 1980 in a remote area of the San Gabriel Mountains in southern California. A large body of physical, circumstantial, and anecdotal evidence indicates that such a creature as Sasquatch actually exists, can be collected, and therefore warrants an attempt to do so. It is clear such an attempt must involve a long-term commitment, and its success can only be through perseverance and determination. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION On May 19, 1984, my associate James Wyatt and I were dropped off in the snow on a backcountry road. A 10-hour hike took us into a valley targeted for the search. Surprisingly, the expected food resources thought to be available were not present, and near-starvation forced us to evacuate the area by a 17-hour trek on May 24. We found three supposed Sasquatch tracks on our way out, which was heartening, but about which we could do nothing other than take photos and make field sketches. The second track, 12 inches in length, was the best of the three. It was very clear, and only about 24 hours old. The tracks were found on gravel sand bar in a creek. After reentry on June 4, 1984, we were subjected to near-freezing temperatures and constant rainfall, which lasted until the 9th. A shelter erected during that time was designated the base camp. It was of logs and brush; no tents or sleeping bags were used. Also, we depended entirely on an all-grain diet, rather than attempt to hunt legal game, as gunfire and blood scent could be counterproductive. We each subsisted on five handfuls of grain a day, with an occasional piece of carefully hoarded salami taken along for its fat content. Our weight allowance permitted us to pack in 3 weeks' worth of food at a time before re-supply was necessary. Other equipment included
the following three major items: 2) Several PSID sensors: these are military seismic sensors used for monitoring movement near the base camp. 3) A .338 Winchester magnum rifle, which I feel is of sufficient caliber to bring down a large ape. Bear (Ursus americanus) were encountered often. Our first bear attack occurred on June 9; it resulted from mutual surprise, but turned out well for all. The only other disagreeable encounter was when one stalked me to within 15 feet, at which point it fled when confronted. A single, good supposed Sasquatch track, 13 inches long, was found in a boggy area on June 17. Fieldwork continued until June 23, the re-supply date at which time we hiked out of the valley. As we sat on the roadside waiting, I decided to gather wood to make a small beacon for the expected re-supply driver. It was then that we had the most exciting find of the expedition. A large scuff mark between two trees caused me to look further, and I found a series of four good bipedal tracks approximately one hour old. Circumstances indicated that the animal was on the road, heard our approach, and hurriedly fled the area. No other evidence was found at the site. Photos were taken and drawings were made. The tracks were about 13 inches long, and closely resembled those of May 24. The weight of the animal was estimated at 500 lbs. The time of their deposition was estimated at 7 p.m. Upon our return to Eureka, California, I was arrested by the Humboldt County Sheriffs Department for possession of an infrared sniper scope. I had taken it to a gun shop to have the mount repaired. The alleged violation was of California Penal Code, Sec. 468, which prohibits the use of infrared sniper scopes except by law enforcement agencies. After 4 days, however, the charges were dropped, the scope was returned, and it was admitted that I possessed only a Starlight scope, which is quite legal. During that period, Robert Moore replaced James Wyatt as my field associate, although he was only available for 3 weeks. Requisite self-discipline was paramount in any field participant, due to the harsh conditions of the fieldwork. We not only stalked through rough and difficult terrain, but we were often required to lie immobile for hours in rocks and timber while we observed areas of interest. This was often the case at night also, so sleep was obtained only sporadically. In July, scat was
found with two sets of tracks (big and small). I estimated them to be
about 10 days old. The fecal sample was sent to the International Society
of Cryptozoology for analysis, as was a fossil claw found in a streambed. As to other animal life encountered, we saw an abundance of bear, deer, grouse, gray squirrels, and mice. Flora comprised first-growth Douglas fir, huge cedars, aspen, and huckleberries. We also encountered patches of a relic plant known commonly as "Cobra lilies." In no part of the target area did we find any evidence whatsoever of human passage, and, indeed, the nearest human habitation was about 70 miles from us. The last segment of the expedition I conducted alone, as other participants were not available. By September my funds were exhausted, and the fieldwork was terminated, although I had hoped to continue into mid-October. RESULTS Other results are a more complete logistical understanding of the requirements for low-profile hunting of this supposed type of animal, with the supposition that the area is deserving of extended scrutiny; three such animals appeared to be using the area. FUTURE PLANS © MARK E. KELLER Back to Biology, Scientific Papers and Field Reports Portions of this website are reprinted and sometimes edited to fit the standards of this website under the Fair Use Doctrine of International Copyright Law |