A Long History. The idea of an extremely large hairy upright walking creature existing in North America long predates European arrival. Many Native American tribes have passed down stories of these mysterious creatures, often described as hairy men. The term Bigfoot was coined in 1958 when reports of huge, human-like tracks were reported numerous times in the remote wilds of northern of California. Since that time many others throughout the United States and Canada have come forth with reports of similar tracks.
First Video Evidence. Of particular contention is the vintage video footage called the Patterson-Gimlin Film (PGF), acquired in 1967 by Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin. Patterson and Gimlin were on an expedition specifically looking for this legendary creature. The video was said to be taken in the Bluff Creek area of California and shows a very tall and hair-covered figure walking upright away from the camera up a dry river bed. The figure in the frame appears to notice the men and moves away quickly but without real haste. Many debunkers have worked hard over the years to prove ultimately that the film was a hoax, and many believe they have done so. However, some details that can be observed in the video have left many others to go on questioning the possibility of a Sasquatch after four decades.
Skeptics versus the Undecided. One line of skepticism states that the man responsible for the special effects on Planet of the Apes created a costume worn by a confederate. However, no one has ever claimed credit for this very successful one-minute movie. Indeed, any thinking person has to wonder at the extensive arm length and apparent muscle movement visible through the hair. The addition of pendulous, realistic breasts to the supposed costume has also left some reasoning that this is an unlikely afterthought for someone who might be trying to pull a hoax.
Even the BBC has attempted show that this was only a sham and spent large amounts of money having a hairy costume developed. Watching the videos side-by-side has left some puzzling and even more convinced that the PGF might just be what it seems to be.
Make your own observations by going to the Bigfoot Field Researcher Organization (BFRO) website and seeing them both. The BFRO contends that it just might be possible that a native primate that is very good at avoiding contact resides with us here. You be the judge.
Go to BFRO at www.bfro.net/
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