Loren Coleman and the Hunt for Cryptids
Interview with One of World's Leading Cryptozoologists
Loren Coleman has traveled the world to research cryptozoological evidence and folklore since alleged sightings of the Abominable Snowmen caught his attention over four decades ago. Coleman has researched and investigated leading Black Panther sightings and sightings of Napes (North American Apes) in the American Midwest.
His research has also taken him to Canada, Mexico, Scotland, and the Virgin Islands, where he has interviewed witnesses of Lake Monsters, Bigfoot, Giant Snakes, Mystery Felids, Mothman, Thunderbirds, and numerous other cryptid creatures. In the following interview, Coleman talks about the mysterious field of cryptozoology.
Eppig: If Cryptozoology is the Study of Hidden Animals, Does This Study Include Any Animals Yet Undiscovered or are there Certain Requirements for an Animal to be Classified as a Cryptid?
Coleman: "The animal has to be usually larger than a small mammal or bird, and does have to be ethnoknown. It can't be a hidden animal that no one knows about and be part of cryptozoology, thus that's why there is some importance to folklore, legends, and traditions.
"Eyewitness accounts, footprint finds for land cryptids or sonor/sonic recordings for water ones, and other tangible evidence are part of the building blocks for a good case to be made for a cryptid."
Are Cryptozoology and Anthropology Related?
"Cryptozoology comes into play in anthropology through the special study area we call homonology, which is the study of unknown, usually hairy homonoids.
"These include the Kaptar, Almas, Yowie, Yeti, Yeren, Bigfoot, and others from another the world."
What is the International Cryptozoology Museum?
"In 2003, after collecting artifacts, evidence, and popular culture items for over four decades, I decided to buy a small house and turn half of it into the International Cryptozoology Museum.
"Researchers, media, and invited guests routinely visit to examine the contains. Several of the museum's items were loaned to two institutions in 2005-2006 who had cryptozoology exhibitions."
How Important is Skepticism in This Field? How is it Important for You Personally?
"Skepticism within cryptozoology is extremely critical, and I don't know a good cryptozoologist that isn't skeptical. This is as opposed to debunkers who have already made up their mind that cryptozoology is pseudoscience and merely dismiss everything without looking.
"As a cryptozoologist, I am well aware that about 80% of what comes my way is misidentifications, mistakes, mundane animals, and a few fakes and hoaxes. But it is that core 20% that keeps us going, for new animals are discovered every month. If we don't look, we don't find them."
Describe the Process of Searching for Hidden Animals - What is Involved?
"I think I should best summarize the process as containing two important components: passion and patience. To search for hidden animals, you must gather data - of all kinds - from many fields - and you then have to follow these leads.
"Cryptozoology is a philosophy, a methodology, and a mind-set. It is the grand natural history detective story, and one must have great staying ability to not rush, to track down all the avenues that must be studied, and to not overlook even the most fantastic clues, for they could be keys to new info tomorrow."
Sources:
- Coleman, Loren. Interview by Emily Jeanne Eppig. 17 October 2007.
Loren Coleman and Bigfoot
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