It’s been nearly two years since the publication of my first novel. And since then, one thing I’ve often been asked pertains to one or two pages in Chapter 4.

DenCom’s CEO, Benedict, brings up his past expeditions in search of Sasquatch, and often, reader response is similar to this:

“Bigfoot? Why the hell are we talking about Bigfoot? This is a thriller novel, right? I want something believable! Give me shoe phones and exploding pens!”

…Ok, maybe it’s put a little nicer than that.

Usually, it’s a casual enough question. I’m talking to people about the novel or I’ve just read at an event, and I get asked if I believe in cryptids, namely Bigfoot.

Now, let me preface the rest of this essay by saying I’ve never gone out in the woods and looked for Bigfoot, nor do I recall meeting anyone who has. I will admit, my beliefs on the subject of cryptids and most “paranormal” or “supernatural” things typically align with the works of John Keel, but for the sake of time, I’ll try and make things a little simpler in this post.

For those who don’t know, the word “cryptid” is used to describe an animal that has not been proven to exist by science. Several cryptids have been found, but not anything of note in recent years. Looking back into the last century or two, we may find such “cryptids” as the giant squid or several species of gorilla, the latter of which was often described as a wild man by natives to less-than-open-minded explorers.

Sound familiar?

In the last few years, I’ve stopped trying to make a case for Bigfoot, Sasquatch, the Yeti, Yowe or any humanoid ape roaming around undiscovered, the lone exception being Orang Pendeck. I won’t go into too much detail here, but the evidence in favor of Sumatra’s little hairy man is stacking up. The cryptid may be an undiscovered relative, if not an undiscovered species, of orangutans. The last distinct species of orangutan described, P. tapanuliensis, was documented as recently as 2017, and while I wouldn’t call it a found “cryptid”, it’s evidence enough that there are plenty of animals left out there to be discovered, even among the great apes.

So that being said, what are my thoughts on cryptid hominids, particularly Bigfoot?

Well, if it’s still out there after nearly fifty years of “modern” searching and centuries of reports, then we’re obviously doing something wrong.

Alternatively, if someone’s been running around in an ape suit looking for attention since 986 AD*, then why aren’t they selling the secret of eternal life instead? I’m sure that would get them plenty of attention!

But if there is an undiscovered species of great ape roaming around North America, the Himalayas, inland Australia, and Sumatra, then why haven’t we found any hard evidence, like a body?

Well, let’s assume we have looked everywhere–which we haven’t–and there are still pieces of scientific evidence that say “yep, something’s out there”. What does that mean? Why do we have this proof after every stone’s been turned? Are they all elaborate fakes? Can these scientists not tell the difference between a plaster impression and a real, honest to God footprint? 

But if we’ve looked everywhere and are still left with evidence that says “yes, the creature exists”, then what does that mean?

Probably nothing.

Let’s be honest, I could tell you what it means, but who gives a damn?

Really, what would the difference be? To most people, it’d be like smelling a fart in an empty elevator. It takes more than one person to play the “whodunit” game, so what if it’s just you in there? And you know for a fact that you didn’t slice that particular wheel of Limburger. What does it mean?

It means you’re worried about a fart.

…That’s a bit harsh.

So you all must think I don’t believe in any of this crap, right?

Wrong! 

I believe something is out there, but I’m going in knowing there is a legitimate chance I’m wrong. Does that mean I’m willing to go out in the woods and look for Bigfoot? Well, no one’s asked me yet, but if someone did and I could make the trip, I would be happy to tag along, if for no other reason than to say I did it.

Something is out there. A legend–that much is certain. A creature, perhaps. It’s happened before: Legends and rumors prove all too factual, often revealed with a bang… or a whimper.

Or nothing.

That’s all for now. See you next week with another chapter of Michael Ridding!

-S.T. Hoover

What am I watching?:

I’ve decided to link to a video on John A. Keel’s uniting theory of the paranormal. It’s no substitute for his work, but for those who want to dig a little deeper, it’s a good starting point.

*986 AD is supposedly the year Leif Erickson saw a Sasquatch, but this is up for debate. According to historians, Leif Erickson wasn’t even born yet! Only mentioned because it’s referenced to death in Bigfoot lore.