Bigfoot

### Summary

Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is a legendary creature that is said to live in the forests of North America. Bigfoot is a large bipedal ape-like creature who is covered in dark fur and is approximately 8 feet tall.  The origin of the legend is believed to be based on the folklore of indigenous peoples of the North Americas, specifically the Coast Salish and other Pacific Northwest tribes. The first reported sighting of Bigfoot occurred in 1811 near what is now the town of Jasper, Alberta, Canada. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that reports of Bigfoot sightings began to gain widespread attention in North America, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Some famous encounters include the Patterson-Gimlin film, captured in 1967, which shows what appears to be a large creature walking through the forest. This film is probably the most famous encounter of sasquatch.  Despite there being plenty of reports and alleged sightings, no conclusive evidence has ever been found to confirm the existence of Bigfoot. However, there have been many explorations and research efforts dedicated to finding evidence of this elusive creature.

#### History

The first reported sighting of Bigfoot occurred in 1811 near what is now the town of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, when a trader reportedly saw a creature that is large and hairy while investigating the area. In the 1950’s more sightings of Bigfoot began to come out after gaining lots of attention from the media. In the following years, many researchers and Sasquatch enthusiasts have tried to find and research sasquatch, with different outcomes of success. In the 1960s and 1970s, there was many people wanting to research Bigfoot, with many people conducting expeditions and investigations in the Pacific Northwest and other areas where sightings had been reported. One of the most well known attempts to find Bigfoot was the Pacific Northwest Expedition, organized by the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization in the early 1990s. This expedition turned out well even though no evidence of Bigfoot was found. After the investigation took place, it helped raise awareness of Bigfoot and let people know the need for more research of this creature.

#### Legends

There have been many sightings of Sasquatch over the years and plenty of people have claimed to have encounters with it. A few of the most famous sightings of bigfoot are The Patterson-Gimlin Film and The Ape Canyon Incident. In 1967, Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin captured what is arguably the most famous footage of Sasquatch, while on a Bigfoot expedition in northern California. The film shows what appears to be a large, bipedal creature walking through the forest, and is still debated and analyzed by Bigfoot researchers today. The Ape Canyon Incident that happened in 1924, was a group of miners reported being attacked by a group of creatures they believed to be Sasquatch, while working in a remote area near Mount St. Helens in Washington state. This incident helped to popularize the legend of Bigfoot. Another interesting incident was the Albert Ostman Story in 1924, where a Canadian prospector named Albert Ostman claimed to have been abducted and held captive by a family of Sasquatch for several days.

#### Adaptations

As Bigfoot is a legendary creature and its existence remains unproven, there are no well-known adaptations or biological features that have been scientifically confirmed to be associated with Sasquatch. Although, Bigfoot is believed to have several features that help it survive in the wilderness, including exceptional strength and agility, very good senses, and the ability to blend in with its surroundings. It is also said to be nocturnal and highly evasive, which helps it avoid detection by humans. In popular culture, Bigfoot is often depicted as a large, hairy, bipedal creature with human-like characteristics, including intelligence, curiosity, and sometimes aggression. Some depictions of Bigfoot also include adaptations such as night vision and the ability to communicate with other Sasquatch through vocalizations or sign language. While these adaptations are purely fictional and are not based on any scientific evidence, they have become an important part of the legend and folklore surrounding Bigfoot.

#### Analysis

One adaptation that I found is the portrayal of Bigfoot as a peaceful, gentle creature in some depictions. This is different from the traditional image of Bigfoot as a fierce, savage creature, which was often used in the past to explain missing persons or animal attacks in the wilderness. It's likely that this change was made to make Bigfoot more relatable and less threatening to audiences. By portraying Bigfoot as a gentle giant, creators can explore themes of acceptance, coexistence, and the importance of conserving the environment without relying on violence or fear of the creature. This shift in perspective also allows for more distinct storytelling and character development. Another adaptation is the inclusion of Bigfoot in pop culture, such as TV shows, movies, and literature. This has allowed for a wider audience to engage with the Bigfoot stories, creating a shared cultural experience that can be both entertaining and educational as well.

#### Works Cited

*Bigfoot of North America*. The UnMuseum - Big Foot / Sasquatch. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from http://www.unmuseum.org/bigfoot.htm

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). *Sasquatch*. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sasquatch

Lallanilla, M. (2013, September 19). *Looking for Bigfoot? New Map shows where to search*. LiveScience. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.livescience.com/39785-bigfoot-map-sasquatch-sightings-gis.html