| Cryptozoology is the study of hidden animals, those suspected but unproven. It is concerned with creatures whose existence is suggested by eyewitness and trace evidence, but not yet verified with incontrovertible proof. The best known examples include Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, Yeti, and Sea Serpents. The existence of these creatures seems unlikely; if they were there, wouldn't we have convincing evidence? Specifically, shouldn't we have preserved specimens safely housed in museum collections, available for all to see? My career as a field biologist was partly inspired by my interest in cryptozoology. It was the reading of books on Bigfoot and other "monsters" that first introduced me to scientific nomenclature, field work, and many of the known extant megafauna of the world. In addition, the search for these creatures can be an exhilarating adventure. Cryptozoology's combination of excitement and science encouraged me to become involved in biology in high school, and to eventually pursue a biology degree in college. I felt I was gaining knowledge and skills that would be helpful for my pursuit of these creatures. I became involved in Bigfoot research in Ohio, as this creature was the closest to home and the most easily accessible for me. In addition, there had been a series of reports the year I was born, and I grew up hearing about those sightings and seeing the plaster cast of a 17" footprint. My uncle had poured that cast and had been involved in some of the investigations of those sightings, thus I had a direct connection to the hunt for this creature. I began meeting more people with claims that they had actually seen one of these creatures in Ohio. I admit that I slight my scientific training a bit: eyewitness reports are notoriously unreliable. It is very easy to forget details, remember incorrectly, or perceive inaccurately. However, there are reports that I have a tough time dismissing: good viewing conditions and seemingly honest witnesses argue against misidentification or hoax. I do not state that such creatures exist. I readily admit that the present evidence does not constitute proof. However, I am intrigued by the possibilities, and I believe that research can be conducted in a methodical and scientific manner. It is easy to dismiss claims of such creatures as fantasy, hallucination, or fraud, and each of those explanations is certainly warranted in many instances. I am interested in those claims that can't be easily dismissed, and I feel that my scientific background gives me appropriate reasoning and an objective mindset for evaluating reports and the biological questions that they raise. It is a fascinating area of inquiry for me, and my cryptozoological interests have certainly facilitated my understanding concerning the nature of science. |