Video: Primatologist Dr. Mireya Mayor of 'Expedition Bigfoot' on Unexpected DNA Results

Expedition Bigfoot is currently airing its second season on Discovery+, and the show is touting mysterious evidence of a "non-human primate presence in the Appalachians." This possible discovery is based on eDNA evidence collected by researcher Ronny LeBlanch and primatologist Dr. Mireya Mayor. 

This is going to be explored in the March 28 Season Two finale of Expedition Bigfoot, but I recently had a chance to talk with Dr. Mayor for Den of Geek. She is the real deal when it comes to her scientific work. Dr. Mayor is a Fulbright Scholar and National Science Foundation Fellow, and for nearly two decades, she has been a wildlife correspondent, reporting on wildlife and habitat loss while advocating for solutions to the alarming trends. Her explorations have led to several scientific discoveries, most notably her co-discovery of the world's smallest primates, a brand-new species to science. 

In the following video, we discuss what eDNA evidence is, and why it matters. Additionally, she opens up on the reason she thinks Sasquatch research should be taken seriously. 

Bigfoot erotica: In the news, but nothing new

When Bigfoot was trending on Twitter this week, it wasn't because anyone had discovered new evidence -- just some evidence of Bigfoot erotica.

Sasquatch's appearance in the news, and on social media, was due to him being brought up in the Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District race between Bigfoot believer Denver Riggleman (R) and Leslie Cockburn (D).

Riggleman is the co-author of the book Bigfoot Exterminators, Inc.: The Partially Cautionary, Mostly True Tale of Monster Hunt 2006, as well as "Mating Habits of Bigfoot, and Why Women Want Him."

And yes, Riggleman also posts about Sasquatch's junk on his own social media. He also talks running for office to allow good, smart people to believe "in whatever Bigfoot they want" (including gluten-intolerant ones).

Regardless of your particular stance on the cryptid's existence, you cannot blame Democrat Cockburn for utilizing this obvious fodder for campaign advertisements against Riggleman. Let's face it: Talking about 'squatchy balls does is low-hanging fruit for some mudslinging.

Still, Riggleman's posts do not really fit under the Bigfoot Erotica genre. But it does exist -- and both author Anne Rice and cryptozoologist Nick Redfern have agreed it is, well, something else.

Bigfoot stalks theaters tonight in horror movie Primal Rage

There's something stalking the woods in the new horror movie Primal Rage, and it may or may not be Bigfoot (called "Oh-Mah" here). Regardless, it seems to have a bad attitude whatever it is, and has taken an interest in a young woman on a camping trip with her bae.

Starring Casey Cagliardi and Andrew Joseph Montgomery, the couple Ashley and Max face off against the creature, brush up on Indigenous American monster lore, and align themselves with some gun toting locals along the way. Primal Rage: Bigfoot Reborn premiered last November at Chicago's Cinepocalypse festival (formerly known as the Bruce Campbell’s Horror Film Festival), but it is available for audiences across the nation to check out tonight as part of an in-theaters Fathom Event.

The directorial debut of special effects artist Patrick Magee (Jurassic Park III, Men in Black 3, AVP: Alien vs. Predator), features some excellent creature design, and appears to be more of a slasher-style monster flick -- complete with some creative kills. Over at Modern Horrors, the film was called "essentially Friday the 13th if Jason Voorhees was Sasquatch" with a "satisfying body count and creative kills in ways that you’d never expect from a bigfoot movie."

Check out the trailer below, and if you're up for some squatchin', check out Primal Rage in theaters tonight.

-Aaron Sagers

'I hope there's Bigfoot': Top sports quotes of 2017

Head Coach Mike Leach, currently of the Washington State Cougars, is known for his interests in a wide array of topics: pirates, chimpanzees, Daniel Boone, and Geronimo to name but a few.

Well, now you can add Bigfoot and aliens to that list.

Back in September, Leach was asked in a fan-submitted question about his thoughts on Bigfoot and aliens at his weekly press conference. Leach is known for being a colorful guy, and his response did not disappoint:

“I hope there’s Bigfoot ... I doubt there is, not to throw a shadow over the rainy forest in Washington, where there’s already a lot of shadows. I hope there’s Bigfoot. I don’t think there is. The reason why I don’t think there is because we’ve found bones of dinosaurs and everything else, but we haven’t found bones that I have heard of of Bigfoot ... It’d be fun if there’s Bigfoot. I hope there’s Bigfoot, but my guess is there is not.”

As such, the quote made it to USA Today's #19 slot on the Top Sports quotes of 2017. That's especially notable considering this is the same year Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving declared the earth is flat, and Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley name checked the Ghost of Christmas Past as a reason a banned substance may have gotten into his system (speaking of substance, there are other quotes on the list of significantly more importance as well).

Anyhow, thanks Coach Leach, for your thoughts on Bigfoot during the 50th anniversary year of the Patterson-Gimlin film. And for letting us know your take on aliens as well:

“Aliens, I suspect there is. I don’t know that they’re little green men and I don’t know if they’re specifically in our galaxy … I don’t know that they’ll be hostile mutants and the rest. They might look remarkably like us or style-wise they evolved in a different direction, maybe buildings, cars different who knows.” 

“On Earth, they say well we’re the only ones. Well, really? Why? Have you been to other planets, have you checked out the other planets? I think it makes more sense that if it happened here, it happened somewhere else than it does that it only happened here. And then we know that there’s galaxies beyond our galaxy. 

“I certainly wouldn’t rule out life somewhere else other than just Earth because to me, that seems like a lot less of a stretch than the notion that ‘oh, we’re only one. We’re the only one special enough that lightning struck a puddle of mud or we’re the only ones special enough that God cares about enough to have life on this planet.’ 

“See, I don’t believe that. Everybody wants to be special but I don’t think we’re that special.”

-Aaron Sagers

New Trailer for 'Blair Witch' Director's Bigfoot Film, 'Exists'

Back in 1999, Eduardo Sánchez directed a little something called "The Blair Witch Project" for a very little amount of cash. The found-footage film did pretty damn well (made for $25k and took in about $240 million) and became one of the most profitable independent films ever made. Fast forward 15 years later and now Sánchez is tackling another woodland menace...Bigfoot.

"Exists" is not a documentary-style film but just the recordings of a group of young folks who go camping in the woods and encounter the elusive beast. When will people learn that camping tends to lead to mayhem? Combine that with some sexy time and that's a sure-fire recipe for disaster. According to Blastr, the film stars: Dora Madison Burge ("Friday Night Lights"); Samuel Davis ("From Dusk Till Dawn"); Denise Williamson ("Friday Night Lights"); Roger Edwards ("Captain Phillips"); Chris Osborn ("Lone Star"); and, Brian Steele ("Hellboy") as the Sasquatch.

Here's the film's synopsis...

For five friends, it was a chance for a summer getaway— a weekend of camping in the Texas Big Thicket. But visions of a carefree vacation are shattered with an accident on a dark and desolate country road. In the wake of the accident, a bloodcurdling force of nature is unleashed—something not exactly human, but not completely animal— an urban legend come to terrifying life…and seeking murderous revenge.

The film is being released on iTunes and in theaters on October 24. Will it be as popular at the Blair Witch? Probably not, but as a rule, don't mess with Sasquatch.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Megan Fox Believes In Bigfoot, Ghosts and 'Everything' Else

Say what you will about Megan Fox, I can't help but like the gal.  Sure, her film choices have been questionable, to say the least, but she has recently come out of the paranormal closet as one of us (ONE OF US!  ONE OF US!).

While promoting her latest film, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Fox sat down with MTV News's Josh Horowitz to discuss the the movie when the conversation took a turn for the supernatural.

Horowitz asked Fox to expound on her Bigfoot beliefs, something she first made public back in July to People Magazine. Citing recent scientific discoveries and the perceived  intelligence of the Bigfoot creatures (Bigfeet?) along with their ability to stay out of sight and evade capture as a few of the reasons why we have yet to have any solid proof of their existence. Fox used these reasons as a defense of her beliefs, much to the amusement of Horowitz.

Horowitz then went on the ask Fox if she believed in UFOs, "Yes, a thousand percent." She said, before adding, "I believe in everything."

The most entertaining part of the interview came when Fox's recent ghostly encounter while on vacation in Mexico with her children and nanny was shared. Fox said the evening beforehand she order a breakfast room service to be delivered at 7:30am. When she heard the door open, the sound of plates being set and coffee being poured at 7 a.m. -- a full half hour before the service was to arrive -- she waited until the commotion died down before going to eat. When she went to the dining area of her hotel room, nothing was there. No plates, hot coffee or breakfast of any kind. Her nanny even asked, "Why was room service here at seven?"

Fox believes since both her and her nanny heard the phantom breakfast service being prepared, there can only be one explanation for it: ghosts.

Fox is a good sport during the interview, especially when Horowitz teases her and  tries to offer rational explanations for her to consider regarding her paranormal encounter in Mexico.

Thanks to our friend Alejandro Rojas over at Huffington Post for bringing this fun story to our attention!

You can check out the interview below.

-Roxy Orcutt 

Get More: Movie Trailers, Celebrity News

New Video of a Possible Bigfoot Sighting in Norway

Courtesy: Bigfoot Research News

The wee folk have a monopoly on Scandinavian folklore but they may have a larger creature to compete with now.

Over at Bigfoot Research News, a new video featuring what looks like a Squatch-like creature just surfaced. The description from the 20-second video reads, "I thought its was a bear. i was hunting in the Woods. but then i saw this thing." Could it be a troll? A fancy bear who likes to walk on two legs? A guy who's in dire need of a waxing? Is a nearby zoo missing one of its residents?

Take a look and let us know what you think...



-Larissa Mrykalo

Bigfoot Video Captured in Alberta, Canada

Photo courtesy of FEARNET

Bigfoot just loves making his way into the news lately. Is he tired of hiding? Did this family enjoying a snowy walk in the woods of Calgary actually find some compelling evidence? Do we need to alert Dean Cain? So many questions...but aren't there always when it comes to this elusive cryptid?

Posted January 31 on GhostTheory.com and mentioned on FEARNET.com, the video depicts a humanoid creature at the edge of the woods near a river and a little girl's voice proclaiming, "That is not a human." Their reactions indicated they truly weren't expecting to see such a creature during their walk and based on these reactions and the way the 22-second video was shot, it's hard to determine if this is an elaborate hoax.

It's a pretty compelling video but we'd love to know if the area was explored further. Were there hair samples taken or footprints captured? Check out both the original video and the slowed down version for a better look at the creature and let us know what you think.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Original Video:


Slowed down and stabilized video:

Bigfoot Erotica Makes For Big Business

"Fifty Shades of Grey" became one of the hottest trends nationwide with its steamy page-by-page erotica involving Christian Grey and the innocent Anastasia Steele. Now, it seems like Sasquatch himself is getting in on all the action. According to the Huffington Post’s Hilary Hanson, “Sasquatch-themed erotica has been around awhile, but the hilariously hairy phenomenon has lumbered its way into the mainstream.”

Author Virginia Wade (a pen name), has created a 3-volume, 16-book eBook series “Moan for Bigfoot,” available for download on Amazon.com . Costing an average of $3.99/installment, it's about the legendary cryptid with sometimes graphic and violent sexual encounters between the beast and his female lovers. The previous title “Cum for Bigfoot” was deemed too offensive so she was forced to change it.

"Business Insider" did an interview with Wade in which she said she just suddenly had “…this crazy idea for a story.” Yeah no kidding… Wade has had no real writing experience other than some few attempts at a historical romance in the mid 90’s. She never even considered submitting it to a mainstream publisher so she turned to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. It wasn’t an overnight success; Wade published with Amazon in 2011 and it wasn’t until 2012 that the book got over 100,000 downloads and nets upward of $30,000 a month. She’s also penned several other monster sex books like “Taken by Pirates” and “Seduced by the Dark Lord” but it’s her Bigfoot erotica that has gained her the most popularity.

It’s not surprising given that the Sasquatch legend has been gaining popularity recently. Spike has
even launched a new one-hour reality show called “10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty” starring Dean Cain. The show features teams of explorers who brazenly try to unearth real evidence of Bigfoot’s existence. The $10 million prize would be the largest cash prize in television history.

As for the Bigfoot erotica, I think I’ll leave that to Author Virginia Wade. I like my Christian Grey to be average height, average build and with a LOT less hair.

-Ashley Adriance

Unidentified Cryptid Filmed in Oregon

According to some footage from YouTube channel Audio Color World, it appears that video evidence of Bigfoot-esque creature, the Pacific Northwest's most elusive cryptid, has been captured.

The footage shows a strange, almost human-like figure, crouching amongst some bushes on the side of the road. For two and a half minutes, the camera focuses on the creature as it forages around in the plants. Aside from the alleged filming location of Oregon, there isn't any other information to go along with the clip.

Despite the relatively clear view of the mysterious beast, the footage appears to be computer generated, as evidenced by the fluidity of the movement. The lack of footage leading up to or following the event are also suspect, leading many to believe this is part of an unnamed viral marketing campaign or an elaborate hoax. Watch the clip and let us know what you think in the comments.



-Nowal Massari

Amazon Making "Cryptozoological Erotica" as Elusive as Bigfoot

Retitled Image available on Amazon.com

Erotic romance novels have been around for quite some time, and in this age of technology, more accessible than ever via ebook downloads. One would think that all of the stories have been told already, however there is a growing niche in the world of erotica; cryptozoology and the paranormal. However, a number of ebook retailers, most notably Amazon, is cracking down on their work and making it extremely difficult for them to sell their stories.

'10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty' Debuts on Spike TV this January

One of the largest cash prizes in television history is on the line and it all depends on finding irrefutable proof of one thing…the existence of Bigfoot. Spike TV’s “10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty” debuts on Friday, January 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The expedition is hosted and lead by avid outdoorsman and former Superman, Dean Cain and features world respected scientist and researcher, Todd Disotell, Ph.D. and primatologist, Natalia Reagan.

In addition to the scientists, Spike has hand-selected the strongest competitors and have provided state-of-the-art equipment that will aid in their hunt for the elusive Sasquatch in the remote corners of the Pacific Northwest. The $10 million cash prize is underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.

FX Orders Pilot for 'Bigfoot' Animated Series

Photo Courtesy: Amazon.com

Back in May, we were excited to hear that the FX Network was in development on an animated series featuring Bigfoot. We’ve just heard some more good news ...

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network has placed a pilot order for an animated comedy based on the “autobiographical” books Bigfoot, by Graham Roumieu.

According to the report and FX Productions, “Bigfoot is an adaption of Roumieu's comedic works In Me Own Words, Me Write Book and I Not Dead. The series follows Bigfoot, everyone's favorite crypto-zoological hominid as a modern-day everyman who struggles with life's philosophical quandaries as well as his own animalistic tendencies.”

Comedic actor, Seth Rogen (This is the End) and writer, Evan Goldberg (The Watch, Superbad) will serve as executive producers along Archer creator Adam Reed and Graham Roumieu, Jimmy Miller, Matt Thompson and Sam Hansen. Matt McKenna (American Dad) will write and act as supervising producer.

Rogen promises that “This will be the greatest show about an animated Bigfoot ever made.” We sure hope so, Seth!

We’ll keep you posted on when the pilot will air.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Seth Rogen to exec-produce Bigfoot show

Members of Team Bigfoot rejoice! The FX Network (home to Archer) is in development on an animated
series starring our favorite cryptid, Bigfoot.

Based on Graham Roumieu “autobiographical” graphic novels, In Me Own Words, Me Write Book, and I Not Dead, Deadline reports that Bigfoot will be penned by Matt McKenna (American Dad). Comedian and all-around Renaissance man, Seth Rogen will executive produce along with Evan Goldberg (Superbad, This is the End).

This Bigfoot is described by as “a bipolar hopeless romantic that lacks the ability to properly express himself, living in both the human and animal world of Pine Falls but not quite fitting in to either one.”

Fingers crossed that Rogen will lend his voice to the character. We think he’d be a perfect fit.

No air date has been announced for the pilot, but we’ll keep you posted.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Dig It: Poster for Bobcat Goldthwait's Bigfoot horror-comedy 'Willow Creek'

Our friends over FEARnet (and via Badass Digest) turned us on to this new poster from comedian/director Bobcat Goldthwait's upcoming found footage horror-comedy about Bigfoot, titled Willow Creek. And this poster is just so, so cool. It really nails it and makes me salivate to see the movie.

The film, which debuts April 29 at the Boston Independent Film Festival, deals heavily with the famous 1967 Patterson Gimlin Bigfoot footage. Badass Digest spoke with Goldthwait, who they say has gone down the rabbit hole of Bigfoot research, and they promise some great video with the director very soon.

I just learned about the movie but am already quite stoked.

After you bask in the awesomeness of the poster, check out the official synopsis for Willow Creek after the jump...

New Bigfoot docs stomp onto scene

Will this be the summer of Bigfoot? Unlikely that the Squatch will dominate over Tony Stark and Iron Man 3 but there will be two new films available in the next few months that involve historical reports about the Notorious B.I.G.(foot).

The first is Raw Footage Films' Mountain Devil: The Search for Frank Peterson, the story of a man who claims to have had ongoing encounters with Bigfoot while owning a cabin in Pennsylvania. His name and location has been changed, but the story is based on his alleged interactions with the beast.

U.S. Government's official Yeti policy

Courtesy BuzzFeed, the following is a 1959 dispatch from the U.S. government on what to do if you're Yeti hunting in Nepal.

According to the rules from the American embassy, an intrepid Yeti tracker had to pony up to the Nepalese government for a permit; they weren't allowed to kill or shoot at the creature, unless in self defense; all evidence had to be surrendered to the government of Nepal; and all publicity must be submitted to that government before it is published.

Of course, this isn't the first time the U.S. has gotten caught up with the Bigfoot-like cryptid. Back in 1893, Teddy Roosevelt wrote of an encounter with a sasquatch. Also remember that this was a peak season for Bigfoot; in 1951a famous pair of supposed Yeti tracks by famous British mountaineer Eric Shipton. And in 1958, the famous Bluff Creek Bigfoot sightings gained popularity (and were investigated by Yeti believer Tom Slick).

-Aaron Sagers

The 'Top 12 for 2012' paranormal news stories

BY AARON SAGERS

The paranormal world was active in 2012 as the unexplained topped the headlines of major media outlets several times. And with the Mayan apocalypse predictions out there, you might even say 2012 was (almost) the year to end all others. Evidence was purported, and sometimes the absence of evidence was the story. But to close out the year, here is my list of the Top 12 for 2012 paranormal stories for the Travel Channel.

Mayan Calendar Ends

It was an event 400 years in the making, or about one “baktun” cycle, in jaguar priest lingo. It seemed everyone was dancing the Apocalypso in 2012 leading up to the end of the nonrepeating Mayan long count calendar on Dec. 21. But the big day came and went without a big finale -- even though enough people were freaked out that NASA and other organizations sought to quell concerns. But a major solar flare didn’t crash the electrical grid, civilization didn’t collapse, there wasn’t a global spiritual awakening and the planet managed to turn for another day. So even though this was the biggest potential paranormal event of the year, you still have to pay off those Christmas gifts on your credit card.

Bigfoot DNA Discovery

Is Sasquatch a man or monkey? In late November, Texas veterinarian Melba Ketchum said he’s both, according to DNA she says proves the cryptid’s existence. A specialist in animal DNA testing, Ketchum began analyzing more than 100 samples collected by Bigfoot hunters about 5 years ago, and says the hairy guy is a “human hybrid.” Ketchum’s work is currently undergoing “peer review,” so the scientific community has not signed off on it.

Click here to read the rest on the Travel Channel website...

'Squatch Speaks' for love of Cousins Subs

McCoy with Squatch, courtesy QSR

Apparently, the search for the elusive hominid, Sasquatch, a.k.a. Bigfoot, is over. It’s all due to his love for subs, a.k.a. grinders, a.k.a. hoagies (depending on your geographical location).

Cousins Subs has a great campaign going that features a very cool and, dare I say, sexy Squatch. The 40-year-old sandwich business, started by two cousins and their wives in Milwaukee, Wis., has apparently enticed the Squatch out of hiding by bribing him with their delicious product.

Partridge vs. Brady vs. Bigfoot? Danny Bonaduce, Barry Williams on their Syfy movie

Bonaduce and Williams spot a big threat. Courtesy Syfy

BY AARON SAGERS

What happens when two seventies icons take on a cryptozoological wonder? It becomes the basis for yet another awesome Syfy monster movie.

Airing tonight at 9 p.m. the plot of the Syfy original movie Bigfoot - starring former teen idols Barry Williams from The Brady Bunch and Danny Bonaduce of The Partridge Family - revolves around a conservationist and DJ who fight against each other before teaming up to fight against a really, really large Sasquatch.

Then again, does the plot even matter in these fantastic films that are a cheese-and-ham sandwich of pop culture? Nope, we're tuning in for the intentionally B-level awesomeness with stunt casting. In this case, the stunt casting also includes Howard Hesseman (Head of the Class), Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), Andre Royo (The Wire) and shock rocker Alice Cooper (Dark Shadows).

Even the director is inspired, since it's Oscar and Emmy nominee Bruce Davison (X-Men) - who starred in the Harry and the Hendersons TV show!

Along with Jersey Shore Shark Attack, Bigfoot ranks as one the more entertaining Syfy monster flicks, along with Sharktopus and Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.

Williams and Bonaduce joined Paranormal Pop Culture for a quick chat about pursuing the missing link...(after the jump)