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Photo Credit: Mike Katzif/NPR
Find NPR music's entire coverage from the 2011 Sasquatch Music Festival here: www.npr.org/sasquatch/
Sasquatch, commonly known as Bigfoot, is a large, hairy, ape-like creature of North American folklore. It is a cryptid, meaning its existence is suggested but not scientifically confirmed, much like the Abominable Snowman or Yeti of the Himalayas. The name "Sasquatch" is an anglicization of the Halq'emeylem word *Sasq'ets*, meaning "wild man" or "hairy man," and is deeply rooted in the traditional beliefs of First Nations peoples in the Pacific Northwest. Stories of these "wild men" have been part of indigenous oral traditions for centuries, often describing them as beings with deeply rooted cultural significance.
Descriptions of Sasquatch are remarkably consistent among eyewitness accounts. The creature is typically described as a bipedal primate, standing on two feet, with a height ranging from six to fifteen feet tall. It is said to be covered in long, dark hair, with colors varying from black and dark brown to a reddish-brown hue. Common physical characteristics include broad shoulders, long arms that reportedly hang down to its knees, and a flat face with a receding forehead. Some accounts also mention a strong, foul odor and a range of vocalizations, from high-pitched cries and whistles to screams and growls.
The legend of Sasquatch has been fueled by numerous alleged sightings, footprint discoveries, and even purported photographic and video evidence. The most famous example is the Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967, which shows a large, bipedal figure striding through a clearing in northern California. While many people believe this footage is authentic, skeptics argue that it is a hoax, likely a person in a costume. Other forms of evidence, such as oversized footprints measuring up to 24 inches long, have also been widely reported. The creature is often said to be nonaggressive, but stories like the 1924 "Ape Canyon" incident, where prospectors claimed to have been attacked by rock-throwing "gorilla-men," add a more menacing dimension to its folklore.
Despite the numerous claims, the scientific community does not recognize the existence of Sasquatch due to the lack of verifiable physical evidence. No body, bone, or other irrefutable proof has ever been recovered. Researchers who have examined alleged evidence, such as hair or fecal samples, have often found them to belong to known animals like bears or coyotes, or to be from a hoax. Scientists frequently attribute sightings to the misidentification of known animals, particularly black bears, which can stand on their hind legs and appear surprisingly human-like from a distance. As a result, Sasquatch remains a figure of modern cryptozoology and popular culture rather than a recognized species.
For some reason this year I have two holiday sweater-themed parties I am to attend to. I decided to make my own.
Located north of Harrison Hot Springs, Sasquatch Provincial Park is characterized by a series of pocket lakes, a unique second-growth and birch forest, and scenic mountain ridges.
Hicks and Deer Lakes are ideal for motor-boating and canoeing, while Trout Lake provides a tranquil fishing experience. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking
Image best viewed in Large screen. Thank-you for your visit, and any comments or faves are much appreciated! ~Sonja
Photo Credit: Alex Crick for KEXP
Find NPR music's entire coverage from the 2011 Sasquatch Music Festival here: www.npr.org/sasquatch/