In the Field with Bigfoot's Ancestors (feat. Best Virginia Podcast & Matthew Schang)

Where did bigfoot come from - and where did he go? Today, we discuss several different bigfoot theories, follow their dramatic trek to North America, and discuss signs of bigfoot activity.

SPECIAL GUESTS
Many thanks to our special guests: Matt from the Mothboys & Jordan from the Best Virginia Podcast

Special guest Best Virginia Podcast.
Special guest Matthew Schang.
Writing, narrating, & editing by Ballyraven.
Production direction and interviewing by Andy Rhode.

MUSIC
Kirk Osamayo - Video Game Snowy Night
Kirk Osamayo - Star Field
The Waiters - 13 O' Clock in the Morning [excerpt]
Doctor Turtle - The Mountains Don't Care About You
Doctor Turtle - Wherever I Lay My Hat, That's My Wife
Doctor Turtle - Go Tell It On The Molehill
Doctor Turtle - Today's Special_ Jam Tomorrow
Doctor Turtle - The Ants Built A City On His Chest
Doctor Turtle - And the Darkness Grew Like a Tree
Doctor Turtle - Over the Water, Humans Gather
Ben von Wildenhaus - Week Four
Ben von Wildenhaus - Week Two
Ben von Wildenhaus - Week One

SOUND EFFECTS
passAirmangrace "RadioTune_2_bip.wav"
szegvari "Old Vintage Radio - Little_Joe_Adventures (Broadway - Piano, Symphonic Orchestra)"
kMoon "Static_Radio.wav"
klankbeeld "Weather station on 5450 kHz in USB RAF Volmet 220113.wav", "Edge summer forest Roond NL 200619_0186.ogg"
AlienXXX "Radio_noise_2014-09-06T23-13.wav"
Breviceps "Mystery Jingle"
richwise " Very windy"
InspectorJ "Wind, Realistic, A.wav", "Whistle, Finger, Long, A.wav", "Rain, Moderate, A.wav"
spoonbender "Wind Through Trees 3b"
TheGloomWorker "Rain Drips"
FlatHill "Rain and Thunder 4"
inuetc Heavy Rain Sound - Inu Etc.mp3
straget "Thunder"
klankbeeld "Gull at the coast 824AM 210303_0264.wav"
iamaviolin "Seagull Calls"
Bidone "Gibbon Monkey.mp3", "Affen schreit.mp3"
xserra "monkeys-1.wav"
INNORECORDS "Zen Ocean Waves,Ocean Waves Ambience.mp3"
Ali_6868 "Waves Crashing Against Wall/Break Water 2"
Defaultv "Wind_howl_minor.mp3"
swiftoid "wind_howl2_stereo.wav"
acrobatr

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Transcript

Based on real field research, this episode is narrated and written by the Ballyraven, and directed and edited by Andy Rhode.

Forfend is funded by the Ballyraven Patreon and Forfend Wilderness Protection Agents: [Tonya Downing, Julia Tegge, Matthew Schang, Chris Lempa, Shelby Fulton, Kasey Reed, Donovan Scherer, Heather, Michael Schang, Tracey and Litta Puckett, T. Carter Ross, Ronald Miller, and Daniel Berry]. Additional funding and support are provided by listeners like you.

The sky turned black on the horizon. The eyes that stared up from the trees had not seen such a thing before: a darkness that was swirling, creeping overhead. As the world around began to sway in the breeze, a quiet resonated from the forest. The darkness loomed nearer and nearer, blotting out the last little light. Strengthening, the ominous mass was the sky.

Wind howled, violently shaking its residents free from limb and leaf. The usual pitter-patter of rain that gradually fell from a graying view was absent; the sky, instead, sent pounding waterfalls. Hard, cold pellets buffeted creatures of all kinds. Puddles turned to rivers, which joined and swept away the smallest, weakest, slowest. The beating of rain and screech of wind drowned out the cries and screams of the coastal animals struggling against the storm. After a bright flash of light, a mighty roar shook the ground, terrorizing the community even moreso.

As if being fed by the destruction, the ocean’s waves grew taller, more violent, reaching deeper and deeper inland, swallowing any bit it found. Flickers and flashes and booms, the flora bent to the storm’s will, tearing free even those that held onto the earth's depths. Flying through the air were shrubbery, fern, tree, and flailing bodies. The landscape flattened, tearing itself apart - even the ground giving in.

A working team, torrents of water and crashing waves ripped chunks of land from its place. Thrown into the ocean, these new islands bobbed and drifted further and further away. Dots in a vast emptiness, bark, leaf, bird, and bits of every little thing littered the waves. Far from home, which was now completely out of view, the seas calmed, the clouds cleared, wind abated, and thunder was only a distant rumble. A lone, soggy, and frightened monkey clung to a jagged stone; had anything survived? Or was it alone on this floating, broken clump, wading among the stars?

Bigfeet originate from an intense weather event that took place 35 million years ago; torrential flooding sending mats of vegetation and chunks of land downstream, several African primates found themselves stranded on small landmasses in the middle of the ocean. As the water between continents was not as vast at the time, after nearly three weeks of drifting, some of the animals saw new land. Starved, they left their rafts for good and an extraordinary lineage began.

Adapting to and growing within their South American homes, primate groups developed and dispersed. Different groups changed in height, mass, intelligence, and coloration. Eventually, the mammals little resembled each other. Some thrived in this new location, while others were wiped out quickly; several slowly died out as the environment around them became increasingly inhospitable. The most familiar of these creatures transitioned into what is currently known as the “New World Monkeys.” Another group proved to be more adaptive and cunning than the rest: the “Bigfeet.” 

Bigfeet grew to be larger, smarter, and more stealthily communicative beasts. Living in resource-rich areas or following the migrations of animals, bigfeet had longer lifespans, fewer offspring, versatile diets, and depended on being hidden to endure. They dispersed across South America and cultivated traits primed for stealth in every climate except the tropical and subtropical desert. Even with a knack for survival, bigfeet were－and are－the smallest population of primates in any area they inhabit.

Bigfeet are a taxonomical family, Magnipidae (MAG- nih - pih - day), which can be divided into genera and species; all are commonly referred to as ‘bigfoot’ (or the regional equivalent) by laypersons. In South America, three genera were established: Multapulus (MULL- top - you - LUSS) settled north, Summumulus (SUH - mum- you - LUS) settled higher elevations, and Immanulus (EM - MAHN - you - LUSS), settled throughout the continent.

Bigfeet did not migrate into North America until long after their arrival below. Territorial disputes between two northwestern communities were ultimately responsible for their journey. The victor of these battles mercilessly ousted the loser farther and farther north; the altercations occurred so frequently that wounds had no time to heal and the creatures no moment to regroup or relocate－only run and perish. Pushed back into coastal regions, those that survived did so by island hopping or living nomadically. Inhabiting the land of modern-day Mexico, bigfeet continuously traveled north and replenished their numbers. Some groups diverged from the pack and settled the land; these bigfeet led to distinct species in Mexico, like the Quinametzin or Sisimito. 

By the time bigfeet reached the modern-day Mexican border, several communities had emerged. The first crossed through what is currently Arizona and spread northwestward; thousands of years later, groups traversed along the coast of modern-day Texas－some heading northeast, others following the coast. 

Generally, ‘bigfoot’ is a loose term for any humanoid creature that is large, hairy, intelligent, and travels on two legs. Most are reported to have an acute sense of smell, an omnivorous diet, a foul odor, and a muscular body. Bigfoot and bigfoot-like creatures appear on all seven continents. The primates known as bigfoot in the Americas are closely related to Platyrrhini monkeys, sharing a closer, common ancestor; these are catergorized as True Bigfeet. Those found elsewhere are descendants of hominid creatures and are categorized as Apemen. American bigfeet have longer, thinner limbs, whereas Apemen have body proportions somewhat closer to that of a human with a broader torso. Nevertheless, globally, bigfeet showcase divergent evolution in several manners, such as gait.

A characteristic that distinguishes bigfeet from other two-legged creatures is their walking posture: crouching while swinging their arms in a broad arc, taking wide, bounding strides, and tipping their head downwards. Exhibiting human-like, monkey, or ape-ish facial features, the average bigfoot is reported to have a disproportionately sized head with a large forehead, beady, squinted eyes, a flat nose, and facial hair framing the face. However, bigfeet can vary drastically from species to species and region to region. All, however, have humanoid silhouettes and overly large feet when compared to homo sapiens.

An elusive entity, bigfeet are not often seen unless they desire to be. Trading coloration and loud displays for a longer, slower life and huge, powerful form, bigfeet typically spend life in a quiet solitude. Having impeccable senses, when a threat or curiosity is spotted, a bigfoot slows its breathing and remains motionless. While size hinders stealth in other species, bigfeet have evolved to resemble wide patches of vegetation or stocky trees. However, this does not mean they are never noticed. Whereas most animals avoid human activity, bigfeet are drawn to it. As humans may look similar to bigfoot children, they can elicit positive emotions, parental attention, concern, or passing interest; humans may also appear as weaker, trespassing bigfeet, evoking hostility, displays of dominance, or predatory behavior. Nonetheless, the similarities between the two will always draw the wonder of the other.

As bigfeet are interested in humans, humans are fascinated by bigfeet. Appearing throughout folklore, humans often depict bigfeet with long arms, clumsy fingers, short necks, and broad shoulders. Some are depicted as animalistic or barbaric, violently attacking those who cross their path. Others are portrayed as gentle and intelligent, sometimes saving humans from harm. Rarer, the creatures are described as having incredible supernatural powers. There are even stories of bigfeet and humans attempting to communicate with each other or becoming lovers. Most stories, however, are of theft, surprise, or strange sounds in the night.

Though the history of bigfeet and humans are entangled, bigfeet existed on the continent long before humans; the first encounter between the two must have been strange and exciting.

True Bigfeet are especially active in certain regions of the United States: the Pacific (especially along the coastline); the Appalachian region (particularly PA, WV, and NY); the eastern Midwest; Florida; and northern Texas. Entities that are related to True Bigfeet, but split  include Skunk Apes, Yowies, Polar Men, Yetis, Yeren, and Almas. 

While many types of bigfeet exist in numerous locations, few will ever lay eyes on one. So fascinated by the creatures, people have developed methods of tracking them. These hunters or “cryptozoologists” search for five things within favorable locations: footprints, strands of hair, strong odors, crude constructions, and communication. These hints of life are sought after in habitats frequented by bears, wolves, or other large apex predators; they are also examined in locations where sightings previously occurred. Areas of known encounters feature reliable water sources, migrations of game, large populations of small animals, and abundant edible foliage; furthermore, most of these regions are often distant from human activity and can be dotted by difficult terrain, caves, and abandoned mine shafts.

Locations where multiple kinds of evidence are found are marked as ‘bigfoot territory.’

First, all species of bigfoot have overly large, humanoid feet. Like human feet, bigfeet have a variety of toe lengths, foot widths, arcs, and gaits; across species, they also vary in hide texture. Additionally, some only run or walk on two legs, switching to a four-legged posture for the other stride. 

Footprints are very rare, but their diversity can help determine the species, age, and approximate size of a bigfoot. They are also the most popular and well-known bigfoot clue. While tracks are frequently imperfect and difficult to ascertain, they are more likely to be found after heavy rains in the summer. Fresh tracks may provide hair samples, lead to frequented trails, dens, and other markers. 

Often overlooked, hair is the most numerous evidence left by a bigfoot. Unlike other, non-human  mammals, bigfeet have hair, not fur. Their hide is covered in one type of hair－whereas fur consists of guard hairs and an undercoat; because of this, they do not molt and the hair is found in single strands, not clumps. It is often pulled off by branches and other foliage, or left behind in sleeping areas.

Bigfoot hair ranges in length, texture, and hue; black, brown, gray, blonde, and red-haired varieties have been observed. Rarer, bigfeet have also been noted to have multi-toned, striped, or spotted coats.

While detectable, odor is a bigfoot flag that cannot always be easily collected or isolated — aside from fecal matter. Bigfoot creatures emit intense scents that are used to communicate with others in their species or genus, attract prey, mark territory, or repel predators and nuisances. Odors are often transmitted through glands in the armpit, though other species diffuse scents through urine, fecal matter, spit, or through secreting organs located elsewhere. These smells are often offensive to human and canine senses and are commonly described as sour, musky, or similar to rotten meat－the smell lingering without diminishing for an extended duration. 

As humans are also fond of crafting things and leaving them outside, crude constructions may be related to bigfoot activity, but are not always. Some species of bigfoot build small sculptures or sleeping structures within their territory or while on their travels. These include beds or nests of leaves lined with sticks and stones, dirt pits, or woven ‘baskets’ found on/in the ground, between trees, or within caves or tunnels. Bigfeet also craft objects or alter their environment to denote territory; instances of this activity include: twisted branches or trees; cairns made of stacked stones or trinkets; mud, scratches, or carvings left on trees, stones, or other objects; wooden objects made with bound sticks, animal bones, feathers, and other gathered objects; and bones tied with hair hanging from trees. They are also known to decorate their dwellings, lining tunnels, caves, or hovels with stones, sticks, and/or trinkets. More intelligent species may utilize wooden and/or stone tools. Denoting bigfoot from human activity can be difficult, but finding other signs, in addition to familiarizing oneself with local species, can help.

The last and most interesting sign of bigfoot activity is auditory communication. Audio recordings can help learn about these mysterious creatures, and areas with frequent sounds associated with bigfoot communities often lead to other bigfoot evidence. The most brilliant bigfeet can communicate through wood-knocking; this is a language based on sounds created by hitting rocks, trees, the ground, the body, and water with different objects at different volumes, rhythms, and frequencies. 

Wood knocking is sometimes accompanied by the entities making a handful of noises through their nose or with their mouth. Lesser bigfeet may use these sounds to communicate basic feelings and statements, as well as scents, facial expressions, and gestures. While a bigfoot tracker may listen for these communication methods, signs of wood-knocking performances are also considered. A wood-knocking bigfoot will leave behind evidence, such as dented stones, vegetation, and wooden ‘bats.’ Trackers may also attempt to call bigfeet towards them or pinpoint their location by making calls or wood-knocking. Normally, only juvenile or unintelligent individuals fall for this tactic, but leave before being confronted.

The most intelligent species of bigfoot was discovered to also communicate verbally via a language known as “Stone Speech.” This complex language is composed of guttural sounds, grunts, harrumphs, and other resonating sounds.They are not spoken with booming voices, however, but almost whispered, making them difficult to hear or capture. A stealthy animal, vocalizations are rare or only seasonal within many species.

After humans discover one or more markers, observational devices are utilized and trapping lures set, or stake-outs and wood-knocking parties are conducted; these rituals, however, are largely unsuccessful in drawing a bigfoot into view or to respond, though they are intriguing to those that are watchful or near. 

With such diversity and widespread colonization, bigfeet and their activities will not diminish any time soon. And, with humanity’s ever-prodding curiosity, accounts and theories of them will only continue to swell.