Sasquatch – Double Header – Believe it!?

Part One – Sasquatch Ontario and Ontario Sasquatch – Two Organizations – Northern Ontario – Believe It!

Tracks and Evidence – Organizations

by Back Roads Bill

Is Sasquatch really one of the great truly unexplained mysteries?  Is it possible a prehistoric, bipedal, apelike creature could exist in Northern Ontario?

Yes the evidence points to its existence here as in many other parts of the world.  This is Part One of two stories, to be continued next week.

Bigfoot has been described as an ape-like creature, some 6-10 feet tall, weighing more than 500 pounds, and covered in dark brown or reddish hair. Witnesses give him large eyes, a heavy brow ridge and a crested head, much like a male gorilla. Footprints have been reported as big as 24 inches long.

Ontario Sasquatch

The Ontario Wildlife Field Research (OWFR) organization was launched in January,2011, by several members of Ontario Sasquatch, initiated in 2006, to investigate Sasquatch sightings.  It is a private group, whose primary objective is the protection of witness confidentiality.

Peter Smith from the Greater City of Sudbury is an administrator for both organizations.   See    www.ontariosasquatch.com .  The site is well organized and you can submit a report.  The interactive map and reports are shared only with members.   Go to the Membership tab and check out the forum.  “We believed that only a very small percentage of sightings were being reported, due to the risk of ridicule that we have all experienced. The reason for not allowing distribution of the interactive map, “we are conservationists, we want to protect Sasquatch habitat. We do not want just anyone encroaching on Sasquatch hot spots. We wish to observe Sasquatch, not disturb.

“Several members of Ontario Sasquatch felt a need to encourage more reporting of sightings, and decided that public awareness should be encouraged. OWFR was launched to investigate sightings of all rarely seen animals, including cougar, wolverine, fisher, Sasquatch, lynx, bobcat, etc.  By treating Sasquatch as just another rarely seen animal, we felt that the public would feel more comfortable coming forward with their experiences. It has proved to be a good exercise, as our membership is now over 400, and we are getting reports from all over Ontario. The general area of the sightings is revealed, but witness confidentiality is still maintained.”

He said member used to travel to remote areas, where sightings had occurred, “but in the last two years, with over 300 sighting reports for Ontario, we realize that Sasquatch, though very elusive, and mainly nocturnal, has been sighted across Ontario, and quite close to human populations. Besides many other food sources, the staple diet of Sasquatch is deer, and wherever there is an abundance of deer, evidence of Sasquatch presence is often found.”  Members are found in most parts of Ontario, which was our recruiting goal, so that wherever a sighting occurred, we would have an investigator within a reasonable distance.

“On the Ontario Sasquatch site, there are about 70 reports that we have investigated, and satisfied ourselves that the cases are genuine.  Although we can spot hoaxes fairly easily, many reports turn out to be miss-identifications, or inconclusive. So, of over 300 reports for Ontario, we have only published about 70. About 130 have been published by other groups, and we have approximately 100 of our own, that are active, or open reports.

“OFWR is our public discussion forum. A few years ago, we noticed a similarity with Sasquatch sightings in the Temagami area, and human disappearances.  There may be a rogue Sasquatch in the Temagami area. Sasquatch normally avoids human contact as much as possible. All the disappearances involve lone, back-country hikers. The “lone” factor is the key. Apex predators will not attack two adult humans, but a single human is fair game, so it is not just Sasquatch that could be responsible.

“We have added 21 new reports since the 2014 version.  The list was over 30, but we have disqualified many as incomplete, inconclusive, or in our opinion, a hoax. The included reports have been investigated as much as we have been able to do so. The rain last year made investigations very difficult. We hope that 2015 will be much better for us.”

More Sasquatch Evidence

Another Sasquatch aficionado is Mike Patterson.  Google: YouTube Sasquatch Ontario channel.  You will hear an immediate Sasquatch sound bite and an introduction by the proponent within the video ‘Habituation – Denied and Confirmed.’  He is not  a member of Ontario Sasquatch.  He is a member of the public forum at OWFR.  Ontario Saquatch has no connection to Sasquatch Ontario and neither supports or rejects Patterson’s work (verification with multiple sources – another story).

We contacted Mike.   “Sasquatch is a unique species that are on the brink of discovery. After decades of persistence in understanding, we’ve hardly gained a foothold into understanding their true disposition, said Mr. Patterson.  “Trust and a proper approach are helping produce some of the most incredible audio to ever be documented. “

“As you’re likely aware from looking at my videos, what I know about Sasquatch (as fact through a significant amount of first hand interactions, not assumptions) is outside the norm of the vast majority involved in this subject.  I have John Bindernagel on my side (Canadian Wildlife Biologist with decades of research on the subject of Sasquatch; and more recently, a visit by Chris Munch (filmmaker) who’s film ‘Letters From The Big Man’  (Google that)  portray the Sasquatch as close to the truth than any other movie or documentary out there. Chris was invited in by the property owner/family for a recent  three night visit in which he experienced much of what I’ve posted about over the last  two years. He was witness to an extreme amount of activity in that time that entirely solidified the factors about the Sasquatch of which I’ve been posting about. His mind was blown. His current understanding is partially why he was invited in for the experience of a lifetime.”

“The truth of Sasquatch is far beyond the comprehension of most. The natives are well aware of their truth but the white man has pleaded ignorance to this day.  There are a growing number of individuals and families that are well aware of their truth with more learning each day through their own personal experiences.  Sasquatch will interact with those they choose, those they understand have good intent towards them. They’re highly intuitive and extremely intelligent. They know your intent and to be in their presence will change your perspective on reality and how we view the world.”

He said what  he continues to learn,” is far beyond what most get to in this subject although there are others like myself and the property owner I’ve been documenting with that know just as much and more. Most keep a low profile likely due to the extreme ridicule that comes with such claims. Our situation has stood out due to the extremity of the audio captured over an extended period. We continue to work towards face to face contact and a hopefully a lifelong discovery. “

Vantage Point – Lookout

A great vista to keep a lookout for all wildlife is the expansive view atop what is locally referred to as“Redbridge Mountain” (the top is N46° 24’ 06.0” W79° 09’ 39.9” or WGS 84 Zone 17 T E641358 N5140319 ). There are two accesses for this vantage point.

One way is the “back way;” for a snowmobile or hiking in the other three seasons. Take Hwy. 63, pass the Fish Culture Station and turn ESE on to the Olrig Rd.   Drive 8.4 km and turn south or right on to a road marked as OFSC 308 (snowmobile trail).  Drive  past a hunt camp and westwards for 2.4 km to junction and veer right or west;  drive on 3.6 km, park (N46° 23’ 59.1” W79° 08’ 45.3” or 17 T 642527 51401350) and walk westwards for about 30 minutes until you come to the vista.

For snowshoeing the other access is the Mountain View Rd. the first road east of Redbridge, turn right or south and drive to the end of the road.   It is less than one hour from the car to the top. The trail winds SE on its way from here to the top of the mountain.  You cross a small stream and there is junction ( N46° 24’ 00.5” W79° 10’ 07.1” or  17 T 640780 5140138) where you will turn left or east and start to climb up the height of land.  At the top turn left or north and the vista is close at hand within 300 metres just off the snowmobile trail.   The view is unique as you will see no signs of habitation just the forest canopy.

Next week, excerpts from the interview with Canadian wildlife biologist John Bindernagel who has written two books on Sasquatch. The winter is a great time to identify wildlife tracks.  Most are discernible; keep your eyes peeled.

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Part Two – Sasquatch Expert – Long Term Study

Two Books – The Evidence – Keep Your Eyes Peeled

by Back Roads Bill

Sasquatch or Bigfoot, many people still believe these humanoid creatures exist around the world, just like the Yeti of the Himalayas.

Last week we interviewed Mike Patterson of Sasquatch Ontario (Google: YouTube Sasquatch Ontario) and another organization Ontario Sasquatch, www.ontariosasquatch.com .

Some scientists consider Sasquatch to be the result of folklore, misidentification and a whole lot of hoaxes but not John Bingernagel from British Columbia.  ‘Community Voices’ contacted him.

The Expert

John Bingernagel has written two books on Sasquatch with a serious interest in the North American sasquatch.   Visit his website, www.bigfootbiologist.org .  See the Evidence tab.

He holds a B.S.A. degree from the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada) and an MS and PhD from the University of Wisconsin (Madison).  For 30 years of his 45-year-long career he was an international professional wildlife biologist with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and with the United Nations, living and working in Uganda, Tanzania, Iran, and Trinidad and Tobago. His work consisted of wildlife surveys, the preparation of wildlife conservation and wildlife management plans, and the training of wildlife technicians.

His interest in the Sasquatch began in 1963 and eventually led to two books on the subject: ‘North America’s Great Ape: The Sasquatch’(A wildlife biologist looks at the continent’s most misunderstood large mammal) (1998), and ‘The Discovery of the Sasquatch’ (Reconciling Culture, History, and Science in the Discovery Process) (2010). His wildlife research is now almost entirely focused on Sasquatch anatomy, behavior, and ecology, and on the discovery process as it applies to this subject.

First question to John, why is this is a “taboo” subject?  He said it was a “long” story.  “If the Sasquatch exists then a 7 foot tall, 800 pound upright primate has somehow missed becoming catalogued and included in the North American mammal lists and in North American mammal field guides. This sounds preposterous.

“If the Sasquatch exists then there is an uncatalogued primate species, likely a great ape in North America. This would extend global ape distribution beyond current accepted knowledge of great apes as only in Asia (orangutan) and Africa (chimpanzees, gorillas, and bonobos.) This also appears preposterous. Unlikely discovery claims (such as the Sasquatch as existing) are treated as far-fetched claims and treated with scientific resistance. “

He said because the Sasquatch remains essentially unstudied by credentialed relevant scientists, the vacuum has been filled by amateur investigators, “many of whom are dedicated and disciplined. But many extraordinary claims have been made for the Sasquatch as a paranormal being. In addition, Sasquatch research as depicted in some television shows is a near-mockery of actual research. Scientists are, not surprising, repelled by such depictions and mistakenly ignore or even dismiss the entire subject.”

And finally, “The remarkable consistency of eyewitness reports and drawings across time and especially across geographical distance is compelling. It really does appear that the same species of upright, human-shaped mammal has been observed by eyewitnesses of varying backgrounds and circumstances across North America.”

The Sasquatch Interview

Christine Byrnes is a member of Ontario Sasquatch and has met John Bingernagel.   She said, “When I met him it was because I was looking for books written by investigators using and presenting scientific evidence for the truth of Sasquatch.  My husband being a forensic police officer was a major reason.

“Many testimonials and books have been written about visual contact. I began my search through researching for such an advocate for Bigfoot evidence and determined that John was indeed the ‘real’ thing as he, in his books, reports on documented and forensically proven evidence.

“John for this reason does not “join” any group as his evidence is available to all who seek to find the truth and remains open minded as like-minded cryptozoologists are. He is an animated man when he discusses his findings and was very keen to listen to my investigation and personal history. I told him that I brought bright coloured balls and left them around my tent (what doesn’t like to play with bright attractive balls) and hung sparkling spinners above my tent to shine in the wind at night. He did not suggest that this was something ridiculous and actually thought the ball ideas were innovative. So what I am saying, he is a great inspiration for all investigators and any event that he would give a speech and share his findings with would be proof to many doubters. He has casts of many footprints he has personally found and also a copy of the Patterson-Gimlin  Bigfoot finding.  It is amazing to really see this finding. I had planned to purchase castings from him as I have been led to believe he will sell ones?”  (‘The Patterson–Gimlin film’  is a famous short motion picture of an unidentified subject the film makers purported to be a “Bigfoot,” filmed on October 20, 1967; Google : www.animalplanet.com, search the film title.)

“Eyes Peeled” – Lookout

One of the best vistas and snowshoe treks in the North Bay area is the Stormy Lake lookout situated within Restoule Provincial Park.  It is a worthwhile jaunt to the lookout at any time of the year but the spring/summer, fall and the winter make for a wonderful contrast of seasonal change.  It is one of those places you want to return to experience the transitions.

The Park is usually closed early in the fall and winter and there is an easier access to experience this panorama and a Sasquatch vantage point.

From the Village of Restoule, just before the bridge crossing the Restoule River, turn right and travel 9.3 km. towards Restoule Provincial Park. You will come to the end of Highway #534.  Straight ahead leads you into and towards the gatehouse of Restoule Provincial Park.  During the winter you will have to park at this junction, veer right or it is a short walk of approximately 500 m to access the trail.)

There is no the trail head, again look for the pedestrian crossing sign and the blue markers.  As soon as you leave the road,  veer to the left or NW.  You can also take the trail to the right which is a longer loop.  The trail to the left or NW follows along a former road.  Within a few paces, watch closely, on the right or to the north the trail will turn towards the lookout.  It takes approximately 35-40 minutes, one way, to walk or snowshoe to the top of the cliffs and the lookout.  You cannot see the cliffs from the trail, you would have to  snowshoe off of the trail at the foot bridge closer to the lookout. (At the peak of winter when the ice is safe venture from the foot bridge and follow the small stream to the lake’s edge; this is approximately 100 m.  Take a wide berth away from the stream and out on to the ice and then move towards the steep rock face.)

There is a sign just before ascending.  It shows you a less steep, 1 km loop leading to the top, clockwise past a beaver pond and back to where you are standing.  This is a good option. It is a very short but steep ascent to the top of the cliffs and the lookout.  The fire tower will appear behind you when you are at the top.  The magnificent view is from the north west to north.  To the north you will see Clear Lake, in behind Stormy Lake, and beyond Clear Lake there is Bass Lake.

When asked by friends and colleagues.  Back Roads Bill’s views are similar to the esteemed primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall: “Well, I’m a romantic, so I always wanted them to exist.” When on the trail keep your eyes peeled for tracks and every once in a while took a look over your shoulder, I do.