The pursuit of Bigfoot isn’t just a fringe obsession; it’s a surprisingly methodical endeavor driven by real scientific principles—even if the subject remains unproven. New research reveals that many “Bigfooters” aren’t crackpots, but dedicated individuals applying legitimate research methods to a controversial mystery.
The Methods of the Hunt
Cardiff University researcher Jamie Lewis and Sheffield University social scientist Andrew Bartlett spent three years interviewing over 150 people involved in the Bigfoot world. Their study, detailed in Bigfooters and Scientific Inquiry, found that the vast majority of hunters aren’t chasing supernatural fantasies. Instead, they treat the search for Sasquatch as a real scientific investigation.
These researchers found that Bigfoot enthusiasts often use thermal imaging, drones, and parabolic microphones to gather evidence. This isn’t pseudoscience; it’s the same technology employed by mainstream wildlife researchers. The difference is the target: a creature whose existence isn’t yet confirmed by established science.
Why Skepticism Misses the Point
Skeptics often dismiss Bigfoot hunting as anti-scientific, but Lewis and Bartlett argue that this view is shortsighted. By understanding how Bigfooters operate, researchers can see that they’re applying scientific logic to what they believe is tangible evidence.
The scientists adopted what they call “methodological credulity.” Instead of dismissing the hunters outright, they took the time to understand their approach. This isn’t about validating Bigfoot claims; it’s about recognizing that scientific rigor can exist outside traditional institutions.
The Bigger Picture
The real takeaway isn’t whether Bigfoot exists, but how people construct knowledge in a world where science is often distrusted. The researchers argue that the individualistic view of science overlooks the importance of communities, consensus, and continuity.
“Bigfoot exists… not necessarily as a biological creature, but certainly as an object around which thousands of Americans organize their lives, collecting and analyzing evidence, and making knowledge.” – Jamie Lewis
In other words, the phenomenon of Bigfoot is real because it drives a community of dedicated researchers, even if their ultimate target remains elusive. The debate isn’t about proving or disproving Bigfoot; it’s about understanding how people engage with science and belief outside the mainstream.
