What is Bigfoot? A hairy, ape-like, biped that stands seven to nine feet tall and weighs between 600 and 900 pounds. Bigfoot, or as it’s often called in Canada, the Sasquatch, is mentioned in several Native American legends. In fact, the term “Sésquac” or “Sasquatch” is North American Indian for “wild man.”

Some think Bigfoot descended from the extinct gigantopithecus, the largest ape that ever lived. They theorize the ape crossed over to North America and survived here in small numbers before dying off in its native Asia. Others think Bigfoot is a much closer cousin to humans. But how could such a huge creature elude humans in the most industrialized country in the world? Bigfootologists say the answer rests in Bigfoot habits. Bigfoot is a gentle, nocturnal animal that avoids people.

The best evidence for Bigfoot remains the many footprints that have been found. Typically these run from 16 to 18 inches long and about 7 inches wide. There is no foot arch and the heel has a distinct double ball that might suggest an adaptation to handle great weight.

Throughout the South, from Arkansas to Virginia, including Tennessee, reports of monsters resembling Bigfoot continue to reach the desks of law enforcement officers and park rangers. Most sightings can be dismissed as hoaxes or illusions triggered by poor visibility or unsteady imaginations. But a few-cannot be explained away.

If they are alive, what do they eat? They are said to be primarily herbivorous (plant-eating), living on vegetation, fruits, nuts, berries, and grubs, although fish is reportedly a favorite meal. They are said to be intelligent but are not believed to use fire or tools of any kind. We would like to think that Bigfoot would be digging into