Post by JoannaL on Dec 14, 2019 2:31:57 GMT -5
Expedition Bigfoot on the Travel Channel
Expedition Bigfoot is a new Travel Channel TV show and like it’s name suggests, concentrates on the search for Bigfoot. Neither the wily cryptid nor anything proving the creature may exist has been discovered, but the show is nonetheless entertaining. The show is set in North America, the Pacific Northwest to be precise, where a third of Bigfoot sightings occur. Additionally, limiting the expedition to a single location keeps costs down.
Bigfoot is probably the most popular of the world’s cryptids, particularly in America, where the hairy man’s existence has been debated for decades. It is said more Americans believe in Bigfoot than in the Big Bang Theory. Of course, there are a number of explanations for Bigfoot, however, the show is focused on the theory that Bigfoot is a previously unconfirmed species of ape living in North America. This isn’t entirely impossible considering the enormous stretches of wilderness in the Pacific Northwest as well as other locations in North America. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind the fact Bigfoot may exist isn’t the same as evidence the creature exists.
Unfortunately, because there is so much interest in Bigfoot, there are people who are willing to exploit this interest for personal gain, and some sightings are the result of hoaxes. There are also individuals who have been known to don a Bigfoot costume and play pranks on others, although there is at least one case in which such a prankster was struck by passing cars.
Misidentification is another problem. The majority of Bigfoot sightings consist of footprints, tufts of hair and poor photos and videos, making it easy to mistake a bear, or some other creature, for the hairy biped. For example, some footprint casts contain claw marks, suggesting they were made by bears, which have five clawed-toes. In the 1970s, the FBI tested what was believed to be Bigfoot hair, but it turned out to be from a deer. Misidentification is common because a significant amount of identification is made by those who lack the expertise to make such a determination.
Previously unconfirmed species of ape is also a problem. A lot of Bigfoot enthusiasts believe Sasquatch is part of a surviving species known as Giantopithecus. There are several problems with this theory, however, one of which is the fact no Gigantopithecus fossils have ever been discovered in the Americas.
Bryce Johnson, one of those involved in Expedition Bigfoot is an actor very interested in the hirsute man, so much so that he hosts a Bigfoot-related podcast. Another of those taking part in the show is Dr. Mireya Mayor, a well-known primatologist. Mayor is familiar to many for her role as a wildlife correspondent who has reported a great deal on the loss of animal habitats. She is also credited with the discovery of a new species of mouse lemur in Madagascar. A third Bigfoot fan taking part in the show is Russell Accord, well-known as a veteran who now employs his survival skills searching for Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest. He has been hunting the creature since the 1970s, making him one of, if not the, most experienced Bigfoot-hunter in America.
There are two other participants worth mentioning. The first is Ronny LeBlanc, who is interested in all cryptids as well as the paranormal. Ghost-hunting enthusiasts who watch paranormal TV shows may recognize him. The other is Ryan Golembeske, who grew up in a family dedicated to the search for Bigfoot and other anamolous creatures. He has visited numerous locations during his endeavors.
Expedition Bigfoot premiered Sunday, December 8, with “The Search Begins,” which will air again at 11 a.m. (EST), Sunday, December 15. “Did You Hear That?” will air for the first time Sunday, December 15, at 10 p.m.
Sources: The Travel Channel, and Allen Lee, TV Over Mind, December 13, 2019.