For the last four hundred years among Native American and First Nation peoples there have been reports of these "peoples of the wild." In the Northwest over a 100 sightings a year still are being reported. Often those reporting the sighting say that no one, not even they, knew that they were going to be in the area where the animal showed himself or a foot print was discovered. These "footprints" have been discovered and photographed, now and still, for over 70 years. And Bigfoot has been reported seen in all our United States except hawaii. 

We have in our own area a family that has kept a sample of skin and hair from the sixties, believing it may be that of Bigfoot. Why would they keep something like that if they didn't believe it to be Bigfoot's? Several years ago a hiking couple came upon what they thought was a Bigfoot running down one of the hillsides between Oakland and Sutherlin. (I must admit, I always look up when on the way to the dump, just in case the animal is still in the area. I don't get into the deep woods much so I don't want to miss a chance of spotting the animal. I watch along the Umpqua River when going to and returning from the coast. The beast needs water after all.) And another time, several years back, a workman spotted one of the animals, again in the Sutherlin area, walking  in a firebreak beneath the eletric towers.

And no, the Patterson film of the sixties has not been proved a hoax. Many believe it is the best proof yet of Bigfoot. So, here we are agin nearing hunting season and with all the phones with photo and video capabilities out there, maybe you'll be the one to take a great photo. Many people believe the woods will be teeming with hunters and this has been used in their minds as proof that certainly by now, someone would have shot one with their rifle or at the least taken a clear photo.  This is sound thinking, but you should consider that these hunters will stray from the roads only as far as they want to pack a deer from where it drops dead and back to their rigs. But, just in case, keep your eyes open. It has been said that when a Bigfoot hears a rifle, to them it's a dinner bell. So, if you've not been able to find that deer you were sure you heart-shot, well ...

Please let me know of sighting that you've had or you know of. I'll use only initials but I do require your full name.

Linda Newton-Perry along with her husband Christopher Perry, is the author of the Viking Age Novel, Forced Blood The Norseman. You may order a signed copy from their webiste at www.christopherperryandlindanewtonperry.com.