I simply can not believe that this animal has not been substantiated as “real” by now. I’m beginning my third year of writing this column. And I believed when I first started, that it was “Just a Matter of Time,” before we would have all the facts on this amazing beast. But, here we are 2010 and no such proof. One thing I’ve come to realize is that in the research field, a large diverse group is hard at work to prove Bigfoot/Sasquatch exists. Because of these dedicated people, I again and still, believe it is just “A Matter of Time” before the animal is substantiated as “real.”

     This column at one time was in three local papers, but now it is in one only, The Douglas County News. The other two newspapers have been sold and the new owners didn’t care to have a Bigfoot column. I’ve started two blogs in the fall of 2009, Bigfoot Ballyhoo and Bigfoot Fancy 4 Kids. I’m enjoying the experience and learning so much about Bigfoot/Sasquatch. I’ll take a line or two to explain my interest in the animal. I believe he is a real live animal, nothing more: not supernatural etc. What interests me most is the reaction of the population on the subject. From the very beginning, scoffing at such an animal’s existence has been the norm. As I’ve learned from the blogs, often the scoffing was to cover up that the animal was out there, and was rumored to be dangerous in some situations. That is probably what is continuing to this day. But shouldn’t we know the animal exists? I certainly believe we should know. We should be prepared to see it in the wild as so many people have. And most pressing, the stigma of reporting the animal should be removed.

     Where should one report a sighting? It has come to my attention that the police may not be the best place to report a sighting. If you had that sighting while in a vehicle you may have your license suspended until a doctor reports you are “sound” enough to drive. It has been recommended that you report a sighting to the Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service. One commenter to my blog guaranteed the report would not be reported to the police and anonymity observed.

     Linda Newton-Perry, along with her husband Christopher Perry, is the author of three children’s Bigfoot books and a Viking Age novel. More information at www.christopherperryandlindanewtonperry.com.