Animals and Men - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Three
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Publication Schedule: Appears four times a year in October, January, April, and July.
Price: £1.50

This issue of 'Animals & Men' is presented as 'The Journal of The Centre for Fortean Zoology' and is compiled and typeset by Jonathan Downes. The editorial team is described as a 'band of Cryptozoological malcontents' including Jonathan Downes (Editor), Jan Williams (Newsfile and Catfish theories), Alison Downes (Ornithological Administratrix), Lisa Peach (Typing Tea and Ferrets), Jane Bradley (Cartoons), John Jacques (Sole Representation), Graham Inglis (Video), Michael Williams (Additional artwork, age 7), and Dave Symons (Software jockey).

Regional representatives are listed for Lancashire, Sussex, Roving Scotland, Cumbria and Lakelands, Home Counties, Eire (Co Clare), Spain, and France. Advertising rates are available by contacting The Centre for Fortean Zoology at 15 Holne Court, Exwick, Exeter, Devon EX4 2NA.

Special thanks are extended to Bernard Heuvelmans, Janet Bord, Craig Harris, and Dr Karl P.N. Shuker. The cover photograph is by Terry Connolly, reprinted with permission from The Eastbourne Gazette.

Contents

The issue features a wide array of articles and reports, including:

• Editorial
• Newsfile
• Black Dogs of Dartmoor
• Search for Artrellia: the Papuan Giant Lizard
• Giant Worm in Eastbourne
• Mystery Cats: Where do we go from here?
• Letters to the Editor
• Migou Update in Brief
• The A-Z of Cryptozoology
• Nervous Twitch
• HELP
• Book and Magazine reviews
• From Our Files: Recent Bigfoot Reports

Editorial: The Great Days of Zoology Are Not Done

In his editorial, Jonathan Downes introduces Ray Nelke, a collector of 'unusual data' on a wide range of Fortean subjects. Nelke is prepared to share his extensive collection for free. Downes describes receiving a large bundle of photocopies from Nelke, ranging from scholarly to nonsensical, and being 'hooked' after reviewing the material and listening to a sampler tape. The magazine plans to collaborate with Nelke's organization, COUD-I. Readers are encouraged to send any Fortean clippings or contact Ray Nelke directly at COUD-I, 2312 Shields Avenue, St Louis, MO 63136 USA. Downes notes that this issue is larger and more illustrated than previous ones, with an increased number of regional representatives and subscribers.

Newsfile

Compiled and edited by Jan Williams, the 'Newsfile' section provides brief reports on various unusual animal sightings and discoveries:

• Vietnam Discoveries: Six new large mammal species have been discovered in Vietnam, including the 'Quang khem' (slow-running deer) with two short antlers, the 'Mangden' (black deer), and the 'Linh duong' (holy goat).
• New Tree Kangaroo in Irian Jaya: Tim Flannery discovered a primitive black and white tree kangaroo, known as 'bondegezou' or 'man of the forest', in the Mauke mountain range. This creature is described as having long black fur, a white front, and a short tail. The discovery offers hope for the existence of Thylacines, also known locally as 'Dobsegna', in the region.
• Bornean Bay Cat Rediscovered: The Bay Cat, last definitively sighted in 1928, has had a recent capture in November 1992 on the Sarawak-Indonesian border. Genetic analysis is underway to clarify its taxonomic status.
• Scottish Wildcat Debate: A study by Scottish Natural Heritage suggests it is difficult to differentiate between Scottish Wildcats and domestic cats based on markings, skull size, or genetics. This research follows a court case where a gamekeeper's accusation of killing three Wildcats had to be dropped due to lack of expert verification.
• Alligator Escape in Germany: Joerg Zars' pet alligator, Sammy, escaped in a lake near Cologne, Germany, leading to the evacuation of 2,000 tourists. Sammy was eventually recaptured.
• Lost and Found Reptiles: Fifty snakes were stolen from The Serpentarium in Walsall. A three-foot monitor lizard named Lecter escaped in Sheffield. In Canton, Cardiff, customs officers seized 100 exotic reptiles. A two-headed grass snake was found in Winchelsea.
• Creepy Crawlies: A caterpillar found in East Sussex was identified as a Spurge Hawk Moth, last seen in England in 1949.
• Sacred Buffalo: A white buffalo calf, named Miracle, born in Janesville, Wisconsin, is considered a sacred beast by American Indians.
• Arctic Fox Sighting: An animal resembling an Arctic Fox was reported scavenging from a waste bin near Norwich.
• The Beast of Chiswick: A strange, scrawny creature with dog-like body, kangaroo-like face, and long tail was sighted in Chiswick, London.
• Norfolk Snarleyow: A jet-black creature was photographed in Norfolk, described as larger and longer-bodied than a big dog, with a snub nose and bushy tail.

Mystery Cats

This section details numerous sightings of large, cat-like animals across the UK:

• Cornwall: A large, slender cat, three feet from nose to tail, with a long, curled tail, was seen.
• Kent: Reports of leopard-, puma-, and lynx-like cats, including a black leopard with orange eyes and a light grey cub, have been monitored since 1970.
• Hampshire: Armed police searched for a 'black panther' near Lymington. A lioness was also sighted and hunted near Bramley and Tunworth.
• Oxfordshire: A large, jet-black cat with brilliant yellow eyes was seen in a tree in Fencott. Similar sightings were reported in Mercott and Stonesfield.
• Norfolk: Multiple sightings of puma-like cats, dog-sized black cats, and other dark, cat-like animals were reported throughout the summer months.
• Nottinghamshire: A 'black panther' was reported in Sherwood Forest.
• Humberside: Police searched for a lioness sighted near Rudston Parva.
• Co. Durham: Droppings analyzed by Dr Hans Kruuk were identified as leopard or puma.
• Tayside: A collie-sized black cat-like animal with a small head and long tail was sighted near Dundee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Animals & Men' are cryptozoology, the reporting of unusual animal sightings, and the investigation of phenomena that fall outside conventional zoological understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation through submissions and correspondence. The magazine actively seeks out and reports on anecdotal evidence, eyewitness accounts, and preliminary scientific findings related to unknown or rare species and unexplained animal phenomena.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Three
Date: November and January (likely 1994)

This issue of "Animals & Men" presents a collection of intriguing and often bizarre reports concerning unexplained animal phenomena, cryptozoology, and folklore from around the world.

Three Legged Frogs in China

Workers in China encountered a bizarre natural anomaly when they discovered over three hundred three-legged frogs in a pit near Beijing. The cause of this deformity is unknown.

A Crypto Safari to New Zealand

Rex Gilroy, a renowned collector, is embarking on a journey to New Zealand to search for the 'Bush Moa' and the legendary New Zealand Man Beast, known to the Maoris as 'Mochau'. Despite scientific skepticism, Gilroy wishes to keep an open mind, and the article notes that a selection of recent Man Beast sightings will be found "FROM OUR FILES" on the inside back page.

Puma Kills Jogger

This article reports on an incident in Sacramento, California, where a jogger was apparently killed by a Mountain Lion. The victim's body was mutilated and partially eaten. Weeks later, a female puma matching the bite marks was shot. Tests on the puma were inconclusive, but it was a nursing mother. The article notes a curious twist where more money was pledged by well-wishers for the puma cub than for the orphaned children of the jogger.

Lake Monster in Argentina

A lake monster, known locally as 'Nahuelito', was sighted by over 20 people on Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina. Jessica Cambell described it as about 10 meters long with several humps and a grey-green color. Her friend Paula Jakab noted its loud snorting or lowing sound and the significant waves it created. Photographs have been taken, and some locals believe it to be a surviving dinosaur.

The Black Dogs of Dartmoor

This extensive article by Stephen Shipp delves into the legends and sightings of spectral black dogs on Dartmoor, England. These hounds, often associated with evil and the underworld, are described as haunting lanes, roads, and bridges. The most infamous are the 'Wish Hounds' or 'Yeth Hounds', possibly inspiring Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle's 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. They are said to be led by 'Dewer', who rides an eight-legged headless black horse, hunting at night for the souls of unbaptised babies. Wistman's Wood is mentioned as a particularly haunted location. Stories include a farmer finding his dead child in a sack after encountering the Wish Hunt, and legends linking Hound Tor and Bowerman's Nose to petrified figures associated with the hunt. Another tale involves Lady Mary Howard of Fitzford House, who is said to haunt the grounds in a phantom coach pulled by headless black horses, with a black dog representing her spirit. The story of Weaver Knowles, a weaver transmuted into a dog after death, and his endless task of emptying a pool with a nutshell, is also recounted. A phantom black dog is also said to roam the road between Princetown and Plymouth, believed to be the pet of a murdered traveler. A legend also describes a large black pig appearing when a man tried to capture a black dog.

Recent Cases of Black Dog Sightings

While recent sightings are rare, a 1950s report from near Okehampton describes a large black dog appearing suddenly, causing a donkey to refuse to proceed. A white spectral hound was also seen in Cator Comon in the 1960s, described as a large cream-colored dog that vanished when approached.

The search for Artrellia-the Papuan giant lizard

This article by John Blashford-Snell details an expedition to Papua New Guinea in search of 'Artrellia', described by locals as a giant crocodile that climbs trees. The search involved interviews with local people, including an old warrior and the Premier of the Western Province, who confirmed the creature's existence and its ferocity. An elderly man was reportedly killed by a female Artrellia protecting her nest. The expedition, after initial reconnaissance and photographic evidence of large lizards (identified as Salvador's Monitor), eventually captured and killed a specimen. This creature, measuring just over six feet, was confirmed to be a youngster of Salvador's Monitor, leading to speculation about the potential size of adult specimens. Sightings of larger individuals were reported, with some reaching up to twelve feet.

OROBOROUS IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN EASTBOURNE

This section reports on a 'seven foot wriggler' found on a flower bed in Eastbourne, Sussex. Identified as a large earthworm, it was compared to the mythical 'Oroborous the Midgard Serpent'. The article dismisses a suggestion of a secret society and confirms the worm was a genuine, albeit large, specimen.

MYSTERY CATS - WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Jan Williams discusses the enduring mystery of large cats in Britain, over thirty years after the 'Surrey Puma' sightings. The article highlights the difficulty in explaining these phenomena within the context of zoology and the reluctance of some experts to accept eye-witness reports of breeding large cats. It notes that while escapee animals are accepted, the idea of established wild populations is often dismissed. The article then focuses on Norfolk, where efforts by Heather, Louise, and Jane Thurgar have produced evidence of large cats, including the investigation of a calf killed by an unknown predator.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained and the anomalous in the animal kingdom, often drawing from folklore, local legends, and eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards these phenomena, even when scientific skepticism exists, as exemplified by the quote from Rex Gilroy and the magazine's stated aim of "free dissemination of information."

The articles cover a wide geographical range, from China and New Zealand to Argentina, the UK (Dartmoor and Norfolk), and Papua New Guinea. Recurring themes include cryptids (Man Beast, lake monsters, giant lizards, mystery cats), spectral creatures (black dogs, phantom coaches), and unusual animal mutations (three-legged frogs). The magazine seems to favor detailed anecdotal accounts and legends, presenting them as credible possibilities rather than mere superstition.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Three
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Animals & Men' focuses on a variety of intriguing and often unexplained phenomena related to the natural world, with a significant portion dedicated to the persistent reports of large, unidentified cats in Britain. It also includes sections on cryptozoology, ornithology, and reader contributions.

Mystery Cats of Britain

The issue presents a detailed investigation into sightings and evidence of large cats, possibly pumas or leopards, in the British countryside. Several cases are detailed:

• Forncett St Peter, Norfolk: Faeces found near a calf carcass were analyzed and deemed not to conform to any British carnivore, suggesting a puma. Casts of large, puma-like cat prints were also found, measuring 7cm wide by 9cm long, with three distinct lobes on the rear of the heel pad and visible claw marks. These prints were confirmed as cat prints by Michael Lawrence and John Goldsmith.
• Den Site: A den was discovered in a dry ditch, measuring 4 feet 6 inches in length, 2 feet in height, and 2 feet 6 inches in depth. It showed no signs typical of fox or badger dens, but had scratchmarks and broken branches. A trail of large prints, with the characteristic three lobes, was found nearby, suggesting an adult and cub.
• Hair Samples: Hair samples from a barbed wire fence (Sample A) and the den (Sample B) were sent for analysis to Dr. Andrew Kitchener (Royal Scottish Museum) and Dr. Lars Thomas (Denmark). Dr. Kitchener concluded the samples were not similar to puma or leopard. Dr. Thomas agreed, suggesting Sample A was from a cow or horse, and Sample B possibly a canid. Electron microscope photographs of these samples, along with those from puma and leopard, are included.
• Prey Remains: The carcass of a calf found dead in August 1993 showed signs of being totally eviscerated, with 50-60 lbs of meat eaten, the left ear pulled out by the roots, and the tongue eaten. Another calf found dead nearby the previous week had similar injuries. A sheep found dead was attributed to 'the puma' but was considered a messier kill, likely the work of stray dogs.
• Dietary Requirements: The issue addresses the common claim that an adult puma requires 300 lbs of meat per week, citing zoo-keeper Alan Pringle who stated that zoo pumas are fed 10-20 lbs of meat per day, and a wild one could survive on one roe deer or small mammals and birds per week. This suggests the 300 lb figure is an over-estimate.
• Eyewitness Sightings: Reports describe at least three different cats: a sandy-brown one larger than a labrador with a longer body and tail, capable of fast running and leaping; a second, smaller, heavily muscled, jet-black animal; and a third, smaller brown cat with darker spots, possibly a cub. These were seen within a small area. Elsewhere, reports mention puma or leopard-like cats, some with unusual markings.
• Dog-Sized Cat: A dog-sized cat-like animal with a pale sandy coat and darker markings was found dead in a country lane, but the carcass disappeared before it could be properly examined. A very large black cat, larger than a Rottweiler, has been seen repeatedly in a nearby woodland area over five years.
• Hybridization: The possibility of leopard/puma hybrids is discussed, referencing Armand Denis's account of a hybrid reared in German zoos prior to 1940, which had characteristics intermediate between its parents.
• Government Involvement: A conference was held in Bodmin to discuss the 'Beast of Bodmin Moor', attended by representatives from MAFF, the Department of the Environment, and other agricultural and landowning bodies. MAFF agreed to investigate further. Following this, articles appeared with headlines like 'It's OK To Shoot Killer Lions, Farmers Are Told', indicating that these cats are not legally protected, which caused a run on firearms. Concerns were raised by animal welfare groups about amateur hunters.
• Investigation: The article 'Where Do We Go From Here?' suggests that the transformation of mystery cats into 'Public Enemy Number One' has skipped crucial steps like evidence, investigation, and analysis. It calls for a properly conducted scientific investigation by an independent study group with government funding.

Cryptozoology: The A-Z of Cryptozoology (Part Three)

This section, by Jan Williams, continues an alphabetical listing of cryptids:

• BOOAA: A huge hyena-like beast from West Africa, named for its screaming cry.
• BOOBRIE: A legendary giant water bird from Argyllshire lochs, Scotland.
• BRUCKEE: A plantigrade water monster said to live in Lough Shandagan, Ireland.
• BUNYIP: An Australian term for various mystery beasts and 'bogey men', often used to describe large aquatic or semi-aquatic creatures in marshes and lakes, or any unknown 'bogey man' figure.
• BURU: An aquatic animal from the eastern Himalayas and Rilo Valley, described as thick-bodied with a long, powerful tail, flat-tipped snout, long forked tongues, four stumpy limbs, and fish-like skin with bony plates and spines. They disappeared into mud in winter and basked on banks in summer.

Ornithology: Nervous Twitch

This section presents amusing and interesting tales from the world of ornithology:

• Polly Wants a Wee Dram Squawk!!!: An amusing story from 19th-century Edinburgh about a whisky firm that used hundreds of African Grey parrots trained to say "Drink Pattisons Whisky!". Many parrots escaped and continued to utter the slogan for years.
• Scottish Guinea Fowl: Guinea Fowl, originally from Africa, have escaped from game dealers in Angus, Scotland, and are believed to have bred in the wild. They are described as ground-dwelling, roosting in trees, and recognizable by a scarlet patch on their heads.
• Quack!!!: A pair of Merganser ducks bred on the Exe Estuary in Devon. A large Black Swan, possibly an Australian species, was also seen on the Exe, noted for having a white beak instead of the typical red one. The editor vouches for the sighting. The article also briefly mentions the British Black Swan as a mythical heraldic beast.

Letters

This section features reader correspondence:

• Scorpion Encounter: A reader recounts an experience in West Africa where his servant, Ignatius, showed no fear of a large black scorpion, picking it up and gently placing it on a hedge, explaining his people had a pact with scorpions.
• Ex Colonial Service Stories: A retired Colonial Service Officer is seeking anecdotal evidence from people who lived and worked in former colonies, as this data is becoming unobtainable.
• Loch Ness Monster Debate: Several letters discuss Stuart Leadbetter's article on the Loch Ness Monster. Martien Mannetje from the Netherlands argues that while a plesiosaur may not be a likely candidate, eyewitness accounts create the impression of plesiosauric features. He also questions the claim of 'thousands' of sightings, stating he has documented around 1300. Nick Morgan expresses skepticism about the plesiosaur theory, citing Loch Ness being under ice 10,000 years ago and suggesting 'upturned boat' shapes are more likely explanations. He also questions why earlier historical periods lack reports of a monster.
• Lake Niu Gini Creatures: A brief mention of letters received regarding mysterious creatures of Lake Niu Gini, including 'Migo', a giant crocodile, and discussion about its potential identity as a mammalian or reptilian creature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent and often unexplained phenomena in the natural world, particularly the mystery of large cats in Britain, which is presented as a serious subject requiring scientific investigation rather than sensationalism. The cryptozoology section highlights the diversity of legendary creatures worldwide, while the ornithology section offers lighter, anecdotal tales. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'Where Do We Go From Here?' section and the call for reader responses, emphasizes the need for objective investigation, evidence-based analysis, and a cautious approach to government involvement in such matters. The magazine encourages reader participation and debate, positioning itself as a platform for exploring the unusual aspects of natural history.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Three
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: English
ISSN: 1354-0637

This issue of "Animals & Men" delves into a collection of peculiar and intriguing animal-related news, reports, and reader contributions, spanning from unusual wildlife encounters to cryptozoological mysteries.

News and Reports

"SOME FOLK ARE SOOOO GULLIBLE!"

A bizarre incident occurred in Tuscany where a young man was unexpectedly attacked by a flock of approximately 100 seagulls. The birds assaulted him violently, knocking him off his motorbike and continuing to peck at him. One bird died in the scuffle, and the young man was treated in hospital for cuts and bruises. (Daily Telegraph 28.6.94)

"A WHITER SHADE OF PALE.."

A rare albino cormorant was sighted and photographed in the Forth Estuary during July of the current year. While albino mutations occur in many bird species, they are extremely rare in cormorants (estimated at 1 in 50,000). This particular bird has been regularly observed on the rocks known as the Haystacks off Inchcolm and has been seen flying with nesting material. Birdwatchers are hopeful it will breed, potentially producing offspring that are a mix of albino, mottled, and normal black colours. An albino puffin has also been recorded in the same area previously. (Edinburgh Evening News 15.7.94)

"BLOWING IN THE WIND.."

In the Isles of Scilly, a Yellow Browed Bunting, which had been blown off course from Asia, caused a stir as this species has only been recorded in Britain three times before. Additionally, a Red Flanked Bluetail was sighted in Norfolk during the same week. (BBC.Ceefax Newsround 20.10.94)

"TO WIT TO WOO"

Controversy is brewing in the owl-keeping community regarding the Baytree Owl Centre in Weston, near Spalding. The centre successfully bred a South American Burrowing Owl with a Little Owl. This has angered some bird keepers and the World Owl Trust, who deem it irresponsible and potentially harmful to the species through dilution. However, it was not a planned breeding attempt; the birds initiated the pairing. A male Burrowing Owl ejected its mate and paired with a female Little Owl. Surprisingly, the female Little Owl nested underground, contrary to their usual habit of nesting in holes in trees, and successfully raised a young bird. The reason for this unusual behaviour is unclear, with the article humorously suggesting it might have been "love at first flight!". (Cage and Aviary Birds 3.9.94, 15.10.94.)

10th Anniversary Psychic Questing Conference

A reader mentions the 10th Anniversary Psychic Questing Conference taking place on the 5th and 6th of November at Conway Hall in London. The event features speakers like Doc Shiels and offers diverse lectures for £10.00 per day, representing good value.

HELP Section

"HELP"

This section is dedicated to answering reader queries, assisting with research, and appealing for help with various projects.

Information on the Vu Quang Ox

Responding to a query from the first issue, the magazine provides information about the Vu Quang Ox (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), described as the most exciting discovery in mammalology for fifty years. This elusive animal inhabits the Vu Quang area, a remote region along the border of North Vietnam and Laos, which has only been inhabited for about sixty years. The area was not heavily colonized by the French and was not bombed or sprayed by the Americans, contributing to its status as a haven for secret residents.

Dr John MacKinnon, Senior Conservation Officer of the WWF, announced the discovery in 1992. Expeditions to Vu Quang had found a new species of fish, a box turtle, a sunbird subspecies, and evidence of a new mammal species. Specimens were obtained from local hunters. In July of the current year, a young female Vu Quang Ox was captured and photographed. It is believed a young male was also captured and that both were moved to a place of safety with the hope they will breed.

"IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF CRYPTOZOOLOGY..."

Dr Karl Shuker has acquired a copy of the sheet music for "Ogopogo: The funny Foxtrot," a semi-legendary piece about lake monsters. This led to a discussion about other cryptozoological music, mentioning "Puff the Magic Dragon," a song called "Bigfoot" by Manticore Records, and Canadian bands like "Sasquatch" and "The Yetties." The article notes that the Father of Cryptozoology was a jazz musician, and "Doc" Shiels has also been known to sing and play music. A query about the magazine's name is answered: it's from track four, side two of an LP called 'Dirk wears White Sox' by 'Adam and the Ants', and also an art exhibition from around 1930 by an Italian Futurist Painter.

"CRABS, WARTHOGS AND MAMMOTHS!"

Sally Parsons is seeking information on warthogs or thylacines for her collection. She is also interested in anyone who has kept land or freshwater hermit crabs as pets (apart from Coenabita clypeatus) and in recent research on the possible survival of mammoth species in former Soviet Central Asia.

"MY SISTER IN LAW AND OTHER ANIMALS"

A request for information on a very small armadillo, possibly called 'The Fairy Armadillo', is made on behalf of the author's sister-in-law, Sian.

"HOW YOU CAN HELP THE CENTRE FOR FORTEAN ZOOLOGY"

The Centre for Fortean Zoology is seeking exhibits for its museum, including items like the pub sign from 'Black Dog' at Uplyme. They are also interested in purchasing live specimens of larger aquatic turtles and salamanders, and any books, cuttings, or museum material on the wildlife of Hong Kong. They also request any other books by 'Doc' Shiels besides 'Monstrum'.

Book Reviews

"DEAREST PET:On Bestiality" by Midas Dekkers (Verso)

This book is criticized for using a sensationalist format to sell a less outrageous subject. The reviewer finds the book "revolting to be erotic, too analytical to be pornographic, too lighthearted to be studious and too dull to be entertaining." The print quality is described as mediocre, and the design unimaginative. The reviewer strongly advises against purchasing it, suggesting it will likely be remaindered for a low price.

"YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE IT" by Mark Sloan, Roger Manley and Michelle Van Parys (Virgin)

This is a collection of photographs from Robert Ripley's "Believe it or Not" column. The reviewer notes that while it features entertaining photographs of contortionists, strongmen, and tattooed individuals, there is "very little of relevance inside it" for the magazine's readership.

Periodicals

The magazine welcomes exchanges with other periodicals and lists several publications:

• BIGFOOT RECORD: A bi-monthly free news service for bigfoot enthusiasts.
• DRAGON CHRONICLE: A quarterly publication focusing on draconian subjects.
• NEXUS: A publication that offers an intelligent look at the fringes of science.
• NESSLETTER: A long-running magazine by Rip Hepple, highly recommended.
• CREATURE RESEARCH JOURNAL: An intelligent look at the interface between Cryptozoology and UFO research.

From Our Files

This section presents recent Bigfoot (BHM) sightings from the Western Bigfoot Society:

1. Raynold Furrell's Sighting (August 1994): While hiking in the Mt Washington wilderness area in Oregon, Furrell and companions noticed a foul smell, possibly from a bear rolling in offal.
2. Tex Occanaa's Sighting (September 1994): While camping in California, Occanaa sighted a 7-foot Bigfoot with fangs and shaggy hair. The creature grinned at him before running away, accompanied by howling in the woods.
3. Unnamed Naturalist/Geologist Sighting (Date unspecified): While hiking in Oregon, this individual found a barefoot human print on a dusty trail, heard noises of something large in the undergrowth, felt watched, and noticed a heavy sweet sour odour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the unusual, the unexplained, and the fringe aspects of the natural world, with a strong emphasis on cryptozoology and fortean phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting reader reports and news from various sources without excessive skepticism, while also offering critical reviews of books and publications. There's a clear interest in documenting sightings, discoveries, and ongoing research into mysterious creatures and events. The "HELP" section highlights the magazine's role as a community hub for researchers and enthusiasts.