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Animals and Men - No 04

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Overview

Title: Animals & Men Subtitle: The Journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology Issue: Issue Four Date: January 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Subtitle: The Journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology
Issue: Issue Four
Date: January 1995

This issue of 'Animals & Men' is dedicated to exploring various mysteries and unusual occurrences in the animal kingdom, with a focus on cryptozoology and fortean phenomena. The cover prominently features articles on 'Mystery Manatees of St. Helena', 'The Thylacine', and 'Lake Monsters of New Britain', suggesting a deep dive into these enigmatic subjects.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial team for this issue includes Jonathan Downes as Editor and Fall Guy, Jan Williams handling Newsfile and Catfish, and Alison Downes as Ornithological Administratrix. Other key members are Lisa Peach (Cover Art), Jane Bradley (Cartoons), John Jacques (Sole Representation), Graham Inglis (Video), and Dave Symons (Software jockey). The issue also acknowledges contributors such as Alan Pringle, Dr Karl P.N.Shuker, Dr Lars Thomas, Paul Nathan, G.M.Stocker, R.A.Carter, and Stephen Nice. Regional representatives are listed for Lancashire, Sussex, Cumbria and Lakelands, Home Counties, Eire, Spain, France, and Mexico.

The Centre for Fortean Zoology is based at 15 Holnc Court, Exwick, Exeter, Devon EX4 2NA, with a contact telephone number of 0392 424811. Special thanks are extended to Bernard Heuvelmans, Janet Bord, Tony 'Doc' Shiels, and Dr Karl P.N.Shuker. The magazine is compiled and typeset by Jonathan Downes using an Amiga A500.

Subscription Information

'Animals and Men' is published four times a year in October, January, April, and July. The subscription costs are £6.00 for UK/Eire, £7.00 for EEC, £7.50 for Europe (non-EEC), £9.00 for Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Canada (surface mail), £12.00 for Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Canada (air mail), £10.00 for the Rest of the World (surface mail), and £12.00 for the Rest of the World (air mail). Payments can be made by cheque in Sterling or IMO/Eurocheque payable to A&J Downes.

Contents

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

  • Editorial (p.3)
  • Newsfile (p.4)
  • The Thylacine (p.9)
  • Mystery Manatees of St. Helena (p.12)
  • Lake Monsters in New Britain (p.17)
  • Letters to the Editor (p.21)
  • HELP (p.25)
  • Errors and Omissions (p.26)
  • Nervous Twitch (p.27)
  • The A-Z of Cryptozoology (p.28)
  • Book Reviews (p.29)
  • Periodical reviews (p.30)
  • From Our Files: Recent Bigfoot Reports (p.35)

Editorial: The Great Days of Zoology Are Not Done

The editor expresses excitement about the year ahead, noting the government's announcement of an official inquiry into British Mystery Cats. While the Centre for Fortean Zoology may not be directly involved, they are eager to participate. The editor also mentions a successful radio phone-in show on mystery beasts and upcoming cryptozoology lectures in Exeter, including a ten-week course titled 'Men, Myths and Monsters in the Modern World'. A new 24-hour 'sightings hotline' (0881 106094) is introduced for people to report sightings or leave messages.

Newsfile

The Newsfile section provides a collection of brief reports on unusual animal occurrences from around the world:

  • Holy Goat Photographed: A 'Linh duong' or holy goat was captured in Vietnam, but unfortunately died in captivity.
  • Wild Man Expedition: China's National Academy of Science is planning an expedition to search for 'Wildmen' following a sighting in the Shennongjia Mountains.
  • Multiplying Muntjacs: The muntjac deer population in Britain has increased significantly, causing damage to trees and crops.
  • Super Daddy Longlegs: A large strain of leatherjacket larvae is devouring cereal crops in the Scottish Highlands.
  • No Hopper: A wandering wallaby died after being hit by a car in Devon, UK.
  • In the Pink: Stratford Butterfly Farm is breeding Cabbage White Butterflies with a natural pink mutation.
  • Mystery Cats: Reports of Snow Leopards in Hertfordshire, a large black cat with a cub in Kent, a huge black cat in Staffordshire, and a muscular black cat in Norfolk.
  • Cornwall: Reports of livestock attacks on Bodmin Moor, and sightings of large black and grey cats in Cornwall.
  • Jumping Jellyfish: Strange, jelly-like blobs fell from the sky in Oakville, Washington State, USA, causing illness in some who came into contact with them.
  • Baal in Silence Dines on Vulture Soup: A plague of 'Black Vultures' in Stafford County, Virginia, is preying on pets and livestock, reminiscent of the Mothman events.
  • Here Kitty Kitty (1): A 65lb Western Cougar was captured in Miami, Florida, raising concerns about the Eastern Cougar subspecies.
  • Rest in Peace: Two captive specimens of the Vu Quang Ox have died, halting captive breeding program plans.
  • Here Kitty Kitty (2): A headline reports a 'Woman Slays Puma With Bread Knife in Brawl'.
  • The Bear Necessities: A 760lb giant black bear killed by a tractor-trailer in North Ontario is reported as potentially the largest specimen ever taken in North America.
  • Spiderman Strikes Again: A man was arrested for loitering with a bucket of spiders in Clayton County.
  • Look at That 'S' Car Go!!!: Tiny snails not seen for 140 years have been found in a Devon river.
  • Whale Meat Again: Pods of killer whales and sperm whales were found beached in Scotland.
  • You Dirty Stinking Rat: Russian trawlers are reported to be infested with Black rats, raising concerns about their return to Britain.
  • The Monster Mashed: A mysterious corpse washed ashore in the Russian Arctic, initially speculated to be a 'Nessie', was identified as a decomposing whale.
  • Two Heads Are Better Than One: A two-headed grass snake was found in Sussex, and a two-headed terrapin was reported in Taiwan.

The Thylacine: The liveliest extinct animal around!

This article by Alan Pringle details the history and recent sightings of the Thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian Wolf or Tasmanian Tiger. Despite being declared 'probably extinct' in 1936, there have been numerous sightings in Tasmania and mainland Australia, and even in New Guinea. The article describes the Thylacine's physical characteristics, its extermination due to being perceived as a sheep killer, and the ongoing efforts to find evidence of its survival. It highlights a 1982 sighting by wildlife officer Hans Naarding and mentions other sightings, including one in Western Australia where the species is believed to have died out centuries ago.

Mystery Manatees of St. Helena

(This article is mentioned on the cover and in the contents but not fully provided in the scanned pages.)

Lake Monsters of New Britain

(This article is mentioned on the cover and in the contents but not fully provided in the scanned pages.)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, the search for unknown or extinct animals, and the reporting of unusual or fortean phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting a wide range of anecdotal evidence and reports from various sources, while also maintaining a degree of critical assessment, as seen in the 'Monster Mashed' article. The publication actively encourages reader participation through letters and the 'sightings hotline'.

This issue of "Animals & Men," titled "Issue Four," delves into several intriguing cryptozoological cases. The magazine explores the possibility of surviving Thylacines in New Guinea, the debated identity of marine creatures sighted around St. Helena, and the mysterious 'Migo' lake monster of New Britain.

The Thylacine Jigsaw

The first article discusses the Thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian Tiger. While primarily known from fossil evidence in Australia and New Guinea, recent reports suggest the existence of Thylacine-like animals in the upland country of Irian-Jaya, New Guinea. The environment there is described as similar to Tasmania, potentially providing ideal conditions. The local people reportedly recognize the animal and do not confuse it with dogs. Despite its official demise in 1936, there have been over a thousand sightings, and the animal still holds official protection in Tasmania, a law ironically passed in the same year the last known Thylacine died. The article notes that anyone wishing to correspond or offer material on the Thylacine can do so via The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, Clwyd.

The Saga of the St. Helena Sirenians

Authored by Dr. Karl P.N.Shuker, this extensive article investigates the persistent reports of putative manatees or sea-cows around the South Atlantic island of St. Helena. The article begins by placing the Sirenian family within cryptozoology, mentioning their association with mermaid sightings and the debate surrounding the survival of Steller's Sea Cow. It details the three known species of modern manatees and their distributions.

The focus then shifts to St. Helena, noting that a region on its southwestern coast is named Manatee Bay. Despite this, the identity of these creatures remains a vexing issue. The article recounts historical accounts, starting with a 1655 report by Cornish traveller Peter Mundy, who described a large, injured creature on the beach with "terrible jawes" and "smelling hairs or mustaches," which he dispatched with stones. Mundy's sketch suggested a pinniped, though he termed it a "sealionesse." Later records from Jamestown, dating from 1679, mention "sea cows" and the use of the name "Manatee Bay." Incidents include the capture of "several sea cows" in 1682 and a report of a small sea cow in 1690. William Dampier visited St. Helena in 1691 and was intrigued by reports of manatees, but his observations suggested they were "Sea-lyons" that came ashore on rocks, unlike true manatees.

Further records from 1716 and 1739 mention ambergris found in Manatee Bay and a sea cow killed on a beach. John Barnes's 1817 account cites Lieut. Thomas Leech identifying the creatures as Sea Lions, while Dr. Walter Henry described them as "Trichechus Dugong" with "hideous ugly" bodies and "bright green eyes." The last recorded appearances were in 1810, with one creature shot at Stone Top Valley beach and another reported from Manatee Bay.

Later analyses, including a review by zoologist Dr. Richard Lydekker in 1899, considered whether these were a distinct sirenian species, as they didn't fit known African or South American manatee types. However, the behavior of coming ashore and the large amounts of oil obtained suggested pinnipeds. Dr. Theodore Mortensen of Copenhagen's Zoological Museum concluded in 1933 that the St. Helena manatee was a Cape Sea Lion (Arctocephalus antarcticus). Conversely, F.C.Fraser favored the identity of a young male Southern Elephant Seal. The article concludes that while the evidence is insufficient for a definitive answer, the behavior of coming ashore and the large eyes and jaws are more characteristic of pinnipeds than manatees. The mystery remains unsolved, with the possibility that the creature is extinct.

A reverse case is mentioned where supposed seals from the Red Sea island of Shadwan were identified as dugongs.

Crocodile Tears

This section addresses reader correspondence regarding reports of a large aquatic creature in New Guinea, initially discussed in previous issues. The editor aims to clarify the situation, which has become confusing. The creature was first brought to attention by Karl Shuker, who reported claims by Roy Mackal and a Japanese TV team of filming a large unknown creature in a volcanic lake in New Guinea.

Bernard Heuvelmans's "Annotated Checklist of Apparently Unknown Animals" mentioned an "unknown species of crocodile" or possibly a surviving Mosasaur, known as 'Migo,' in Lake Dakataua on New Britain Island, within the Bismarck Archipelago. This reference originated from Wilfred T. Neill in 1956, who observed crocodiles in upland lakes on New Britain and suggested they might be a species other than *C. porosus* or *C. n. novae-guinae*.

The name 'Migo' gained prominence in a 1972 Japanese newspaper article about a planned survey of Lake Dakataua. Shohei Shirai of the Pacific Ocean Resources Research Institute reported that natives from Talasea named the monster 'Migo,' describing it as about 10 meters long, with a horse-like head and neck, grey in color, sharp fangs, hair on its neck, a round back, turtle-like legs, and a crocodile-like tail. The first sighting was reportedly twelve years prior by a German crocodile hunter, and later an Australian patrol officer allegedly photographed it.

Lake Dakataua is located on the Willaumez Peninsula of New Britain, about 50 km north of Talasea, and is the largest lake in New Guinea. Shirai was told that 'Migo' lives between two small islands and emerges from the water, sometimes coming ashore. The accounts suggest 'Migo' resembles a mosasaur.

Further confusion arose from a December 1994 Fortean Times article describing a lake monster called 'Migo' in Lake Datakau (a possible spelling variation) on New Guinea. The article described video footage showing a large aquatic animal with an angular head, humped back, and powerful tail, with Dr. Roy Mackal declaring it a "new sort of animal."

An article from the British Columbia Cryptozoology Club Newsletter (Issue 19) reviewed a video, courtesy of Gary Mangiacopra, shown on Japanese TV. This program focused on Lake Dakataua (not Niu Gini) on New Britain. After filming the lake, an indistinct remote object was sighted. Roy Mackal, viewing the telephoto video, asserted it was "not a fish, nor a crocodile; it is one (perhaps two or three), long, unknown animals." However, the newsletter's editor noted that the object lacked distinct features and could potentially be a known marine creature, given the richness of the marine fauna. The article also mentions an earlier theory of a zeuglodon (primitive whale) as a possible explanation.

The article highlights the differing descriptions of the video and the shift in the creature's classification from a "possibly unknown species' of crocodile" in 1956 to "monsters" by 1972. The size described in later reports far exceeds the tentative postulations from 1956. The editor agrees with the B.C. Cryptozoology Club Newsletter that direct investigation is the only way to resolve such mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of unexplained phenomena and cryptids, presenting various accounts, scientific opinions, and historical records. The magazine adopts a stance of presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging the challenges and limitations of current evidence. The editorial tone encourages further investigation and curiosity, particularly in the face of unresolved mysteries like the St. Helena Sirenians and the Migo lake monster. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting evidence that challenges conventional scientific understanding, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and the need for rigorous proof.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Four
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: English

Letters Section

The magazine opens with a "Letters" section, noting its success and regular inclusion. The editor states that opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor.

An Opera Worth Dying For

Lars Thomas from Valby, Denmark, reports a tragic incident at the Zoological Garden in Copenhagen in early August. During sound rehearsals for an annual opera concert on August 5th, a female okapi became severely agitated. It refused to enter its stable at night, didn't sleep, and went into shock the following morning. Despite the zoo's veterinarian's efforts, the okapi died on Sunday afternoon. The source cited is Politiken, August 10, 1994.

Three Million Cheers!

This letter, from Paul Nathan of Bognor Regis, discusses classic children's literature, specifically mentioning Christina Hardyment's book 'Arthur Ransome and Capt. Flint's Trunk'. It highlights Ransome's consideration of cryptozoological themes for his 'Swallows and Amazons' series. Two potential sequels are mentioned: one involving the 'Death or Glories' searching for the Loch Ness Monster on the Norfolk Broads, and another tentatively titled 'Coots in Kenya', where characters would hunt for the legendary Nandi Bear on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The Monster Mash (1)

G.M. Stocker from Royal Leamington Spa addresses the Loch Ness Monster, referencing Mr. Morgan's letter from a previous issue (A&M 3). Stocker lists several pre-1930s sightings or related phenomena: Saint Augusta's encounter, General Wade's men seeing 'whales' and a 'floating island' in the Loch, and a diver's report of a large unknown creature. The letter also mentions Scottish Lakes having water spirits like the water bull and the dangerous water kelpie/horse, with legends dating back centuries. Stocker notes that the information came from books published by Target (written by Tim Dinsdale) and Scholastic Book Services, though he no longer possesses them.

The Monster Mash (2)

R.A. Carter from Huddersfield writes to comment on Stuart Leadbetter's article about the Loch Ness phenomenon. Carter identifies as a "Monster Hunter" who keeps an open mind about living fossils but criticizes Leadbetter's arguments against the plesiosaur theory. Carter counters Leadbetter's points on respiration, behavior (arguing that a lack of reported behavior doesn't preclude a creature's existence), breeding habits (suggesting creatures could mate in their own habitat), and rearing of young (proposing eggs could be laid in water). Carter also suggests that a pterodactyl found in a fossil plesiosaur's stomach was likely a corpse in the water, not prey snatched from the air. Carter concludes by urging Leadbetter to "rethink" and emphasizes the need to keep an open mind to solve the Loch Ness mystery.

The Monster Mash (3)

Stephen Nice from Colchester writes to compliment Stuart Leadbetter on his article about the Loch Ness phenomenon, finding it refreshing that Leadbetter accepts the concept of a 'long-necked' creature without blindly believing in the plesiosaur theory. Nice praises Leadbetter's work.

HELP Section

This section aims to answer reader queries and assist with ongoing research projects.

Oddly Coloured Frogs in Cornwall

An update from Mark Nicholson of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust concerns oddly coloured frogs appearing in Cornwall. Forty-six records have been received, with a concentration in southern counties. Nicholson notes the strangeness of pigment-less frogs being orange, while others are pink or white, and that some have normal eyes while others have red eyes expected of albinos. He questions whether 'Red Frogs' are pigmented or pigmented albinos. The report mentions cases of frogs losing color due to lack of light, such as a colony trapped in a drainage shaft. Some captive-bred light-colored frogs have shown spinal defects. Nicholson provides contact information for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and requests specimens.

HELP2 Section

Jan Williams Assures Me That This Is Not A Cryptic Essex Girl Joke!

Jan Williams seeks information on two strange creatures found on beaches at Canvey Island, Essex, as described in Frank Edwards' 'Stranger Than Science'. The first is described as 2.5 feet tall with reddish-brown skin, a pulpy head with protruding eyes, and legs arranged for walking. The second, found by Rev. Joseph Overs on August 11, 1954, was 4 feet long, 25lbs, with large eyes, nostril holes, gills, and thick pink skin lacking scales, featuring two short legs with toes in a U-shape.

How You Can Help The Centre For Fortean Zoology

This section outlines ways readers can assist the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ). They are seeking regional representatives, interested in buying books on cryptozoology, Hong Kong, natural history, folklore, the occult, and Fortean subjects. They are also collecting specimens for the CFZ Museum of Fortean Zoology and requesting press cuttings. Future plans include a new feature on exotic pets and a request for details on Fortean Pub signs and comic books with a cryptozoological theme. They are also seeking anecdotal evidence from ex-colonial service workers about cryptozoological and folkloric themes, particularly vampirism and were-beasts from tropical Africa and the East Indies. Contact details for the Exeter address are provided.

Errors and Omissions

This section lists corrections and apologies for previous issues:

1. The front page headline of issue 3, 'Orobourous is alive and well and living in Eastbourne', was omitted.
2. Controversy arose from the publication of Stuart Leadbetter's article, specifically the addition of "thousands of sightings have been made at Loch Ness" which was not in the original text. Stuart Leadbetter will respond to critics in Issue Five.
3. A typographical error in a letter from issue three misquoted a line about the 'Nightwatchman' as 'nightwatchman' instead of 'watchnight'.
4. Electron microscope photographs of cat hair samples in issue three should have been credited to The National Museums of Scotland, not an unspecified source.
5. Tony 'Doc' Shiels took exception to the description of Samuel Beckett as a "tedious hibernian playwrite".

An advertisement for Public Domain Software for the Amiga Computer is also included.

Nervous Twitch

This section covers unusual bird lore.

A Bevy of Buzzards

Unusual visitors to the coast are reported due to winter weather. In October, Rough Legged Buzzards were seen in approximately twice the normal numbers, attracted by a booming rabbit population. Sightings ranged from the Shetland Isles to Kent, with a concentration in East Anglia and South East Yorkshire. These birds crossed the North Sea at its narrowest point. Some were still present in January.

Asian Yellow Browed Warblers

An influx of Asian Yellow Browed Warblers occurred in January 1995, appearing across the country, including Scarborough, North Devon, and Norfolk. They were reportedly blown off course by winter weather.

Don't You Just Hate It When That Happens?

A rare Blyth's Pipit, usually found in Siberia, was sighted in Suffolk in November. While being photographed by bird watchers, a Kestrel swooped down and took the bird.

Is This The End For The Crested Ibis?

An extremely rare Crested Ibis, brought from China to Japan for breeding, has died. The two-year-old male was on loan to a conservation group and became ill suddenly. This is a tragedy as only two Crested Ibis are known to exist in Japan.

You Got The Power

An unknown bird caused a power outage in May 1994 in the Morongo Basin, Southern California, by dropping a Rosy Boa snake over a power station. This short-circuited a power line, leaving 4000 homes without power for two hours.

Polly Wants A **%^$&!

A foul-mouthed Blue and Gold Macaw named 'Bluey' was fired from its job at the Isle of Wight Zoo after telling tourists where to go. Despite elocution lessons, the parrot's language, likely picked up from a sailor, did not improve. The writer humorously suggests the parrot should sue for unfair dismissal.

The A-Z of Cryptozoology Part Four by Jan Williams

This section continues the alphabetical exploration of cryptozoological subjects.

Baraboedaer Beasts

Carvings on a 9th-century Buddhist shrine at Baraboedaer, Java, depict tusked elephantine heads with four herbivorous cheek-teeth per half jaw, comparable to mastodonts.

Birdmen

Reports of flying creatures with man-like bodies and huge bat wings have occurred in Asia and the Americas. The 'Letayuschiy Chelovek' or 'Flying Man' is said to reside in the Pidan Mountains near Vladivostok, described as humanoid with webbed bat-like wings, heard howling in the 1930s and '40s. A bat-winged humanoid was seen over New York in 1877, two six-foot-tall winged men were reported in Brazil in the 1950s, and a 'bird-woman' was seen in Vietnam in 1969. Many 'flying man' reports are considered Ufology rather than Cryptozoology.

Bray Road Beast

An animal resembling a werewolf has been reported on and around Bray Road, near Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA. Witnesses describe it as larger than a German Shepherd, with long silver-greyish-black hair, a broad chest, wolf-like head, pointed ears, and golden-yellow eyes. It was seen running on all fours and upright, with dog-like tracks found. It was observed eating with paws held in a human fashion.

British Mystery Cats

Reports of large cats in the British Isles date back to the early 20th century, with increased sightings in recent years. Famous cases include the 'Surrey Puma', the 'Exmoor Beast', and the 'Beast of Bodmin'. The animals vary in size (3-5 feet) and color (brown, black, or grey), sometimes with spots or stripes. Physical evidence includes paw-prints, faeces, hair samples, territorial markings, and prey remains.

Photographic evidence of non-domestic cats exists, but debate continues about species. Free-ranging exotic cats like leopard cats, Asian jungle cats, and clouded leopards have been shot in Britain, and a live puma was trapped in Scotland in 1980. Similar 'Mystery Cat' reports come from Europe, Australia, and the USA.

Book Reviews

Escape from Extinction

Reviewed is a booklet by Andrew Kitchener and Kate Charlesworth, described as an excellent, informative, and easy-to-assimilate comic book about extinctions and near extinctions, featuring a private detective named 'RIP Dodo'. The drawings are reminiscent of Pete Loveday's style.

Monsters of the Sea

Richard Ellis's book, 'Monsters of the Sea', is reviewed. Initially unsure, the reviewer found it to be a "veritable treasure trove" of information on sea monsters, whales, giant squids, octopi, and sirenians, particularly praising the section on sharks. While not recommended for marine biology professors, it is considered a useful and entertaining addition for cryptozoologists.

Periodical Reviews

This section lists periodicals of mutual interest, with a focus on those published within the last three months.

  • BIGFOOT RECORD: A bi-monthly free news service for bigfoot enthusiasts, published by The Bigfoot Centre in Bristol, CT, USA.
  • DRAGON CHRONICLE: Published by The dragon trust, London, focusing on draconian subjects, appearing four times a year.
  • NEXUS: Based in West Sussex, UK, it offers an intelligent look at the fringes of science and is recommended for conspiracy buffs.
  • NESSLETTER: A long-running magazine by Rip Hepple from County Durham, UK, described as genuine and original.
  • CREATURE RESEARCH JOURNAL: Published by Paul Johnson in Pennsylvania, USA, it examines the interface between cryptozoology and UFO research.
  • TRACK RECORD: From Mt Hood, Oregon, USA, this publication is excellent for those interested in North American mammals.
  • DELVE: Gene Duplantier's publication from Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, offers intriguing and eccentric forteana and general oddities.
  • BIPEDIA: Published by Francois de Saare in Nice, France, it is a scholarly and concise magazine about Initial Bipedalism.
  • TEMS NEWS: From Hampton, Middlesex, UK, this is an engaging collection of quasi-fortean odds and ends from UFO buff Lionel Beer.
  • TOUCHSTONE and PEGASUS: Two UFO/Fortean magazines from Addlestone, Surrey, described as well-produced.
  • THE CRYPTO CHRONICLE: A general crypto magazine with a bigfoot bias, from Worcester, UK.
  • ANIMALS: The magazine of the British Zoos Supporters Club, from Kent, UK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores cryptozoology, forteana, and unusual animal phenomena. The "Letters" section indicates an editorial stance that encourages reader participation and diverse opinions, while the "HELP" sections demonstrate a commitment to ongoing research and information gathering within these fields. The "Errors and Omissions" section shows a willingness to acknowledge and correct mistakes, maintaining transparency with the readership. The overall tone is inquisitive and open-minded, particularly regarding unexplained phenomena and creatures.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Four
Date: Not specified, but content refers to events in 1993 and 1994.
Publisher: Not specified.
Country: Not specified.
Language: English
ISSN: 1354 0637

This issue of 'Animals & Men' presents a collection of recommended publications and features two main articles: a review section and a detailed account of Bigfoot encounters.

Recommended Publications

The magazine begins by recommending several other publications in the Fortean and cryptozoology sphere:

  • DEAD OF NIGHT: Described as an amusing and intelligently put together Fortean magazine, with a notable section on The Pendle Witches and witty media reviews.
  • CRYPTOZOOLOGIA: A French language magazine published by the Belgian society for Cryptozoology, located in Brussels.
  • THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CRYPTOZOOLOGY CLUB NEWSLETTER: Noted as excellent and well put together, with the club being very accommodating in their last issue.
  • ENIGMAS: A magazine with a UFO bias, described as a fine 'mysteries' magazine.
  • PROMISES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS: This publication is highlighted for featuring writer Kevin McClure, who is praised for his contributions to the field of 'non human intelligence'.

From Our Files: Bigfoot Reports

This section, presented as part two of a rundown of recent Bigfoot reports, details two distinct encounters:

Encounter 1: Wildcat Mt Road (September 2nd, 1994)

Reported by Woody Woodworth, this incident occurred early in the morning near Wildcat Mt Road, approximately seven to eight miles from the Kitzmiller Road junction. Woodworth was observing an elk herd when he heard a high-pitched whistle, lasting about 20 seconds. He found the sound peculiar, unlike any wildlife he was familiar with. The whistle also triggered a five-minute barking frenzy from dogs in nearby homes. This report is dated September 22nd, 1994, by the Western Bigfoot Society.

Encounter 2: Mollada, Oregon (May 1993 & July 1994)

This account comes from Sharon Jones, who reports her first Bigfoot sighting on Memorial Day weekend 1993, on a Saturday night around 10:00 PM, while camping in the Mollada, Oregon area. While searching for tracks the next morning, her children discovered a large footprint in the mud, measuring 17" x 9". Jones observed trees moving high up and then saw a large figure run out of the trees. Approximately ten minutes later, she saw the figure return to the trees. Her husband, Leroy, later that night around 9:15 PM, heard something large in the trees near their tent and shone his light on it, revealing the Bigfoot about 50 feet away, described as brown in color. Jones states that she and her family have seen the creature and its eyes frequently during subsequent camping trips throughout the summer, suggesting the existence of a Bigfoot family. Mrs. Jones also reported seeing the same creatures during the summer of 1994, specifically over the weekend of July 1st. The report concludes by expressing anticipation for future sightings.

Cartoon and Editorial Note

The second page features a cartoon with various figures and text, including references to 'LOUIE LOUIE', 'PROJECT UR QUART', 'LOCH NESS', and a speech bubble stating, "Sometimes we discover useful Promotors for our band amid the tedious Tourists". The page is typeset by Poultrypower and includes the ISSN.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on anomalous phenomena, particularly cryptozoology (Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster) and UFOs, as evidenced by the reviewed publications and the featured Bigfoot reports. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry and reporting on such phenomena, with a critical yet appreciative tone towards other publications in the field. The inclusion of media reviews suggests an interest in how these topics are presented in popular culture and other journals.