Animals and Men - No 05

Magazine Overview

'Animals & Men' is the fifth issue of The Journal of The Centre for Fortean Zoology. This issue marks the magazine's first year and announces an expansion, increasing to forty pages with plans for further growth. The cover prominently features an image of a lake monster, likely referencing Loch Ness, and headlines highlight articles on lake monsters, mystery cats, and the Hairy Hands of Dartmoor. The magazine incorporates 'The Crypto Chronicle', with its subscribers' balances transferred and its editorial team joining 'Animals & Men'. The cover price has increased to £1.75, and UK subscription rates have also risen.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial team is introduced, with Jonathan Downes as Editor. New additions to the team include Tony 'Doc' Shiels as 'Surrealchenist in Residence' and Dr Karl P.N.Shuker as 'Zoology Consultant'. Craig Harris, the former editor of 'The Crypto Chronicle', has joined as 'Bigfoot Consultant'. The issue also includes a special thank you to Steve Browning of Gemini Radio for his support.

Contents and Articles

This issue covers a diverse range of topics:

Newsfile

• Mystery Cats: Numerous reports of large, exotic cats are detailed across the UK. In Cornwall, a deer farmer reported the carcasses of seven young deer, with only heads, legs, and feet remaining, attributed to a big cat. Sightings include a red-furred, puma-like animal in Mevagissey, a large black cat with a thick tail and green eyes in Devon, panther-like cats near Bishopswood, and a black animal stalked by Terry Cox. The Beast of Salcombe Regis is also mentioned. In Cambridgeshire, a cat-like animal was seen near Haddenham. Rutland reported 'black panther' and lynx-like cats. In Clwyd, Wales, a panther was sighted at a country club. Scotland saw a large black cat near Colliston and reports in Grampian of a 'black panther' and large feline pawprints photographed by Dr David Clark. A former medical lecturer also reported a large black cat in Scotland.
• Ecological and Zoological News: Doug Mortimer reported signs of big cat attacks on a roe deer carcass in Scotland. An effeminate fox in Enfield was initially mistaken for a mystery cat. In Ohio, USA, a search is underway for a mystery beast, possibly an Eastern Cougar. Vermont also reported possible Eastern Cougar sightings. A Sumatran Tiger attack in Indonesia is noted.
• Johnny Morris Quote: A quote from Johnny Morris reflects a more accepting view of wild animals.

New and Rediscovered Species

• Gilberts Potoroo: This rodent-sized marsupial, presumed extinct for 125 years, has been rediscovered in Western Australia. Specimens were captured, one fitted with a radio transmitter.
• Spiders in the Bog: A spider species, *Gnaphosa nigerrima*, previously thought extinct in Britain, was found in a Cheshire bog. Another new spider species from Belize, capable of 'shooting' its prey, was discovered.
• Eight Arms to Hold You: An unknown species of deep-sea octopus, approximately 15 inches long and transparent, was sighted off Guatemala. Notably, two males were observed attempting to mate.

Genetics

• Jurassic Park?: Research into dinosaur DNA is progressing. Scientists at Beijing University partially isolated DNA from a fossilized dinosaur egg, but not enough for cloning. Brigham Young University scientists extracted DNA from a Cretaceous period bone fragment, believed to be from a dinosaur. A team in Montana claims to have extracted genetic material from a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, though its precise origin is still debated.
• The Butterfly Ball: Two butterfly species extinct in the UK for over 70 years, the Large Copper and the Chequered Skipper, may be reintroduced. Geneticists aim to combine DNA from museum specimens with European insects.

Mystery Hominids & Primates

• Debbie Goes Ape: Debbie Martyr reports on her expedition searching for the Orang Pendek of Sumatra, describing it as an intelligent, bipedal creature with reddish hair, which she believes to be an ape rather than a relict hominid.
• Big Footprints: A large-scale operation in Malaysia searched for an 8-foot tall hominid named 'bigfoot', but the operation was unsuccessful in finding concrete evidence.
• Waiting for the Man: Chinese researchers are studying the Yeren or Chinese Wildman. The article debunks a widely circulated photograph claimed to be 'Son of Wildman', identifying it as a picture of a man with microcephaly. Real research continues with new sightings and the formation of 'The Committee for the Search of rare and Strange Creatures'. Wang Guan Xiang recounts a childhood sighting, and Forest ranger Yuan Yu Hao is dedicated to capturing a specimen.
• Wild Child: A 'wild child' named Sorin, found in Romania, remains feral and communicates through barking sounds.

Other Animal Reports

• Rhesus Negative: Three Rhesus Macaques escaped from Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire. Two were shot due to public safety concerns, and one was recaptured.
• Dutch Baboons Climb a Tree: Two hundred baboons in Emmen Zoo, Holland, climbed a tree for no apparent reason.
• More Baboons: Customs officials in Plymouth reported a case of foreign seamen smuggling rare species, including a West African Olive Baboon.
• The Beast of Bala: An animal sighted chasing sheep near Bala, Wales, was shot and identified as a Ruffed Lemur, an endangered species, which had escaped locally.
• The Wizards of Oz: An Australian historian claims a lost tribe of pygmy Aborigines could be living in the Queensland jungle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology and unexplained phenomena, giving voice to reports of cryptids, unusual animal behavior, and new scientific discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and witness accounts without immediate dismissal, while also critically examining hoaxes or misidentifications, as seen in the debunking of the 'Son of Wildman' photograph. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology, with a focus on both well-known mysteries like lake monsters and big cats, and lesser-known phenomena from around the world. The magazine also highlights scientific advancements in genetics and species discovery, framing them within a broader context of the unknown and the extraordinary.

This issue of 'Animals & Men', titled 'Issue Five', presents a collection of intriguing and often bizarre animal-related news and features. The main cover story, 'Boars and Pumas', by Roy Kerridge, delves into the possibility of large cats, particularly pumas, existing in the British countryside. Other sections cover a variety of 'Freshwater and Marine Mysteries' and 'Other News' items, ranging from shark attacks to unusual animal behaviors and collections.

Fresh Water and Marine Mysteries

Jaws! A Great White Shark is suspected in the fatal attack on diver James Robinson, aged 42, near San Miguel Island, 40 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The article notes that the state's last shark fatalities were off Malibu in 1989.

Turning Turtle Experts blame off-shore dredging operations for a record number of sea turtles washed up dead on the Texas coast last year.

The 'Nessie' with the Golden Hair Reports from Tianchi Lake on the China-North Korea border describe a large aquatic creature with a bull-like head and a dragon-like body covered in flowing golden blonde hair. Sightings have reportedly continued intermittently for the last century, with photographs and video footage taken. The editor expresses a newfound skepticism after the Lake Dakataua saga.

Japanese Megamouth The seventh Megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) specimen, a female measuring 4.8m and weighing 790 kg, was washed up in Hakata Bay, Kyushu, Japan. It is preserved at the Marine Museum in Fukuoka. The species was first seen in 1976 when a dead specimen was found in Hawaii, and it was scientifically described seven years later. Only two living specimens have ever been observed.

Piranhas in the Holy Land An Israeli fisherman, Yaakov Ezri, caught three fish in the Sea of Galilee that a local 'expert' identified as Piranhas. These South American fish are popular pets and have been introduced to parts of Europe. The fish were bought for over $100 each by souvenir hunters, but they turned out to be the closely related, harmless vegetarian Pacu.

Other News

Dumbo Strikes Back Walt Disney Inc. has taken measures to stop fake toy sales in India, hiring two elephants to crush 20,000 fake Mickey Mouse toys in Delhi.

Holy Hermaphrodite Goats! A Palestinian shepherd is earning a considerable income from the milk of a male goat that has sired over fifty kids and produces two glasses of milk daily from one teat. He charges twenty-one pounds per glass.

Funky Dung Two trivial news items: Rochester City Council reported that one and a half tonnes of dog excrement are deposited on the city's streets weekly. London artist Sally Matthews created a life-sized cow sculpture using eight buckets of cow dung.

Urban Jungle Environment officials investigated Vincent Pace's house in Syracuse, New York, which was found to be crammed with 74 exotic animals, including an African lion, Bengal tiger, black bear, and monkeys.

Flaming Pets Firefighters rescued a three-month-old hamster from a house fire in Far Cotton, Northamptonshire. In a separate incident, firefighters rescued four large pythons and other exotic animals from another fire.

Boars and Pumas

This feature by Roy Kerridge explores the phenomenon of large cat sightings in Britain, focusing on the possibility of pumas and other exotic felines living wild. The article is structured around interviews and investigations, primarily with Sergeant Eddie Bell of Consett Police Station.

The 'Bonnie' Boar Incident When a wild boar, nicknamed 'Bonnie', escaped from a farm into the hills of County Durham, headlines proclaimed the return of Boar Hunting. Sergeant Eddie Bell was involved in the investigation. The farmer who claimed the boar attacked his sheep based his description on a TV film of warthogs. It is suggested that dogs, possibly lurchers, were the actual culprits, and a police hunt for the boar would have been a waste of money. 'Bonnie' was considered a potential tourist attraction.

Big Cat Files Sergeant Bell's files contain numerous reports of escaped big cats. The article discusses the possibility of black panthers (black leopards) lurking in English woods, citing a sighting by writer Auberon Waugh in Somerset.

Puma Sightings and Characteristics Eddie believes most 'big cat sightings' locally are of pumas. A puma is described as russet brown with a white and black muzzle, large black-rimmed ears, and a long, thick black-tipped tail. Their natural range is the Americas, and they are thought to appear in the Eastern U.S. every ten years. Pumas are said to attack humans only if trapped, wounded, or cornered, preferring rabbits or deer to farm stock. The introduction and suppression of pumas as pet shop animals are mentioned.

The Dangerous Animal Act of 1976 This act was introduced to control the ownership of big cats as pets, a trend popular among wealthy young builders in the early 1970s. The act introduced licenses and standards for cage construction. It is suggested that many families released their exotic pets into the wild when they could not comply with the new regulations.

Pumas in County Durham Reports of pumas in County Durham shifted from the populous eastern part to the wilder western areas over time, suggesting released pumas moved into wilderness country and learned to hunt rabbits and roe deer independently.

Deer Population and Puma Predation An estimate of eleven to fourteen pumas living wild in a six hundred square mile area of County Durham is given. The area also has a large population of roe deer (estimated at twenty thousand). The article discusses the role of pumas as natural predators of deer, filling a void left by the wiping out of native predators. A large puma could live on seventy to ninety deer per year.

Sheep Kills and Other Species While a sheep was reportedly killed by a big cat at Bowburn, the evidence is not conclusive. The article mentions that larger cats could kill sheep. An estimate of about two hundred wild pumas nationwide is given. Reports of lions and cheetahs are considered far-fetched, but Indian jungle cats, leopards, leopard cats, lynxes, and a Bengal Tiger are also mentioned as potentially being loose.

Exotic Escapes Reports include a solitary Bengal Tiger living wild in Sutherland, Scotland. An African Crested Porcupine lived wild in Durham City for ages. Two timber wolves escaped from a zoo in Newcastle. Baboons escaped from Lambton Wildlife Park and threw stones at cars. Two Nilghai (Indian Antelopes) escaped from Flamingoland, Yorkshire, with one shot and one possibly still free.

Wild Cat Hybrids Indian jungle cats and leopard cats are described as small and not a threat to human life. They are brown with tufted ears and short tails. The Bengal Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) is widely distributed in Asia, kept as a pet, and has hybridized with domestic cats. Feral specimens have been found in various parts of Britain. Scottish Wildcats, feral domestic cats, jungle cats, and leopard cats may be breeding with each other in the wild.

Mystery Cat Identification Issues The article discusses the difficulty in identifying mystery cats, with many reports describing black animals. Eddie suggests that most reports are of pumas, and there is no known case of a melanistic puma. However, an editor's note questions this. The article also touches on the idea that 'black panthers' are often misidentified pumas.

Lynx Sightings Reports of big cats resembling lynxes have occurred in Consett and Stanley. Lynxes are described as jungle cats writ large, seldom attacking humans. Their survival in Britain into historic times is uncertain, with 'catamount' possibly referring to the lynx or Scottish wildcat.

Historical Accounts and Recent Sightings William Cobbett's account from 1830 of a strange wild animal recognized as a lynx is mentioned. A police officer from Exeter, known as Jock, reported seeing a large brown cat with a stocky build, small head, long tail, and big feet. Another sighting by a police officer involved a creature described as a big cat with a shaggy, dark brown or black coat, green eyes, and an enormous curving tail.

Police Officer Witness Reliability The article discusses the reliability of police officers as witnesses to mystery cat incidents. While they may have more experience and training in observational techniques, they are subject to the same psychological discrepancies as other people. The author notes that police officers often fear ridicule from colleagues for reporting such sightings.

Witness Prejudice and Misidentification It is suggested that witness prejudice plays a role, where individuals see what they want to see. Most big cat sightings are suggested to be misidentifications of feral cats, or unconscious misinterpretations. The article questions how many carcasses attributed to 'Beasts' are scientifically examined and proven to be the work of big cats, rather than common predators.

The 'Black Puma' Phenomenon The identification of a 'black puma' is common, possibly stemming from media misrepresentations. However, Dr. Karl Shuker's book 'Mystery Cats of the World' is cited, stating that only one black puma has ever been officially documented, making it unlikely that melanistic pumas are responsible for large black cat sightings in Britain.

Interviewing Techniques The article touches upon interviewing techniques for eliciting information from witnesses, suggesting that successive free recalls without questioning, followed by indirect questions, are more effective than direct questioning to avoid implanting false information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained presence of exotic and large animals in unexpected locations, particularly in Britain, and the critical examination of witness testimony. The magazine adopts a stance of cautious curiosity, presenting reports and expert opinions while encouraging readers to consider the complexities of identification and the reliability of evidence. The editor expresses a willingness to be convinced by further evidence, especially regarding the 'Nessie' with the Golden Hair, indicating an open but discerning approach to unusual phenomena.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Five
Date: November 1994

This issue of 'Animals & Men' presents a collection of articles exploring various cryptozoological and paranormal phenomena, with a focus on eyewitness accounts and scientific speculation.

Article: Large Cats in Rural Britain

The introductory section discusses the challenges of presenting and evaluating witness evidence for the presence of large cats in rural Britain. It emphasizes the need for caution and supporting evidence, while acknowledging that many reliable reports exist each year. The author, J.B.Kingshott, notes that the opinions expressed are his own and not official police viewpoints. The article concludes by advising readers to be wary of the pitfalls of accepting witness testimony as fact without corroboration.

Article: Crocodile Tears II

This article revisits the mystery of the 'Migo' from Lake Dakataua on New Britain, which was previously covered in earlier issues. The authors express that new revelations, particularly a video from a Japanese TV crew, have challenged their previous conclusions. The video, transferred from NISC to PAL at Exeter University, reportedly shows a large, long, and apparently unknown species. The editor, who describes himself as a skeptic, was initially prepared for an unimpressive blob but was instead presented with something far more exciting. For copyright reasons, pictures cannot be printed, but an artistic impression is included. The video evidence was sent to Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker for analysis.

Article: The Migo Movie: A further muddying of murky waters by Dr Karl P.N.Shuker

Dr. Karl P.N.Shuker details his viewing of a Japanese TV documentary about the 'migo' in Lake Dakataua. The documentary, screened in January/February 1994, charted an expedition in search of the lake's water monster. Dr. Shuker, having received a videocassette, became the first zoologist in Britain to view this 'migo movie'. The documentary's dialogue was primarily in Japanese, but the visuals were largely self-explanatory. The expedition interviewed local eyewitnesses, sailed the lake, and attempted to film the migo. They also deployed divers and sound recording equipment. Professor Roy Mackal, the expedition's scientific consultant, shared his views, though much of his account was lost due to a Japanese voice-over translation. The documentary promoted the identity of the migo as a mosasaur, a large sea-dwelling lizard. However, Dr. Shuker found the model used to represent the mosasaur to be impassively inflexible. The footage showed what appeared to be three body portions of a large animal, including a head, a possible neck, and a large, flattened hump that seemed to propel the animal. A shorter piece of footage showed a body section emerging vertically with two slender projections, followed by a tail with whale-like flukes. Dr. Shuker believes the creature is alive. He argues that the migo is not a mosasaur or reptilian, focusing on body flexion. He notes that reptiles, amphibians, and fishes flex horizontally, while birds and mammals flex vertically. He suggests the migo's vertical undulation points towards a mammalian or avian classification. Dr. Shuker also discusses Prof. Mackal's theory that the migo is a 'migaua', an evolved archaeocete (primitive whale). He notes that the migo was described as over 33ft long and moving at 4 knots. Mackal ruled out crocodiles and known fish, suggesting an evolved archaeocete, possibly a zeuglodont. The article addresses the problem of diet, as Lake Dakataua is said to contain no fish. The migo is thought to feed on waterfowl, explaining its presence near the surface. Dr. Shuker finds the archaeocete theory plausible, but notes complications arise. He also considers eyewitness accounts from natives of Blumuri village, who knew the monster as 'massali', 'masalai', or 'mussali' ('spirits'). These accounts describe a creature about 30 ft long with a small head, pointed jaws, a long neck, a burly body, a slender tail, and two pairs of flippers. Crucially, these eyewitnesses reported the creature was covered in short black hair, which contradicts the mosasaur or thalattosuchian identity. The article then explores the possibility of the massali being an early archaeocete, like *Ambulocetus natans*, a 'swimming walking whale' from Pakistan, which had four well-developed limbs and flexible vertebrae. This theory suggests a morphologically-conservative, pre-zeuglodont archaeocete. The article also touches on the naming confusion, with 'migo' possibly referring to a three-foot monitor lizard according to explorer Atsuo Tanaka, who also noted that many villagers doubted the monster's existence. Tanaka suggested the sightings might be of crocodiles or dugongs. The provisional government is reportedly keen for further expeditions to capture a specimen.

Article: The Case of the Hairy Hands by Stephen Shipp

This article investigates the infamous 'Hairy Hands' mystery of Dartmoor, a phenomenon that has been reported for centuries. The legend centers around a stretch of the B.3212 road near Postbridge and Two Bridges. Reports include horse-drawn vehicles being affected, cyclists losing control, horses shying, and cars and coaches crashing. The article suggests possible explanations, including the presence of unusual hairy creatures like wild bears or the apparitions of prehistoric humans. The phenomenon is unusual as ghost hands are typically reported without hair.

• The article details several incidents:
• In June 1921, a Medical Officer for Dartmoor Prison died in a motorcycle crash on this road while carrying two children.
• On August 26th of the same year, a young army officer reported his motorcycle being forced off the road by a pair of rough, hairy hands on the handlebars.
• In 1924, a woman in a caravan near the Powder Mills reported seeing a phantom hand with hairs on its joints and back clawing at her window.
• An undated account mentions a young man found dead in his overturned car near the same location.
• More recently, a doctor's car stopped inexplicably at the same spot in 1921, and another doctor's vehicle went into a ditch in 1979 after an unknown force took control.
• The author recounts a personal experience where his car swerved off the road on this stretch, an event he later realized might be connected to the 'Hairy Hands' legend.

The article includes a map reference for Ordnance Survey Landranger 191 (1:50,000) and a list of references.

Article: 'Near Lizard but not near enough'; An Addendum by Stuart Leadbetter

Stuart Leadbetter responds to criticisms of his theories about the Loch Ness phenomena, particularly regarding the 'plesiosaur' identification. He agrees that no creature exactly matches a plesiosaur but proposes that a sturgeon might bear a partial similarity. This theory, originally suggested by Rupert T.Gould in 1934, posits that a partially submerged sturgeon, showing only its bony plates, could appear as a multi-humped sea serpent with a long neck and small head. Leadbetter disagrees with Gould's drawing, finding the snout too long and the bony plates not resembling anything other than plates. However, he maintains the 'Sturgeon-as-Nessie' theory, suggesting that the 'upturned boat' aspect of sightings could be explained by the bony plates on older, larger sturgeons, whose plates become smoother with age. He also proposes that individual variability or a sub-species of sturgeon could account for sightings of heads and necks. Leadbetter acknowledges that the possibility of a new sub-species is speculative and asks for reader assistance in gathering evidence, particularly snout length records of captured sturgeons.

He also addresses a point raised by Martien Mannetje regarding the number of Loch Ness sightings, clarifying that his original manuscript stated 'thousands' in error, and that the total number falls well short of that figure. He attributes the spreading of this misinformation to Nick Witchell and Roy P. Mackal. Leadbetter questions the value of compiling Loch Ness reports if their accuracy cannot be verified, especially when witness addresses are unavailable or witnesses are deceased.

An editorial note confirms the ongoing nature of the story and invites comments. It also announces a series of summer school lectures on Cryptozoology by the Editor in Exeter, titled "Still on the Track of Unknown Animals," featuring video clips and ongoing research.

Nervous Twitch

This section provides a series of brief, quirky news items:

• Crime and Punishment: Tales of stolen and smuggled birds, including fighting cocks and rare Amazon parrots. One story details the recovery of a stolen parrot named Silver through a newspaper advertisement and a mysterious phone call.
• Sock It To Me Mama: A ten-day-old vulture named 'Bert' is being reared using a makeshift puppet made from an old sock.
• Whither Shall Ye Wander?: A brief, gruesome anecdote about a handyman who sliced off his finger, which was then eaten by his pet geese.
• Don't Be Silly: A report from the Daily Mail about hundreds of tiny woolen jumpers knitted by volunteers to help save oiled seabirds, questioning the practicality and origin of the idea.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and the critical evaluation of eyewitness testimony. The magazine presents a range of cases, from alleged large cats and lake monsters to paranormal hauntings and unusual animal stories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging readers to consider evidence critically while not dismissing unusual reports outright. The publication seems to value detailed investigation and the sharing of information among enthusiasts, as evidenced by the call for reader contributions and the announcement of lectures on cryptozoology. The inclusion of the 'Nervous Twitch' section adds a lighter, more eclectic element, showcasing bizarre news items from around the world.

Animals & Men, Issue Five, is a magazine focused on cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and related interests. This issue features a mix of reader letters, editorial notes, obituaries, and reviews of books and periodicals.

Letters Section

The 'Letters' section opens with a letter from Eric Sorensen of Denmark, discussing zoologist Dr. Ingvald Lieberkind's Danish Encyclopaedia 'Dyrenes Verden' and its listing of big cat crossbreeds, including Lion/Tiger, Lion/Leopard, and Lion/Jaguar. Sorensen also notes crosses between domestic cats and wild species, and a Puma/Leopard cross. He speculates on the genetic implications of these crosses and the potential for new species, while also expressing concern about the public's reaction to confirmed 'Alien Big Cats' (ABCs) and advocating for the reintroduction of medium-sized predators like cats or wolves into the British fauna.

Mike Grayson of London contributes a letter discussing the Loch Ness Monster, referencing a letter from G.M. Stocker and a book by Nicholas Witchell. He questions the validity of a 1769 book mentioning 'leviathan creatures' or 'whales' in the loch, noting that the book has not been located. Grayson also addresses an article on 'Crocodile Tears', distinguishing between two cryptids in New Britain: 'Migo', described as a horse-necked, hairy creature possibly a mammal, and other crocodile-like reptiles found in upland lakes.

Nick Morgan of North Yorkshire writes to comment further on G.M. Stocker's letter regarding the Loch Ness Monster. He dismisses the 'whales' sighting due to the lack of evidence for the 1769 book. Morgan finds the 'floating island' reference from Richard Franck's 'Northern Memoirs' more credible, though he notes it was also associated with Loch Lomond. He also questions a diver's sighting of a 'frog-like' creature, suggesting it was reported after the 1933 'flap'. Morgan concludes by analyzing folklore traditions like St. Columba's miracle and the Kelpie legend, suggesting they were used to explain phenomena or frighten children away from dangerous waters.

HELP Section

The 'HELP' section, designed for reader contributions to ongoing research, features two reader accounts. Andy Stephens of Bristol shares a childhood memory of finding a creamy white frog while fishing in a canal in Uplowman, Devon, during the 1960s. He describes it as an unusual variant of the common frog. Stephens also recounts a later experience in the same location, witnessing buzzards in a cereal field.

Suzanne Stebbings provides an update on her 'Pinball Lizards', which hatched from Lacerta viridis eggs and resembled G. galotea, but later died from a black leg disease. She notes they eventually resembled a brown version of L. tulineata. The magazine is seeking further information on these mysterious lizards.

The 'HELP' section concludes with a list of ongoing research interests: 'Big Bird' sightings post-1977, oddly colored frogs, comic books and pub signs with cryptozoological themes, live specimens of soft-shelled turtles and aquatic salamanders, and books/magazines on Hong Kong wildlife.

Obituaries

This issue features obituaries for two significant figures. The first is for Gerald Durrell (1925-1995), whom the editor considers his personal hero. Durrell, known for his work with Jersey Zoo and his books like 'My Family and Other Animals', passed away following a liver transplant. The editor expresses deep personal disappointment at not having met Durrell and highlights his influence.

The second obituary is for Jane Bradley (1961-95), the magazine's Scottish correspondent and graphic designer. Bradley was responsible for the magazine's cartoons and gathered eccentric news stories. She is remembered for her artistic talent and surreal humor, but also for her struggles with depression, which led to her suicide after a friend's death. She left behind a two-year-old son.

An 'Other Absent Friends' section briefly mentions the recent deaths of animal author James Herriot, satirist Peter Cook, and Viv Stanshall.

From Our Files

This section details a sighting of a winged entity, referred to as 'Batsquatch', reported in Washington State in April 1994. Eighteen-year-old Brian Canfield reported his pickup truck stalling as a nine-foot figure with blue-tinted fur, yellowish eyes, bird-like feet, tufted ears, and sharp teeth descended from the sky. The creature's wings were folded. Canfield described the encounter as unnerving but not threatening. The article notes that this sighting has not been linked to previous 'winged thing' reports like 'Owlman' or 'Mothman'.

Book Reviews

The 'Book Reviews' section covers several titles:

• Folklore and Mysteries of the Cotswolds by Mark Turner: Praised for its fortean content, it covers 'black dog' sightings and a 'bear'-like creature in Aston Magna. The reviewer wished for better maps and illustrations.
• The Good Ghost Guide by John Brooks: Described as a gazetteer of ghost sightings, it includes animal ghosts. While comprehensive, it is criticized for lacking excitement compared to Andrew Green's 'Our Haunted Kingdom'.
• Strange Stories Amazing Facts, Strange Worlds Amazing Places, and Exploring the Secrets of Nature (Readers Digest): These books are described as visually appealing but lacking substance, akin to 'fast food restaurants'. The reviewer notes that Dr. Karl Shuker acted as a consultant for some of these.

Periodical Reviews

This section reviews various magazines and newsletters:

• Bigfoot Record: A free bi-monthly news service for bigfoot enthusiasts.
• Dragon Chronicle: Focuses on draconian subjects, published quarterly.
• Nexus: Covers the fringes of science.
• Nessletter: A long-running magazine highly recommended.
• Bipedia: A scholarly magazine about initial bipedalism.
• Tems News: Features quasi-fortean odds and ends.
• Touchstone and Pegasus: Two UFO/Fortean magazines.
• Dead of Night: An amusing and intelligent Fortean magazine, with articles on 'black dogs' and fortean zoology.
• Cryptozoologia: A French-language magazine from the Belgian society for Cryptozoology.
• Enigmas: A 'mysteries' magazine with a UFO bias.
• Promises and Disappointments: An excellent magazine on 'non human intelligence'.
• The British Columbia Cryptozoology Club Newsletter: An excellent and well-put-together newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of zoology, folklore, and unexplained phenomena (forteana). There is a strong emphasis on reader contributions and ongoing research projects, particularly in cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unusual animal sightings and folklore, while also maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence presented. The obituaries highlight the magazine's connection to prominent figures in the fields of zoology and natural history, and its commitment to remembering individuals who have contributed to these areas. The recurring theme of 'unknown animals' and unexplained events is central to the publication's identity.