Animals and Men - No 16

Magazine Overview

Title: ANIMALS & MEN
Issue: 16
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: England
Price: £2.00

This issue of Animals & Men, the journal of The Centre for Fortean Zoology, presents a diverse collection of articles on cryptozoological and Fortean phenomena. The cover features a striking image of an alien-like creature alongside a man, hinting at the eclectic nature of the content within. The main cover headlines promise investigations into the Chupacabra, snakes with legs, giant lizards in Hampshire, and the Eastern Cougar, among other mysteries.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "THE GREAT DAYS OF ZOOLOGY... ARE NOT DONE!", announces a new phase for Animals & Men, embracing the "Global Village" ethos through the internet. The Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ) is transitioning from purely research-based activities (museums, libraries, bookshops) to hands-on field research. This shift has led to publication delays, for which apologies are extended, particularly for the 1998 yearbook. The editorial team also mentions recent expeditions to Mexico, Florida, and Puerto Rico. The issue was delayed partly due to the financial difficulties of a UFO magazine that had been supporting their income, preventing the immediate purchase of a colour printer. However, the next issue is slated to be in colour. Significant changes within the CFZ include the acquisition of a Pentium 166 computer, improving typesetting quality and enabling forays into cyberspace, and the addition of Richard Freeman as a permanent member of the CFZ faculty.

Newsfile: Lake and Sea Monsters

This section, compiled by Graham Inglis, Richard Freeman, and The Editor, leads with an update on Steve O'Shea's quest for *Architeuthis dux* (giant squid). A ten-meter long, three hundred kilo specimen was recently caught, and O'Shea hopes to prove that these creatures live only two years and come to New Zealand waters to breed and die. He currently has four giant squid in his collection at Niwa. The article also references a National Geographic feature on a sperm whale carcass in New Zealand showing sucker marks, suggesting a struggle with a giant squid, and details O'Shea's plans to use a robotic camera to investigate a deep-sea canyon.

The Newsfile also reports on the Loch Ness Monster, with an amateur photographer, Richard White, capturing mysterious images in Scotland's Loch Ness. These photos have led to renewed speculation, and White was awarded 500 pounds for the best "Nessie" image of the year. Gary Campbell, president of the Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club, noted that the ambiguity of the photos adds to the mystery.

Newsfile: Song of Norway and Mystery Cats

An international team is preparing to search a Norwegian lake for a 250-year-old sea serpent legend. Jan-Ove Sundberg, a Swedish journalist, believes the "beast" might be a new large eel species. Zoologists from Norway, Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Italy, and Russia will participate in the 17-day search. Torfinn Oermen from Oslo's Zoological Museum is skeptical, citing the cold Nordic lakes and the distance from the ocean as reasons against finding a sea animal.

The "Mystery Cats" section discusses sightings of large cats in the UK, with a wildlife expert suggesting that escaped exotic pets, rather than wild animals, are responsible. The article notes that these cats are elusive and prey on livestock but are unlikely to attack humans. It also touches on the possibility that some sightings might be of large domestic cats.

Newsfile: Mexico and The Frogman Cometh

An incident in Mexico City involved the discovery of an out-of-place lion cub, which was captured and taken to a zoo. The article also mentions the CFZ posse and a Channel 4 film crew investigating chupacabra reports in Mexico.

Martin Pickersgill, known for his search for reed frogs, is now auctioning naming rights for eight previously unknown frog species to fund an expedition to Africa in search of the tokoloshe, a hominid he glimpsed as a teenager.

Newsfile: Lakeland BHM and Nepalese Monkey Business

Brian Goodwin reports on a sighting in Beckermet, Cumbria, of a large, ginger-brown haired creature standing on its hind legs, estimated to be six feet six inches tall. The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, believes it was not a man or a deer.

Dr. Mukesh Kumar Chalise, a primatologist, claims to have identified a new monkey group in Nepal, distinct from other known species in the region.

Newsfile: Other Stories (Beetle Revival, Wainscott Moth, Siberian Tiger, But Is It Art?)

This section highlights several interesting zoological news items:

• Beetle Revival: A 2.5 cm staphylinidae beetle (*Emus hirtus*), presumed extinct, reappeared in a public lavatory.
• Wainscott Moth: *Sedina buettneri*, known as Blair's Wainscott, has reappeared in Dorset after being declared extinct in Britain in 1950. Its revival coincides with the return of the Labour party.
• Siberian Tiger: Researchers have found traces of up to six Siberian tigers in northeast China, a species on the verge of extinction. Signs of wild leopards were also found. Experts from China, Russia, and the US are working to determine the population size and conservation strategies.
• But Is It Art?: A 9,000-pound Asian elephant named Surapa at the Buffalo Zoo has become famous for selling paintings created by the elephants, with prices up to $25. The elephant keeper, Daryl Hoffman, initiated this activity to keep the elephants entertained during winter.

Newsfile: Who is Responsible for Nessie? and Falling Frogs (Literally)

This section delves into government confusion regarding the legal status of the Loch Ness Monster in the 1930s, with concerns about public disorder and traffic disruption if a confirmed sighting occurred. A government official humorously suggested the matter might belong to "Monty Python's Ministry of Funny Walks."

The "Falling Frogs" article discusses concerns about low frog numbers in the Irish Midlands, based on the first Irish Frog Survey. The survey, involving over 900 schoolchildren, found low returns from certain counties, possibly indicating low frog density or other factors. Dr. Peter Foss, chairman of the IPCC, noted that modern farming practices and pesticides threaten frog habitats. The survey also received calls from homeowners reporting large numbers of frogs attempting to invade their homes, likely due to their breeding paths being obstructed by housing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Animals & Men strongly emphasizes the ongoing exploration and discovery within the fields of cryptozoology and zoology. The editorial highlights the CFZ's embrace of new technologies like the internet and hands-on research, signaling a dynamic and evolving approach to studying unexplained phenomena. Recurring themes include the mystery of lake and sea monsters (giant squid, Loch Ness Monster), the potential existence of unknown land animals (Chupacabra, big cats, mysterious creatures, tokoloshe), and the surprising reappearances of seemingly extinct species. The magazine maintains a tone of curiosity and investigation, presenting news and reports from various sources while also encouraging further research and discussion.

This issue of "ANIMALS & MEN" (Issue #16) focuses on a variety of unusual and often mysterious animal-related news and reports. The cover highlights two main topics: the 'big bad' and the 'badger parade,' hinting at stories about dangerous animals and peculiar animal behavior. The issue date is noted as December 17th, 1997, with a notice from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding a reward for information on the injury and destruction of a gray wolf.

Wolf Incident in Minnesota

The issue details an incident on December 13th on Birch Lake, Minnesota, where a gray wolf was severely injured by snowmobiles. The wolf, protected under the Endangered Species Act, was found with broken legs and internal injuries and had to be destroyed. Snowmobile tracks indicated it was struck twice. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. A related incident in Marshall County involving a radio-collared wolf being shot is also mentioned. The FWS emphasizes its objective of protecting and restoring endangered and threatened species.

Badger Behavior in Irish Graveyard

A report from Monasterevan, Ireland, describes badgers exhuming human bones from graves in the Yew Tree graveyard, causing distress to relatives. The graveyard is on the site of an old monastery founded by St. Evan in 570 AD. Richard O'Rourke, a local resident, discovered the problem when visiting a grave with a friend. He noted that a 'state of war' had existed between locals and badgers for years, with attempts to block up badger setts. Angela Tinney of Badgerwatch appealed for people not to disturb the setts during the breeding season, offering to relocate the badgers with a license from Dúchas, the Heritage Department. She stressed that badgers are a protected species and their habitat cannot be touched without a license.

Eel Meat and a "Dead" Giant Eel Attack

In London, fishmonger John Hogg reported an encounter with a gigantic, enraged conger eel that appeared to rise from the catch. The shark-like creature snapped its teeth inches from Hogg's face. He attempted to battle it with a broom but eventually abandoned his shop for 11 hours until he was sure the eel was dead. Hogg described the creature as weighing about 150 pounds and stated that the meat, though an acquired taste, would be sold.

Mysterious Serpent in Peru

Two reports, sourced from Reuters and courtesy of Daev Walsh, describe a massive serpent in the Amazonian jungle near Nuevo Tacna, Peru. The creature was described as a 'black boa constrictor the size of two passenger buses,' approximately 40 meters long with a diameter of about five meters. It allegedly felled trees and left a ditch wide enough to drive a tractor through. Five witnesses reported the event, and three hundred people felt its passing. While initially met with skepticism, local authorities pointed out the impossibility of such mechanical activity in the dense jungle, lending credibility to the villagers' accounts. Richard Freeman, a herpetologist, expressed doubt, stating that boa constrictors rarely exceed ten feet and anacondas reach a maximum of 23 feet, suggesting the report might be a hoax or exaggeration.

Eastern Cougars: Extinct or Elusive?

Several articles address the ongoing mystery of eastern cougar sightings in the United States, particularly in New England. Despite being presumed extinct by mainstream zoologists, reports have proliferated. The Eastern Cougar is a subspecies of *felis concolor*. While some believe these sightings are of escaped captive animals or descendants of introduced specimens, others suggest remnants of the original population might still exist. Wildlife biologists are using various methods, including road kill analysis and heat-sensitive cameras, to verify their presence. Reports include sightings in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, and numerous accounts from Maine, Vermont, and other eastern states. State biologists remain skeptical, often attributing sightings to exaggeration or misidentification, but acknowledge the possibility of unconfirmed animals. The issue also touches on the encroachment of mountain lions in California, where two joggers were killed in 1994.

Other Wildlife News

• Red Squirrels: Efforts are underway in England to protect the red squirrel, with land managers encouraged to trap grey squirrels that infiltrate red squirrel areas. Lord Inglewood has called on the UK government to save the red squirrel.
• White Owl in Arkansas: A mysterious white owl was credited with helping save a girl lost in canyon country by keeping her awake by barking.
• Oldest Animal Droppings: What are believed to be the world's oldest animal droppings, dating back 600 million years, have been found on Islay, Scotland.
• Dinosaur Tails: Computer recreations suggest that male sauropods may have used their tails to create a sonic boom, possibly for attracting mates or intimidating rivals.
• Magpies and Songbirds: Magpies have been cleared of blame for the decline in songbird numbers; the decline is now attributed to herbicides that have eliminated seed-bearing weeds.
• Woodlark Comeback: The woodlark is making a comeback in east England due to mild winters and habitat management.
• Kiwi Extinction: The brown kiwi, a symbol of New Zealand, is heading for extinction, with recorded numbers halving to 30,000 since 1982, due to predators and habitat loss.

The "Grey" Menace: Squirrel Competition

The red squirrel is believed to be extinct in one of its last strongholds in England, Cannock Chase. Competition for food with the American grey squirrel, rather than direct aggression, is thought to be the cause.

Snakes with Legs: Evolutionary Discoveries

An article by Darren Naish discusses recent discoveries relating to the evolution of snakes. It highlights the connection between snakes and lizards, particularly varanids, and explores the fossil evidence for primitive snakes like *Pachyrhachis problematicus* and madtsoiids. Madtsoiids, an extinct group of snakes, are described as large and bulky, with some reaching nine meters in length and weighing up to 800 kg. The article suggests that madtsoiids were analogues of modern anacondas and wart snakes and may have had an aquatic habit.

Expedition Report: Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Miami - El Chupacabra

This section details an expedition to Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Miami to investigate reports of the 'El Chupacabra,' a creature described as a hybrid of a dog and a lizard that attacks livestock and humans. The report traces the history of sightings, from the 'Moca vampire' in 1973 to the 'El Chupacabra' in the mid-1990s. The creature is said to walk upright, have long ears, a long nose, and sink its fangs into victims, drinking their blood. The expedition was prompted by AVP Films. The article includes a quote from researcher Conrad Goeringer describing the creature and mentions that attacks had spread to Mexico, Guatemala, and the mainland United States by 1996.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology and cryptozoology, giving voice to reports that challenge mainstream scientific consensus. There is a clear interest in unexplained phenomena, mysterious creatures, and the potential survival of species thought to be extinct. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards these unusual reports, often presenting them with a degree of intrigue and encouraging further investigation, as evidenced by the expedition reports and the inclusion of various eyewitness accounts. The use of 'NEWSFILE' and 'NEWSFILE EXTRA' sections suggests a format for disseminating a wide range of current, often sensational, animal-related news. The inclusion of multiple sources, including Reuters and internet postings, indicates a broad approach to information gathering.

This issue of "Animals & Men" is titled "ANIMALS & MEN # 16" and features a prominent "EXPEDITION REPORT" on its cover. The content delves into various cryptozoological and unexplained phenomena, including the Chupacabra, UFO sightings, and other mysterious creatures.

Expedition Report: Puerto Rico and Mexico

The "Expedition Report" details a journey to Latin America, focusing on investigations in Puerto Rico and Mexico. In Puerto Rico, the team encountered a policewoman who reported renewed predation by the Chupacabra. She described forty-two rabbits, chickens, and a duck found dead with twin perforations, primarily on the neck and feet, and their bodies completely exsanguinated. The perforations were triangular, and one rabbit's stomach was split with an incision so precise it suggested a surgical instrument or an expert surgeon, with no blood remaining. The creature was described as bipedal, resembling a kangaroo with spikes, a reptilian face, and slit eyes, similar to drawings by Jorge Martin. The policewoman also noted a revolting slime on some chickens, hypothesized to be an anti-coagulant like that in vampire bat saliva. The creature reportedly disappeared into undergrowth, leaving a stain on a thorn tree, which the expedition team examined.

Another witness in Puerto Rico, a refugee from Colombia, was fearful and distrustful of police and media, but provided a sample of what she claimed was chupacabra dung. This was described as worm casts, found on dry, baked ground. The team also interviewed George, a local gangster, and his business partner Oscar, who reported the death of over thirty cockerels. The birds were found killed and drained of blood, with three-toed footprints leading away from the scene. Massive puncture wounds were found on the necks and thoraxes of the chickens, and their bodies appeared bloodless. Feather samples were taken to analyze for the mysterious slime.

In Mexico, the expedition met with a vet in Puebla who took them to a smallholding owned by Dom Pedro. A year prior, three of his sheep were attacked and found completely drained of blood, though still alive for twelve hours after the attack. They were in great pain and eventually had to be destroyed. The farmyard walls were adorned with large crucifixes.

Radio Appearance and Skunk Ape

Graham and the author appeared on a radio program in Fort Lauderdale, USA, called "Footy and The Chicks at Six." The conversation shifted to the "skunk ape." A caller named Denise described an encounter with a chimpanzee-type creature making a strange hooting noise. Other callers shared experiences, linking the skunk ape to the big cats roaming the moors of south-western England and suggesting it was supernatural rather than a flesh-and-blood animal. Some callers connected it with Santeria and UFO reports prevalent in the area.

Cryptozoological Investigations: Florida and Rendlesham

The expedition continued to Sweetwater, Miami, to investigate alleged Chupacabra killings. The witness described an animal that was a cross between an ape and a shaggy black dog, moving semi-bipedally and leaving a trail of exsanguinated chickens and turkeys. Plaster casts of tracks were shown, resembling a large dog print but with human or ape-like claw marks. The author noted a connection between UFO reports and this canine/hominoid hybrid, linking it to events in Rendlesham Forest, England.

Rendlesham Forest is described as an area with a wide range of paranormal activity, including historical accounts of a "wild man" and sightings of spectral black dogs and a "shug monkey." The author also mentions a lady named Maxine Pearson who had video tape showing the paw print of a huge animal, possibly an alien big cat, which reminded the author of the "shug monkey."

Personal Accounts and Anecdotes

The issue includes several personal accounts. One is from the author's girlfriend's late husband, Trevor Butt, who worked in Australia and rescued an aboriginal co-employee named "Wombat." This led to a story about a bizarre animal encountered by Trevor and his brother Barry in Queensland, described as catlike with tigerish stripes, large tufted ears, and rusty-colored with black bands, referred to as a "Queensland tiger."

Another account comes from Rupert Bunts, a former soldier in Rhodesia, who recounted an encounter with an immense crocodile, estimated at 25 to 30 feet, in Lake Kariba. The soldiers shot and cut open the crocodile, retrieving the legs of a suspect it had consumed.

Columns and Commentary

"North of the Border" by Tom Anderson discusses cetacean strandings in Scotland, the rescue efforts for sea mammals, and volunteers' training. He also muses on the millennium, questioning the year 2000 as the start of the new millennium and suggesting alternative dates based on historical and religious calendars.

"Clinton's Cogitations" by Clinton Keeling reviews previous articles. He expresses skepticism about the cost of examining Orang Pendek material and the claim that Wallabies are unknown to cryptozoologists. He also comments on the "Legendary Amazon Forest Monster," suggesting it's a well-known species. Keeling discusses the issue of amateur animal keepers and the problems caused by escapes and negative publicity.

"The Bigfoot Murders" is praised for its lack of frantic clutching at straws. The author agrees with a point made about the De Loys photograph being of a Spider Monkey. He also shares a strong dislike for the adult Chimpanzee, describing it as mentally unstable, aggressive, and having unpleasant habits.

Richard Freeman's "Conversation Pieces" presents two accounts: one about wolverines in Britain, which the author finds hard to believe due to their size and diurnal nature, and another about beavers on the River Axe, noting their dam-building activities.

"EDITOR'S NOTE" discusses the beavers on the River Axe and the potential for an expedition to study them.

"Wherefore Art Thou, Nessie" is described as a first-rate article that looked at the subject of the Loch Ness Monster sensibly and objectively, offering tips for hunters.

"A COLLECTION OF CAT CURIOSITIES" by Richard Muirhead explores information about cats, including a 15th-century illustration from "The Master of Game" which could depict an early European leopard or an unknown felid.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, cryptozoology, and unusual animal behavior. There is a clear editorial stance favoring logical explanations where possible, as indicated by the "EDITOR'S NOTE" and the commentary on articles. However, the publication also presents anecdotal evidence and witness testimonies of mysterious creatures and events, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding. The tone is often investigative and sometimes skeptical, but always open to the unexplained. The recurring themes include the Chupacabra, UFOs, various cryptids, and unusual animal encounters from around the world.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (Issue #16) is a feature-heavy publication exploring a wide range of cryptozoological and fortean phenomena. The cover art depicts a sea serpent and references a "mysterious air-ship seen by night," setting a tone of mystery and the unusual. The magazine includes articles on historical animal accounts, modern sightings, and analyses of various unexplained phenomena.

Articles and Features

Chinese Materia Medica and Unusual Animals

The issue begins with a look at a 1931 translation of a late medieval Chinese Materia Medica on Animals. It details descriptions of "Han" and "Yu" tigers, and a five-toed tiger called "Piao" which could have horns and was termed "Ssu." The "Ssu" is described as cat-like, cow-sized, with a yellow coat, black spots, saw-like teeth, and hooked claws, capable of roaring like thunder and causing wind. The article also mentions "Chiu Erh," a huge tiger with a white body and black spots that eats tigers and leopards, and "Po," a piebald horse-like creature with a tiger's body, white body, black tail, a single horn, and serrated teeth.

Northamptonshire Wild Cats

An excerpt from John Morton's 1712 book "The Natural History of Northampton-shire" discusses wild-cat coloration, noting a dusky red or yellow hue. It mentions that tame cats can be uncertain in color and that females sometimes wander into woods and are "gibb'd" by wild ones. This is presented as potential confirmation of domestic-wild cat hybrid theories.

The "Plao" and Mystery Feral Cats

Mrs. Rosemary Rhodes' farm is noted for having unusually large cats, with a strain that, like the "Plao," has five toes. The possibility of these being domestic-wild cat hybrids is raised, linking back to the Northamptonshire accounts from nearly three hundred years prior.

Remarkable Cat Stories

• Several unusual cat stories are highlighted:
• The Daily Mail reported on a fourteen-year-old tabby cat in Ipswich that was given a lethal injection but revived seventeen hours later.
• The Northampton Chronicle featured a letter about a cat with a long bony body, long legs, and a small head, seen in Weston Lane.
• A cat in Stanmore, west London, was enveloped in blue flame and blown several feet while sitting in a chair, possibly due to static electricity.
• A cat named Noodles in Radley, near Oxford, barked for its breakfast, having been raised with dogs.

Cryptozoology in Indiana

Brad La Grange contributes an article on "Cryptoherps in Indiana," based on website references. It mentions reports of an alligator in Mariah creek, Vincennes, in December 1946, possibly released from Petersburg in 1900. A "Giant Rattlesnake" named "Big Jim" was reported in the Vincennes area starting in 1881, described as a monster rattler up to 10 feet long, terrorizing the Wabash area. It was reportedly killed by O.H. Sullivan in Sullivan County, measuring 12 feet with 29 rattles. The article also notes a hoax report of a sixty-foot snake with a dog's head near Vincennes in 1892.

Sea Serpents and Airships

A cartoon from "Punch, Or The London Charivari" dated May 26, 1909, depicts a sea serpent and a newspaper clipping about a "Mysterious Air-Ship Seen Everywhere By Night," humorously titled "AN EARLY SILLY SEASON."

Werewolves of London Again

Gypsy Sherred writes about "Werewolves of London," exploring the concept through surrealism, literature, and music. The article connects lycanthropy to Surrealist artists like Victor Brauner, Magritte, and Max Ernst, and literary figures like Lautreamont and Baring-Gould. It references Freud's case of "The Wolf Man" and links Warren Zevon's song "Werewolves Of London" to Eastern European folklore. The article also touches on "Hairy Hands" and other fortean phenomena.

Sea Wolves and Maritime Connections

The "Werewolves of London" article extends to "Sea Wolves of London," referencing Jack London's "The Sea Wolf" and films like "The Sea Wolves." It notes connections to maritime themes, whaling ports like Hull, and the idea of wolf packs running to the sea. It also mentions a connection between "Sea Heads" and "Strawboys" in relation to Hallowe'en.

"What's Afoot?" - A Fortean Exhibition Review

Richard Freeman reviews "The Unexplained," a fortean exhibition at the National Museum of Photography in Bradford. He describes the exhibition's focus on UFOs, crop circles, and earth lights, as well as recreations of "abduction" scenes. The cryptozoology display featured British big cats, Thylacines, lake and sea monsters, and Bigfoot, with the Dinsdale Nessie film and Patteson's Bigfoot shown. Freak weather phenomena like whirlwinds and frog/fish rain were also included. The Turin Shroud was recreated, and the moon landings were presented as a potential hoax. An information room provided explanations of fortean terms.

The Tristate Bigfoot Conference

Chad Arment reports on the Tristate Bigfoot Conference in Newcomerstown, Ohio. Speakers included Dr. John Bindernagel, Daniel Perez, and Ray Crowe. Bindernagel discussed his book "North American's Great Ape: the Sasquatch," focusing on biological data and sighting reports. Ray Crowe argued that Bigfoot is Homo erectus, based on female Bigfoot sightings. Daniel Perez presented on an Ohio report and analyzed the Patterson film, suggesting it was shot at 16 frames/sec. Mark Francis is working on a website for the North American Bigfoot Information Network newsletter.

Giant Lizards in the English Countryside?

Darren Naish recounts a personal sighting of a large, dark, lizard-like creature, approximately 1.5 meters long, crossing the road at night. He notes that such sightings, especially of "ABC" (All-Black Creatures), are common but often uninteresting unless witnessed directly. He mentions specific reports from Mr. E.R. Abbott and others involving large black cats.

Letters to the Editor

The "Letters to the Editor" section includes a letter from Noela MacKenzie describing a sighting of a large, black cat with a long bony body and legs. The editorial comment addresses a request for limericks about Tom Anderson, with Dr. Gail-Nina Anderson providing a verse that critiques his tendency to libel friends. Graham's comment suggests Uppingham as a location and provides further limericks, including one about a "curious hominid" called the "Tominid."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology and unexplained phenomena, embracing a wide range of fortean topics from historical myths to contemporary sightings. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology, UFOs, and anomalous animal behavior. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, often with a touch of skepticism or a call for further investigation (e.g., CFZ's involvement in the Ninestones Farm case). The publication encourages reader correspondence and engages with a community interested in the unusual. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown and the unexplained, often drawing connections between folklore, historical accounts, and modern reports.

This issue, number 16, of "Animals & Men" magazine appears to be from 1998, focusing on cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and related mysteries. The magazine is published by the CFZ and features a mix of articles, reader letters, and reviews of other publications and websites.

Letters Section

The "Letters" section opens with a humorous interjection from "Graham" about a reader's poem, followed by an "EDITOR'S BLURB" that sets the stage for a discussion about the "Minnesota Ice Man." Darren Nemeth writes in with a question about the authenticity of the Minnesota Ice Man exhibit he saw as a child in the mid-1970s in Saginaw, Michigan. He wonders if new technology could prove it was real or fake, suggesting CAT scans.

Richard Freeman replies to Darren, stating that the "ice man" was almost certainly a fake. He explains that the supposedly genuine specimen was removed in the late sixties, and a dummy was substituted later. He mentions that zoologist Ivan T Sanderson and cryptozoologist Bernard Heuvelmans examined the original, believing it to be a primitive human. Freeman also shares a rumour that the iceman was shot by a soldier in Vietnam and smuggled back. He requests any photographs or flyers Darren might have.

Darren Nemeth then writes again, expressing his surprise at the information and asking where the "original" ice man is now. He recalls seeing the exhibit in the mid-1970s at the Fashion Square Mall, paying 50 cents to $1 to view it. He remembers seeing a human leg and hand, with other parts concealed by ice bubbles. A promoter told him it was real and that wax would crack at such low temperatures. Darren also notes that the thermometer beside the ice man's casket was not working. He inquires about books published on the ice man.

Mike Nicholson, a psychology undergraduate at Bolton Institute, writes to the magazine seeking assistance with his final year research project. His study focuses on the relationship between paranormal belief and critical thinking. He hypothesizes that individuals highly involved in paranormal phenomena are as efficient in critical thinking as non-believers. He requests to send a small selection of brief questionnaires (3 in total) to the CFZ group, assuring confidentiality and offering to share the study's results. He also asks for contact addresses of other groups that might be interested in participating.

Reviews Section

The "REVIEWS SECTION" covers various websites and magazines.

Web Sites

• The CFZ web site: Regularly updated with around forty pages, including links to other sites and an invitation for magazine exchanges and cross-linking with like-minded organizations.
• Brian Goodwin's site: Features big cats, serpents, dragons, Nessie, and news from Fortean Cumbria.
• Michel Raynal's Virtual Institute of Cryptozoology: An English version is being developed with text and pictures.
• Earthly Delights site: Looks at Bodmin Moor, its terrestrial zodiac, big cats, and Celtic stones.
• Ben Roesch's "Cryptozoology On The Internet" list: A directory of cryptozoology sites.
• Out of the Cauldron: Provides information on witches & pagans festivals and upcoming events like the Wisecraft Festival in Yorkshire.

Magazines

The magazine welcomes exchanges with other publications.

• MAINLY ABOUT ANIMALS: A 32pp quarterly magazine edited by Clinton Keeling. Issue 36 (Jan 98) includes articles on "Big Bad Eagles," elephant trekking, Saiga antelope, goldfish fungus, classifying Wolverines, and news from zoological gardens. It also features "Country Corner" by Pamela Keeling.

Book Reviews

• MAGONIA: Running for nearly 30 years, it interprets contemporary vision and belief in UFO/Fortean areas. Issue 62 examines UFO/abduction, psychology, sociology, and trends in testimony, with book reviews. A review of Nick Redfern's "Covert Agenda" is mentioned, with a critical comment that publishers would have been better off without the rubbish.
• COVER UP: Published by SUPR (Scottish Unexplained Phenomena Research), this issue (10, Mar 98) discusses internecine wrangling among Scottish UFOlogists, American interests seeking legal control over "McDonald" and "Nessie," Scottish UFO sightings, and alleged Vatican and UK nuclear industry cover-ups.
• ANIMAL NEWS: A quarterly publication from NAPAK (National Association for Pet Keeping and Animal Welfare) focusing on animal welfare legislation and responsible care. The Jan-Mar issue includes letters, an article on Dobermans, and information on snakes, lemmings, and turtles.
• MYSTERY MAGAZINE: A bimonthly publication described as an "equivalent of a local Fortean Times." Issue 2 covers UFO reports, weird news, pet food contaminants, ghosts, Chinese dragonlore, and witches.
• NETWORK NEWS: Features "Diabolical Earth Current," a look at the cult of Princess Diana, premonitions, conspiracy theories, and after-effects. It also covers new-age graffiti on ancient structures, including Stonehenge.
• DEAD OF NIGHT: A magazine covering strange news stories, superstitions, and conspiracy theories, highly recommended by the "Animals & Men" staff.
• EDITOR'S PLUG: The editor expresses fondness for "Uri Geller's Encounters, Enigmas and Sightings" magazines, which have ceased publication.

Other Publications

• THE OWLMAN AND OTHERS: By Jonathan Downes. This new updated edition examines two decades of evidence regarding the Owlman, a 4 to 5 foot tall humanoid creature covered in feathers, reportedly sighted in Mawnan Old Church, Cornwall.
• MORGAWR: THE MONSTER OF FALMOUTH BAY: A booklet available from the CFZ.
• THE CFZ YEARBOOK 1998: Edited by Jonathan Downes & Graham Inglis. It covers topics such as giant crocodiles, cryptozoological films, African Stories, Nessie, Ichthyosaur evolution, Mammoths, Sea Serpents, water monsters, and the Fortean Fauna of Percy Fawcett.

Back Issues and Ordering

Information is provided on ordering back issues of "Animals & Men" and "The Goblin Universe" (£2 each). Methods of payment include UK cash, IMO, Eurocheque, or cheque drawn on a UK bank. Postage and packing are extra. Orders should be sent to CFZ, 15 Holne Court, Exwick, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2NA, England. A note is included about US dollar payments requiring an additional $10 fee.

Book Reviews (Continued)

• MIAMI "CHUPACABRAS" by Virgilio Sánchez-Ocejo: This 58 pp book is an orderly collection of witness data, photographs, and reactions concerning the Chupacabra phenomenon. The authors met Virgilio in Miami and he cooperated with their documentary. The book is described as a sober resource for researchers.
• THE DOG WHO RESCUES CATS by Philip Gonzalez & Leonore Fleischer: This story is described as one of the most beautiful stories read in a long time, about a labourer named Philip Gonzales who adopts a dog named Ginny. Ginny shows a remarkable instinct for finding and befriending animals in trouble, particularly cats with injuries.
• MCX Amazing True Stories From Scotland's X-Files edited by Ron Halliday: This book covers cases fitting the "insufficient data" category, including ghosts and UFOs. The most bizarre item mentioned is the "mad Earl of Glamis Castle" and an "evil egg." It also briefly touches on the "Big Grey Man of Ben MacDui."

Cartoon

A cartoon by Mark North titled "THE CRYPTOZOOLOGY FILES" depicts two men in a bar in Mexico. One man, pointing, says to the other, "HEY, GRAHAM REMEMBER THE ALAMO." The caption below states, "THE SEARCH FOR THE CHUPACABRAS CONTINUES BY QUESTIONING THE WITNESSES."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on cryptozoology, UFOs, and fortean phenomena, presenting a platform for reader contributions, research inquiries, and reviews of related literature and media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained mysteries, with a critical eye towards sensationalism, as evidenced by the comments on the Minnesota Ice Man and Nick Redfern's book. There is a clear emphasis on gathering evidence, testimony, and promoting research within these fields.