Animals and Men - No 35

Magazine Overview

Animals & Men, Issue 35, is the quarterly journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ), a non-profit organization. The issue is dedicated to cryptozoological topics and new species discoveries, with a particular focus on expeditions and photographic evidence.

Editorial

Jon Downes, Director of the CFZ, welcomes readers to the issue, highlighting it as potentially the best yet. He expresses pride in featuring Ken Gerhard's account of his expedition to Belize and mentions meeting Gerhard and Chester Moore Jr. Downes discusses the challenges of connecting with researchers globally due to distance and notes the upcoming fourth annual CFZ conference in June 2005, expecting over 200 attendees. He also shares a personal note about his separation from Suzy, attributing cryptozoology as a 'harsh mistress'. The editorial announces two upcoming CFZ expeditions: one to Loch Morar funded by Davey Curtis, and another to Mongolia led by Dr. Chris Clark, Richard Freeman, Dave Churchill, and Jon Hare in search of the deathworm. The 'Weird Weekend' event is also promoted for August 19th-21st, crucial for the CFZ's funding.

Contents Overview

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• Editorial by Jon Downes
• Newsfile and Newsfile Xtra sections covering various reports.
• Creature Feature: The Sea Freak of Parton
• Letter from America by Nick Redfern
• Seeking the Man-Beasts of Belize by Ken Gerhard
• Cover Story: The Welsh Sea-Serpent by Richard Freeman
• A day in the life of Kent Big Cat Research by Neil Arnold
• Identifying the Beast of Gevaudan by Paul Williams
• Gilbert Pidcock's Two Headed Cow by Chris Moiser
• CFZ People
• Newly unearthed Loch Ness Monster pictures
• A Vermiform Mystery
• CFZ News
• Letters
• Book Reviews
• The Sycophant
• Cartoon by Mark North

Newsfile and New Species Reports

Bower-Wow-Wow: Photographs of an unusual bird in the Gold Coast hinterland have solved a 140-year mystery surrounding Rawnsley's Bowerbird, previously thought to be a unique hybrid. Environmental consultant Dan Blunt documented the bird's existence.

Sticking It To The Man: The longest insect discovered this millennium, *Bactrododema krugeri*, a stick insect, was found in the Transvaal Museum's basement. It had been incorrectly classified since 1912 and measures up to 30cm.

Hiding At Harding: Scientists in Western Australia's Pilbara region are studying a newly discovered species of black gecko, notable for its duck-like head and goggly eyes. Its origins are puzzling, as its closest relatives are found on Pacific islands.

Giant Germ: A bizarre organism discovered in a cooling tower in Bradford, UK, has been identified as the 'Mimivirus'. This giant virus, dubbed 'mimicking microbe', is more than twice the size of any other known virus and is the first of its kind to be seen under a light microscope. It may represent a new family of nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses.

Does It Eat Boys? A genetic study has revealed a new subspecies of tiger, *Panthera tigris jacksoni*, named after tiger campaigner Peter Jackson. The study suggests that only six tiger subspecies should be recognized, down from the traditional eight, with three already extinct (Bali, Caspian, and Javan tigers).

New Species In Brief:

• Salamanders: Professor Richard Highton is awaiting confirmation for his 24th discovered salamander species, found in central Virginia.
• Leech: A 10-inch leech from Salem County, NJ, may be a new species of *Haemopis*, a North American terrestrial leech.
• Deep Sea Exploration: An expedition in New Zealand's deep sea floor, using the submersible Shinkai 6500, collected geological samples and sea floor creatures, including shrimp, scale worms, crabs, eel-fish, limpets, and tube worms, some of which were new to New Zealand waters.
• Pine Martens: English Nature suggests pine martens may not be extinct in England, referencing a previous CFZ publication.
• Marine Discoveries: Marine scientists have discovered 178 new fish species and hundreds of other new species in the world's oceans, bringing the total to about 230,000. Notable discoveries include a goby fish living in partnership with a snapping shrimp and rhodoliths in Alaska.
• Ornate Wobbegong Shark: Genetic testing has revealed that what was thought to be the common ornate wobbegong is actually a new species of shark.

Its Name Is Mud: A threatened New Zealand fish, the black mudfish, has been found flourishing in the Tomarata wetlands near Wellsford, demonstrating the importance of habitat protection.

Stop That Bloody Wailing: A lone whale, singing at a frequency of around 52 hertz, has been tracked in the Pacific for 12 years. Its calls do not match any known whale species, and it does not follow typical migration patterns.

Colossal Cavy: German scientists have discovered a new species of guinea pig, *Galea monasteriensis* (Muenster guinea pig), notable for its monogamous behavior, unlike the other 14 polygamous species. These animals weigh about 300g and eat grass.

Begging U Please 2 Come Home: *Indotyphlus maharashtriensis*, a new 20cm long caecelian from India's western ghats, has been identified. Caecilians are ecologically significant amphibians.

Dorty Monkee: A new species of monkey, the Arunachal macaque, has been photographed in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is a large brown primate with a short tail.

Return of the Dammed: Swedish zoologists Göran Nilson and Claes Andrén rediscovered unknown amphibians and reptiles in Iran during expeditions in 2000 and 2002, including an isolated population of vipers (*Vipera latifii*) feared extinct.

1-2-3 What Are We Looking For?: Vietnam's Institute for Ecology and Biological Resources, in collaboration with international institutions, announced 16 species of reptiles and amphibians found for the first time in Vietnam.

Where's Fat Freddie's Cat?: An expedition in Borneo discovered a 'monster' cockroach and other new insects, fish, and plants. Scientists warn that dozens of species could disappear if the area is not preserved.

Hard Sportives: Researcher Edward Louis of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has officially identified two new species of lemurs in Madagascar: the Seal's Sportive Lemur (*Lepilemur seali*) and the Mitsinjo Sportive Lemur (*Lepilemur mitsinjonensis*). These findings will be published in the December 2005 issue of the International Journal of Primatology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the discovery of new species across various biological categories (insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, viruses, sharks, birds, lemurs) and the reporting of ongoing cryptozoological investigations and sightings (sea serpents, hominids, Loch Ness Monster, mysterious creatures). The CFZ's stance is clearly one of active research, expedition, and publication in the field of cryptozoology and anomalous zoology, aiming to raise awareness, educate, and fund further research and conservation efforts. The journal acts as a platform for reporting on both established scientific discoveries of new species and more speculative fortean phenomena.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (Issue 35) focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, cryptids, and unusual animal encounters from around the world. The cover story highlights the legend of lake monsters, featuring the Canadian Ogopogo and Scottish Nessie, alongside other aquatic and terrestrial mysteries.

Lake and Sea Monsters

The issue opens with a report from British Columbia about the Casorso family's encounter with what they believe to be the Ogopogo lake monster on Okanagan Lake. Their houseboat was violently rocked, and they later observed long, snake-like figures moving in the water. The article also mentions "Memphre," the Lake Memphremagog monster, which is now the subject of a documentary from a Montreal production company. The film explores the myth and a copyright battle over the monster's name. Lake Memphremagog is located partly in Quebec, Canada.

Nessie News

Several stories related to the Loch Ness Monster are presented. Steve Feltham, a dedicated Nessie hunter, had his 'Nessiemobile' (a former library van) vandalized in Dores, Scotland. The incident is being investigated as a potential personal vendetta. Another report details American submariner Dan Taylor's plan to return to Loch Ness with a new submarine, 'Nessa,' equipped with a harpoon designed to collect tissue samples from Nessie for analysis. This plan has drawn criticism from Gary Campbell, president of the Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club, who vows to organize a defense for Nessie. The issue also notes that Loch Ness water is being bottled and sold globally, and Historic Scotland has faced outrage for planting trees that block views of the loch near Urquhart Castle, a move locals believe will harm tourism.

A Pink Donation to the Dragon in Your Dreams

This section details sightings of a creature in Great Slave Lake, near Yellowknife, Canada, which has been nicknamed "Ol' Slavey." Jim Lynn, a Roman Catholic priest, reported seeing a dragon-like object moving at high speed on the water. Chris Woodall, a Yellowknifer columnist, gathered more accounts, noting that local Dene legends also speak of a creature in the waters. Boaters have reported seeing strange creatures, and Arctic Divers encountered an alligator-like beast with a pike's head. The article connects this to aboriginal legends and the idea of a creature stirring the waters of the Mackenzie River.

Manbeasts

Skunk Ape Fever

Jennifer Ward from Lakeland, Florida, went public with her description and drawings of a hairy, human-shaped creature she saw near the Green Swamp. Her story has gained traction online and led to her appearing on radio shows. She described a two-legged creature about eight feet tall with dark fur and light rings around its eyes. Neighbors have also reported strange sightings in the area, referring to a "gray ape."

Lights, Camera, Gigantopithecus

A film crew shooting in the Shennongjia Forest in China reportedly saw three Yeti-like creatures. The article notes that Gigantopithecus is a prehistoric ape, and the region is known for such legends.

Billi Don't Be a Hero

Reports from central Africa, specifically the Bondo and Bili regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, suggest the sighting of an elusive giant ape. Eyewitness accounts, bone discoveries, and a video recording describe animals with large, black faces, up to 2m tall, and weighing 85-102kg, placing them in the size category of gorillas. Experts note similarities to both gorillas and chimpanzees in skull morphology and behavior.

Attacks

Hey Kookie Lend Me Your Comb

In Los Angeles, a creature resembling a mix between a coyote and a dog has been attacking small animals and dogs, leaping fences up to six feet tall. Residents are concerned for their safety, and the city council is seeking to capture the animal.

The Prettiest Star

Police in Devon, UK, are investigating the deaths of seven sheep found arranged in an unusual star-like pattern on Dartmoor. The sheep's necks were broken, and the pattern is associated with occult symbolism.

Pull the Udder One

Authorities in Texas are investigating cases of livestock mutilation. Two cows were found in a pasture with bizarre circumstances, including strange cuts, missing organs, and large circles carved out with surgical precision, suggesting a highly unusual cause of death.

The Blasphemy Goats

Eleven goats were found dead in a petting zoo in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. They exhibited bite marks, dismemberment, and missing organs, with marks resembling those attributed to "Chupacabras."

Whale Meat Again (Yet Again)

A 50ft fin whale washed ashore in Sennen Cove, Cornwall, exhibiting "peculiar" damage. A wildlife expert noted the irregular pattern of damage and the whale's unusual presence in the bay. A volunteer described the whale's appearance as beautiful.

Sighting of a Mainland Orang-utan Circa 1957

Richard Freeman recounts a conversation with Les Minton, who served in Malaya and reported seeing a wild orang-utan. Minton described the creature as 5.6-5.7 feet tall with long ginger hair. This sighting is significant as mainland orang-utans are believed to have died out 10,000 years ago, with fossils suggesting they were larger, closer to the size of gorillas. The article speculates that these mainland orang-utans might be the basis for some ape-man legends.

Return of the Death Gnomes

A secret underwater "gnome garden" in Wastwater, Lake District, which was removed after several divers died, is rumored to have returned. Police divers cannot legally access the rumored new location beyond a 50m depth limit.

The Naga of Lake Toba

Rob Chittem shared a story heard in Sumatra about a gigantic snake inhabiting Lake Toba, a large lake formed by a super-volcano. The snake was reportedly seen by a French couple and was estimated to be 20 meters long. Another account tells of a giant snake dragging a jet ski under. The article also mentions the recent earthquake and tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia, and a remarkable survival story of a woman named Riza who followed a giant snake to navigate flood waters.

For Fear of Little Men

This section discusses the discovery of *Homo floresiensis*, a tiny human species found on the Indonesian island of Flores. These individuals were about one meter tall with grapefruit-sized skulls and are believed to have evolved from *Homo erectus*. They crafted tools, possibly mastered fire, and lived alongside creatures like pygmy Stegodon elephants and Komodo dragons. The remains, dated to 18,000 years ago, suggest they may have lived recently. The islanders have a legend of tiny hairy people called "ebu gogo," meaning "the grandmother that eats everything," who could imitate human speech. The article also touches upon the Sumatran orang-pendek, which is described as an ape rather than a human, and legends of tool-using, tiny, hairy people in Indonesia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of scientific understanding, presenting anecdotal evidence, folklore, and eyewitness accounts of creatures and phenomena that challenge mainstream science. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and curiosity towards the unexplained, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. Themes include cryptozoology, unexplained animal behavior, ancient mysteries, and the potential for undiscovered species or phenomena. The publication seems to aim at documenting and disseminating these intriguing stories, often highlighting the human element and the wonder associated with such encounters.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (Issue 35) is a creature feature focusing on cryptozoological investigations. It covers a range of unexplained phenomena, from marine mysteries to terrestrial hominoids.

The Sea Freak of Parton

The issue begins with an account of a 'sea freak' discovered by Joan Singleton on the beach at Parton, Cumbria. The creature, described as being under five feet long with a whale's tail, a seal's body, sharp teeth, and flippers with claws, generated significant local interest. Jack Southam, a charterboat skipper, expressed astonishment, and Robert Beattie reported seeing a similar creature. Dr. Brian McCusker of Newcastle University suggested the presence of 'weird inbred beasts' on the coast. Explanations ranged from the creature being a pet thrown into the sea to something from an 'Alien film.' British Nuclear Fuels assured the public it was not related to Sellafield. Other theories included a mutated penguin or a seal pup bloated by gases with its skin removed. The CFZ (Centre for Fortean Zoology) was contacted for identification. The article later reveals the creature was a young harbour porpoise, with decay having stretched its skin, shriveled its flippers into 'claws,' and exposed its teeth. CFZ Consultants Darren Naish and Dr. Charles Paxton, along with zoologist Mandy Holloway from the Natural History Museum, concurred with this diagnosis. The cost of shipping the decomposing specimen prevented further scientific examination.

The article also touches on known animals mistaken for sea serpents, such as oarfish and beaked whales, and highlights decomposing basking sharks as common culprits. It mentions a hoax involving a 'monster' found on the shores of Loch Ness in 1972, which turned out to be an elephant seal.

Nick Redfern's Letters From America

This section details the 4th Annual Conference of the Texas Bigfoot Research Center (TBRC), held on October 23, 2004. The conference, organized by Craig Woolheater, attracted over 300 attendees and media, including a TV crew filming for the 'Animal X' series. Following the conference, a tour of Caddo Lake, known for Bigfoot activity, was undertaken.

• Speakers at the conference included:
• John Kirk III: President of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, author of "In the Domain of the Lake Monsters."
• Jimmy Chilcutt: Latent fingerprint examiner for the Conroe Police Department.
• Rick Noll: Investigating Bigfoot since 1969.
• Alton Higgins: Biology professor from Mid America Christian University.
• Sue Lindley: Discussed her own Bigfoot sightings.
• M.K. Davis: Presented findings on the Patterson film.
• Lee Murphy: Author of crypto-novels.
• Chester Moore: Researcher and author.
• Scott Herriott: A former comedian and Tech TV host, who presented his own Bigfoot encounter from October 1992 and produced DVDs titled "Journey Toward Squatchdom" and "Squatching."

Scott Herriott's presentation style is described as humorous and entrepreneurial. The article notes that Scott's DVDs blend humor with Bigfoot investigation, featuring road trips, interviews with witnesses, and exploration of the culture surrounding Bigfoot.

Seeking the Man Beasts of Belize

This section investigates reports of mystery hominoids in Belize, Central America, known as the Dwendi and the Sisemite. Previous researchers like Ivan Sanderson, Marc E.W. Miller, and Mark Sanbourne have visited the region.

The author, Ken Gerhard, recounts his own investigation in Belize with his wife Lori. Their guide, Honorio Mai, shared a story of his sister being kidnapped by a Dwendi at the age of two, and how a subsequent incident involving the burning of a piece of cloth found with the child led to the sudden death of another infant sister, suggesting supernatural characteristics associated with the Dwendi in Belizean culture.

Dwendis are described as reputedly wearing large hats or palm leaves, possessing machetes, and practicing magic. Ivan Sanderson described Dwendis as about a meter and a half tall with short, dog-like fur and flat, yellowish faces. Freeman notes they are said to be nocturnal, have thick calves, and make a sound like a baby crying. An article from 1944 mentioned a government worker sighting two wild, little people. Zoologist Alan Rabinowitz also reported seeing a tiny, manlike form.

The article links these reports to other 'proto-pygmies' worldwide, including the Didi and Shiru of South America, Agogwe and Sehite of Africa, Teh-Ima and Orang pendek of Indonesia and Malaysia. It also mentions the recent discovery of *Homo floresiensis*.

Similarities in proto-pygmy reports worldwide are noted: under a meter and a half tall, short red or brown fur, and somewhat human-looking faces. These may have evolved from *Homo erectus*.

During their exploration of the Chiquibul jungle, the author's guide's son had been attacked by an unseen stone thrower, presumed to be a Dwendi. This incident is compared to an attack at the Mexican ruins of Mayapan. Other superstitious Maya beings mentioned include Ixtaba and Cadejo.

In the Cockscomb Jaguar Sanctuary, caretakers Ignacio Pop and Manuel confirmed hearing the calls of the towering Sisemite. They also recounted a humanlike track found on a shrimp farm with a backward-pointing big toe, a characteristic sometimes associated with prehistoric sloths. The Sisemite and Dwendi are believed to have four fingers, which is a point of friction in local folklore.

At Mountain Pine Ridge, the author found two sets of humanoid tracks: a small set with a pointy heel and larger sets. Plaster casts were made, though detail was limited. The article concludes that Belize, with its dense jungles and caves, has the potential to harbor elusive man beasts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and the investigation of alleged creature sightings. The magazine adopts an open-minded yet critical approach, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions while also offering scientific explanations or identifying hoaxes. There is a clear interest in folklore and its potential connection to real-world mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of the unknown, encouraging further research and discussion within the cryptozoological community.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 35
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Animals & Men' presents a collection of intriguing articles focusing on unexplained phenomena, cryptozoology, and unusual animal occurrences. The content spans historical mysteries, modern sightings, and personal research experiences.

The Welsh Sea Serpent

Richard Freeman reports on the sighting of a sea-serpent in the River Cleddau off Pembroke Dock, Wales, in the spring of 2003. Initial reports described a creature with a long row of humps, similar to Bernard Heuvelmans' 'The Many Humped' type. Freeman travelled to Pembroke Dock in July 2004 to interview witnesses. He found that the story had evolved through 'Chinese Whispers' but uncovered a compelling case. On March 5th, 2003, barmaid Lesley John saw a large black fin moving slowly through the water. The landlord, David Crew, and three regulars, including Peter Thomas, also witnessed the event. Peter Thomas described seeing a diamond-shaped, snake-like head lifted out of the water, gliding smoothly and causing turbulence. David Crew added that the creature appeared to have limbs and was about five times the length of a car. A photograph was anonymously dropped into the pub, showing a long, dark form. Using an outcropping of rocks as a reference, Freeman estimated the object in the photo to be sixty feet long. This photograph did not resemble the 'many humped' description but matched the witnesses' accounts of a creature with a largish head on a short neck, more akin to Heuvelmans' 'The Marine Saurian'. Alun Lewis, captain of a dive-boat, suggested the sighting might have been a MoD ship with a mini-submarine, but the witnesses remained adamant it was a living creature. Freeman concludes that while the people saw something strange, hard evidence is lacking, leaving him with more questions than answers.

A Day in the Life of Kent Big Cat Research

Neil Arnold recounts a nighttime investigation into big cat sightings in Kent. While watching fields for over two hours, the team observed a shadowy movement at the edge of a wooded area. They cautiously approached, suspecting a Lynx, Black Leopard, or an unidentified beige-coloured felid. The terrain was challenging, involving a stream and dense undergrowth. During the approach, Arnold sprained his ankle. Despite the pain and difficult conditions, they continued. On the other side of the stream, in complete darkness, they heard sounds and felt a sense of being watched. The experience was intense, involving engine roars, shots fired, and spotlights, leading to a frantic escape through thick brambles and mud. Arnold reflects that such fieldwork is crucial for research, contrasting it with passive PC-based investigation. He notes that KENT BIG CAT RESEARCH received over 370 big cat reports in 2004. The organization also investigated reports of cat carcasses on motorways and believes authorities are not interested in such sightings.

Identifying the Beast of Gevaudan

Paul Williams explores the historical mystery of the Beast of Gevaudan, which terrorized the mountainous region of Gevaudan, France, between 1764 and 1767, killing at least 96 people. Witness descriptions were inconsistent, describing the beast as a wolf, werewolf, lynx, bear, or a divine punishment. The first hunter, sent by Louis XV, described it as calf-sized with a reddish-brown fur, a black stripe, and a greyish-white chest. Williams discusses various theories, including that it was a human maniac or a descendant of prehistoric reptiles like mososaurs or thalattosuchian crocodiles. He dismisses the idea of it being a simple wolf, noting that rabid wolves rarely survive for years and that the victims were not infected with rabies. The beast's behaviour, including its predatory pattern and agility, suggests it was not a normal wolf. The possibility of hybrids or a large felid like a leopard is considered. Williams concludes that the absence of a body prevents a definitive identification, leaving the question of why this creature was unique and why no similar incidents have occurred since.

Gilbert Pidcock's Two Headed Cow

This section discusses the phenomenon of two-headed animals, particularly cows, and their survival rates. It mentions a recent still-born calf near Three Mile Island, linking it to potential radiation exposure due to past problems with sheep and the farmer's subsequent thyroid cancer. Another two-headed calf in New Zealand was attributed to the mother ingesting poisonous plants or an Akabane virus infection. The article then shifts to historical accounts, detailing Gilbert Pidcock's menagerie in the late 18th century. Pidcock acquired collections at the Lyceum and Exeter Change, which featured various exotic animals. Advertisements from 'The Times' indicate the clientele was of high status. A 'two-headed cow' was exhibited at the Lyceum Strand, described in 'The London Chronicle' of January 29th, 1791, as a 'surprising heifer with two heads', possessing four horns, four ears, and four nostrils.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the mysterious, and the unusual in the natural world and historical accounts. The magazine presents eyewitness testimony, historical research, and personal investigative experiences, often highlighting the lack of definitive evidence and the persistence of mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into cryptozoological and paranormal subjects, presenting various theories and accounts without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also emphasizing the importance of fieldwork and direct investigation.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 35
Publisher: Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of "Animals & Men" delves into a variety of unusual animal phenomena, from historical curiosities to ongoing investigations by the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ).

Two-Headed Creatures and Historical Curiosities

The issue opens with a discussion of a two-headed cow, which was a subject of anatomical interest to Professor John Hunter. This animal also appeared on farthing and halfpenny tokens issued by Gilbert Pidcock, who ran a menagerie. These tokens, sometimes called Conders, were used by businesses for advertising and to solve coinage shortages. Pidcock's menagerie toured the country, including visits to Exeter, London, Yeovil, Sherborne, and Shepton Mallet in 1796. The two-headed cow was alive in January 1791 and was still touring in 1796; its ultimate fate is unknown, though rarer menagerie animals were sometimes stuffed or dissected.

Another unusual animal case featured is a two-headed Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise, born in an incubator in Dorset. The owner, John Jones, noted that each head seemed to try and move independently. The article mentions that a similar two-headed tortoise was found in South Africa in 2003.

Loch Ness Monster Sightings and Analysis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Loch Ness Monster. It recounts a detailed sighting by Reverend Gordon Powell on June 21, 1936, near Urquhart Castle. At 5:30 p.m. on a clear day, Powell, then 25, witnessed a creature surface. He described a small, smooth head on a neck about six feet long, similar in appearance to the faked 'Surgeon's Photo'. The creature moved with tremendous speed, exhibiting a 'bucking, vertical action' with humps protruding from the water. Powell managed to take a photograph, but due to the 'Loch Ness gremlins,' it only showed a wake. Coincidentally, three other people (two cyclists and a hairdresser) reportedly saw Nessie at the same time. Powell also noted that local people in 1936 feared the monster, believing it to be an omen of bad luck.

Part Two of the Loch Ness section discusses recent photographs sent to the CFZ. The sender claimed to have taken them from a lay-by above the loch. However, Richard Freeman, who examined the photos, believed them to be fake. His reasoning included the low angle of the shots, suggesting they were taken from a boat, and the narrowness of the visible water, which did not match the witness's description of the location.

CFZ News and Expeditions

The magazine highlights the CFZ's activities, including welcoming new associates like Mark Martin and Oll Lewis. It also announces an upcoming expedition to the Southern Gobi in Mongolia to hunt for the Alghoi Khorkhoi, or Mongolian Deathworm. The team, including Dr. Chris Clark, Dave Churchill, Jon Hare, and Richard Freeman, aims to capture the creatures alive. Richard Freeman speculates that the Deathworm might be a giant worm-lizard or a sand boa, despite local beliefs about its lethal properties.

Other Mysteries and Reader Contributions

A section titled "Who's gonna help our Jeff?" presents a biological mystery from Jeff Walmsley, an aquarium plant husbandry expert. He is experiencing unexplained worm casts appearing in his fishtank substrate and is seeking advice from the CFZ readership. The article details his attempts to identify the source, which he suspects might be related to new plants introduced to the tank.

"Letters to the Editor" includes a letter from Miss Harvey, who reported seeing a wolf or a very scraggy husky on the A30 road near Dartmoor, England. She noted that it stepped into the car's headlights and froze, with its eyes reflecting. The letter questions the presence of wolves in England.

Another section, "Hickory Wind," by Paul Williams, lists names of hybrid animals whose existence is not in doubt, such as beefalo (bison+cow) and blynx (bobcat+lynx).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the unexplained and the unusual in the animal kingdom, ranging from historical accounts of exotic animals and cryptids to contemporary investigations and reader-submitted mysteries. The CFZ's role as an investigative body for Fortean phenomena is central, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, with a particular interest in cryptozoology and unexplained animal behavior.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 35
Publisher: CFZ Communications
Country: UK
ISSN: 1354 0647

This issue of "Animals & Men" is a collection of reader submissions and reviews focused on cryptozoology, paranormal events, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine features personal accounts of encounters with mysterious creatures and UFOs, alongside reviews of books and media related to the study of unknown animals.

Reader Accounts and Encounters

In My Hour of Darkness

The issue opens with a letter from Ronan Coghlan, who shares his personal experience from July 1997. While staying alone at his brother Rob's house in Sopchoppy, Florida, he experienced a strong, unpleasant animal smell and an unusual stillness. He also mentions a past report from neighbors who saw strange red-glowing lights.

Coghlan also recounts an article he found online about a "Telepathic Football" incident in Villa San Rafael, Chile, on January 12, 2002. Two teens searching for a lost pet snake encountered a strange animal resembling a dog that walked on two legs, emitted an energy described as an "electrical shock," and moved in a peculiar, rabbit-like manner.

The Return of the Grevious Angel

Dave Shakespeare reports an experience from around 1981 near Caddington, UK. During a picnic, his friend Gary pointed out a tall (about 8'), dark creature with red eyes and pointy ears, described as a cross between a man, bird, and bear. The creature glided towards them, and they felt a strange energy.

Hearts on Fire

Richard Moore, from Aughnacloy, Northern Ireland, shares an experience from his childhood on Halloween night. He heard a loud squawking and saw a low-flying, concrete grey bird-like creature with a long pointy beak and huge wings, resembling a prehistoric dinosaur bird. He also mentions reports of a "Black Cat-like animal" in his area.

Nick Redfern contributes an account of a "Winged Wierdie" seen in West Midlands, UK, on March 8, 2004. Steve Nicklin and a friend observed a humanoid figure with membrane-type wings standing in a tree, which then leaped and glided to another tree. They described it as having a human-type head and clawed arms connected to its wings, similar to a pterosaur.

Love Hurts

Richard Muirhead shares information about a "British tortoise" mentioned in a 1906 issue of Countryside, described as carnivorous with a dark shell and bright yellow dots, acclimatized in the Thames valley.

Book and Media Reviews

Richard's Survivor: Magnificent Survivor: Continued Existence of the Tasmanian Tiger

This review discusses a privately published book by "Tigerman" that explores the possible survival of the thylacine. The reviewer praises the book for its practicality and detailed research, noting that it challenges previous authors' work and suggests a conspiracy of silence from Tasmanian officials regarding the thylacine.

The Ghost With Trembling Wings: Science, Wishful Thinking, and the Search for Lost Species by Scott Weidensaul

This book is described as a global tour searching for creatures believed to be extinct, such as the Stemper's Warbler, ivory-billed woodpecker, eastern puma, and the thylacine. It also covers the black-footed ferret and examines efforts to back-breed extinct animals like the auroch and quagga. The reviewer finds it an excellent, though cautious, read.

The Loch by Steve Alten

This review highlights a novel about the Loch Ness Monster that presents a biologically feasible monster, deviating from typical reptilian portrayals. The story follows a marine biologist who encounters monsters in the Sargasso Sea, unearthing suppressed memories of a Loch Ness incident, and becomes involved in a trial where Nessie is accused of murder.

Monsters Are Real! by Ken Gerhard

Ken Gerhard's book and accompanying DVD are reviewed. The book covers various cryptids, including mystery apes, lake monsters, and giant specimens. The DVD documents his investigations in the southern US, including encounters with "swamp boogers" and a thunderbird witness. The reviewer notes the practical, on-the-spot nature of the investigations.

Big Cat Mysteries of Somerset by Chris Moiser

This glossy book is presented as an accessible guide to big cat sightings in Somerset, UK. It covers the history of exotic cats in the area and provides a map of sightings and tips for big cat watching. The author's experience in Africa is noted.

Monster Hunter by Jonathan Downes

This review praises "Monster Hunter" as a personal and engaging account of the author's fascination with strange creatures, including the Yeti, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster. It covers tales of ape-men, lake monsters, and other cryptids, drawing comparisons to various literary and cinematic works.

Other Features

Mark North's Cryptozoology Files: The Shipwright Talent Contest 2003

This section features a cartoon depicting a "Milford Monster" at a talent contest, with a note about a crank call regarding a walrus dressed as Elvis.

Public Image Limited

A humorous account of the editor, Jon, undergoing a makeover and screen-test for The Discovery Channel, with a mention of Ken Gerhard and Lori.

Landlords

This short piece humorously notes that Jon has moved back into the CFZ and John Fuller has also moved in, listing the various animals residing in their apartment.

The Doctor Lives! / The Doctor is Dead!

These brief segments comment on the new series of "Dr. Who," mentioning an appearance by Oll Lewis, and a RIP notice for Hunter Thompson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, paranormal encounters, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting reader accounts and reviews of works that explore these subjects, encouraging further research and discussion. There is a clear interest in documenting and understanding anomalous events and creatures, often with a personal and anecdotal approach.