Animals and Men - No 37

Magazine Overview

Title: animals & men
Issue: 37
Date: 2006
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: England
Price: £3.00

This issue of 'animals & men', the journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, is the first of 2006 and marks the journal's fourteenth year. The cover highlights several intriguing articles, including 'The Golden Frog Project', 'Mystery Cats in France', 'Dragon Sightings', and 'Percy Fawcett's two nosed dog'.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Jonathan Downes (Director, CFZ), expresses pride in the journal's progress and outlines an ambitious series of events for the year. These include an expedition to The Gambia in July to investigate the 'Gambo' sea creature, a story from 1983 involving a large, unidentified marine carcass discovered by Owen Burnham. The CFZ plans to return to Loch Ness to search for evidence of giant eels and may also visit the United States for collaborative projects. Additionally, Ken and Lori are undertaking an expedition in Belize in search of mystery bipedal hominids. Downes emphasizes the CFZ's active status and bright future, while also appealing for donations of time, money, and expertise, stressing that funds are used for research and not personal gain.

The Faculty of the Centre for Fortean Zoology

This section lists the key personnel of the CFZ, including the Permanent Directorate and the Board of Consultants. Hon. Life President is Colonel John Blashford-Snell. Jonathan Downes is the Director, with Graham Inglis as Deputy Director. Richard Freeman serves as Zoological Director, and Mark North as Assistant Director/Resident Artist. The Board of Consultants includes specialists in various fields such as zoology (Chris Moiser, Dr Lars Thomas), palaeontology (Darren Naish), ichthyology (Charles Paxton), cryptozoology (Dr Karl Shuker, Loren Coleman), and art history (Dr Gail-Nina Anderson).

Regional Representatives

A comprehensive list of regional representatives across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, USA, and internationally is provided, indicating the CFZ's widespread network.

Newsfile: We're all living with a Psychedelic Shark

This section, edited by Jon Downes, Richard Freeman, and Mark North, reports on the discovery of a fluorescent chain catshark. A still photo from a video taken on August 22nd shows the first visual evidence of this three-foot-long animal found on the sea floor of the Gulf of Mexico during the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Operation Deep Scope 2005 expedition. The shark was initially observed the previous year. The article notes the shark's uncanny resemblance to a fictional 'jaguar shark' from the 2004 movie 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou'. The author expresses a degree of skepticism about the media's lack of interest in the bioluminescent shark, contrasting it with the attention given to other bioluminescent species like the Greenland shark. The article suggests that the link to the Bill Murray movie was a deliberate 'spin' tactic to publicize the expedition, drawing a parallel to how the CFZ itself has used movie releases (like Harry Potter) to promote its work.

New and Rediscovered Species

The Day We Found the Jaguar Shark

This article delves deeper into the 'Psychedelic Shark' story, questioning the circumstances of its discovery and publicity. It notes that the shark, while fluorescent, is not a new species and suggests the media spin was necessary to gain attention for the Deep Scope expedition, especially after a previous expedition in 1994 received little coverage. The author posits that linking the discovery to the Bill Murray movie was a strategic move to ensure public interest.

New Shark Species: Hemigaleus australiensis

This segment introduces a newly discovered shark species, *Hemigaleus australiensis*, found in the waters of northern Australia. It is described as the second known member of its genus and differs from its relative, *H. microstoma*, by a black mark on its second dorsal fin. The fish belongs to the Carcharhiniformes family and inhabits inshore bays. Its diet includes crustaceans and cephalopods.

Borneo Beast: Hose's Palm Civet

The 'Borneo Beast' feature discusses the potential rediscovery of Hose's palm civet (*Diplogale hosei*), a species thought to be extinct for many years. A photograph taken by a camera trap in the Kayan Mentarang National Park in Kalimantan, Borneo, in 2003, is presented as evidence. Researchers had kept this discovery quiet until now. While some newspapers hailed it as a new carnivore species, others, including Loren Coleman, suggest it is a rediscovery. This animal is known from only 15 museum specimens, the last collected in 1955. The article includes a map of the region and describes the civet's coloration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'animals & men' strongly focuses on cryptozoology and the discovery or rediscovery of unusual animal species. The editorial stance is one of active research and a desire to bring fascinating, often overlooked, phenomena to public attention. The magazine employs a blend of serious scientific reporting (e.g., new shark species) with a keen awareness of media strategy and public interest, as demonstrated by the 'Psychedelic Shark' and 'Borneo Beast' features. The CFZ actively seeks donations and manpower to continue its global research efforts, highlighting its commitment to uncovering the mysteries of the natural world.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (Issue 37) delves into a variety of unusual and unexplained phenomena, ranging from newly discovered species and animal strandings to cryptid sightings and folklore. The magazine features articles on a potential new civet species in Borneo, the tragic event of a whale stranding in the River Thames, and numerous reports of dragon sightings and related folklore from China and Tibet. It also touches upon mysterious deaths in Russian forests, the scientific recording of a live giant squid, and an investigation into golden frogs.

New Species Discovery in Borneo

The issue begins with a report from Kalimantan, Indonesia, concerning the photographic evidence of a carnivore, possibly a new species of civet, discovered in Kayan Mentarang National Park. This discovery is highlighted as a major breakthrough, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation as the animal's habitat is threatened by a proposed massive oil plantation. Stephan Wulffraat, a biologist coordinating WWF's research, stated that locals had never seen the creature before, and experts consulted believed it might be a new species. Ginette Hemley, vice president for species conservation, stressed the importance of protecting the unique forests of the Heart of Borneo.

The Tragic Tale of Ishmael: A Whale in the Thames

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the bizarre incident of a Northern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) swimming up the River Thames in the UK. This deep-water species is rarely seen in such shallow, freshwater environments. The event captured national attention, with media responses initially playful but turning concerned as the whale's plight became apparent. Despite the efforts of rescuers, the 20-foot-long whale died on January 24th while being transported downriver. RSPCA scientific officer Leila Sadler described the effort as a "brave, valiant, but ultimately tragic effort." The whale showed signs of stress, dehydration, and had not been feeding, leading to the shriveling of its internal organs.

Enter the Dragon: Sightings and Folklore

The magazine features a prominent article titled "Enter the Dragon," exploring recent reports and folklore surrounding dragons. On August 7, the Epoch Times published a photo of two peculiar dragon-shaped objects taken from a plane flying over Tibet's Himalayas. The photographer, an amateur, captured the image on June 22, 2004. These objects were described as having scales, spine-like protuberances, and thinning rear ends, resembling crawling creatures. The photos generated significant online curiosity, with comments reflecting on China as the homeland of the dragon and the mysterious nature of the world. The article also references a black dragon that reportedly fell to the ground in Heilongjiang province, China, described as having a horn, scales, and a fishy smell. The historical context of dragons in Chinese culture as totems and symbols of imperial authority is discussed, along with accounts of 'falling dragons' throughout Chinese history. A more recent sighting on September 12 in Jilin Province is also mentioned. Another account details two students at Jilin University seeing a bright, animal-shaped object resembling a gigantic dragon, which they photographed. The object was described as radiating a low metallic light and becoming more dazzling before disappearing. While some students suggested it could be a UFO or a reflection, others were convinced it was a dragon. A staff member from a nearby observatory could not confirm the sighting due to a lack of documentation.

Mysterious Deaths and 'Flying Monsters' in Russia

An article discusses another type of 'dragon' reported from Russia: a smaller, more aggressive creature. It details mysterious deaths occurring in the dense forests north of Saint Petersburg since 1993, where victims are found naked with no signs of violence. These incidents, occurring between April and October, involve victims exhibiting 'insane' behavior before death, such as stripping clothes and eating dirt. Local people attribute these deaths to a venomous snake resembling a medieval basilisk. Alla Titova, former section head of the Vepsky Les natural reserve, recounts reports from the 1980s of 'flying snakes' whose bites were reportedly lethal. Ilya Agapov, a member of a geographical society, describes these 'flying monsters' as picturesque snakes with fleshy growths on their heads, capable of leaping several meters and using trees actively, hence their nickname.

Kandid Kamera Kraken: The Giant Squid

Japanese zoologists claim to have made the first recording of a live giant squid (Architeuthis dux). While the species has been known since the mid-19th century, only dead or dying specimens had been observed. Researchers set up a special rig with a camera, stroboscope, and depth sensors, lowered into the water with bait. At a depth of 900 meters, an 8-meter squid lunged at the bait bag and became impaled on a hook. For four hours, the squid struggled, providing unprecedented footage and information about its propulsion. Although it eventually freed itself, leaving a tentacle, the captured images suggest the giant squid is an active predator that attacks horizontally, coiling its tentacles around its prey.

Chicken Psychology and 'Autobahn Neurosis'

In a lighter, more unusual segment, the magazine introduces Barbara Luetzeler, a German psychologist specializing in treating chickens. She discusses cases ranging from gender issues, such as a hen named Lucie who wanted to be a cock, to 'Autobahn Neurosis,' a condition diagnosed in about 2000 chickens who simultaneously started wagging their heads due to the noise of a nearby motorway. The symptoms disappeared when their enclosure was moved to a quieter location.

The Golden Frog Project

The CFZ (Centre for Fortean Zoology) has relaunched a project investigating reports of golden frogs. The project stems from a medieval folk story in Devonshire about a woodcutter whose child was cured by a mysterious lady who created a well with golden frogs. In 1997, a woman named Rosemary reported having a family of golden frogs in her garden pond. The CFZ team investigated, collecting several frogs but failing to catch the elusive canary-yellow specimens. The cause of these remarkable amphibians, whether a mutation or linked to folklore, remains unknown. The project, now involving David Phillips and Mark North, aims to collect photographs of different colored frogs, analyze their markings and variations in relation to environmental factors, and publish an atlas of frog morphology. They also plan to study if yellow or golden specimens breed true, ensuring no harm to the animals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Animals & Men" consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, folklore, and scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, whether it be new species, unusual animal behavior, or legendary creatures. There is a clear interest in documenting eyewitness accounts and exploring potential scientific explanations while acknowledging the rich tapestry of folklore and myth that often surrounds these events. The magazine encourages reader participation and investigation, as seen in the Golden Frog Project.

Title: Bigfoot Notebook
Issue: ISSUE 37
Date: August 1, 1883 (Note: This date appears to be from a historical report within the magazine, not the primary issue date which is implied to be later based on content like 'Weird Weekend 2006' and 'November 2005' sightings. The cover date is not explicitly visible but the content suggests a modern publication.)
Author: Paul Vella
Document Type: Magazine Issue

More Turmoil at the BFRO

The lead article by Paul Vella details significant internal conflict within Matt Moneymaker's Bigfoot Field Researcher's Organisation (BFRO). Vella reports a "mass exodus" of notable researchers from the BFRO in recent months, with some resigning and others being "ejected." He recounts a personal experience where a friend discovered he had been removed from the BFRO database without direct notification. Vella notes a drastic reduction in his personal knowledge of BFRO members, from around twenty at the start of 2005 to just two by January 2006. His attempt to interview Moneymaker for the article was met with a demand for a pre-set list of questions, after which Moneymaker ceased communication. Vella then reveals text from the BFRO website's source code, which was commented out and later removed. This text contains highly derogatory remarks about individuals, referring to one as a "transient," an "unemployed bum," and "morbidly obese." The comments also describe some ejected members as "morbidly obese," needing multiple plane tickets, and being "ultra fat trailer trash beast[s]." Vella concludes this section by questioning Moneymaker's judgment, stating, "I think Mr. Moneymaker is beginning to lose the plot."

Two New Sasquatch Research Organisations

This section introduces two new organizations aiming to fill the void left by the BFRO's perceived failings: the Sasquatch Research Initiative (SRI) and the Alliance of Independent Bigfoot Researchers (AIBR). Both organizations include former BFRO members and adopt a "no-nonsense approach" to research. Vella declares himself Vice-Chairman of AIBR, acknowledging potential bias but expressing respect for SRI. He describes SRI as focused on setting "more stringent standards for investigation and field work." AIBR is highlighted as the first officially declared non-profit organization dedicated to Bigfoot research, emphasizing transparency, democratically elected officers, standard forensic procedures, anonymous peer-review, and submitting biological evidence to multiple labs. This is contrasted with the BFRO's past practice of internal evidence examination. Vella recommends visiting the SRI website (www.sasquatchonline.com) and mentions the AIBR website (www.bigfootresearch.com) for European inquiries. He also notes regional organizations like Craig Woolheater's Texas Bigfoot Research Centre. Vella expresses hope that these new groups will "complement each other and have a free-flow of information," as the research community has been stalled by researchers hoarding information for financial gain.

Malaysian 'Bigfoot' Sightings

The article shifts focus to Malaysia, discussing the 'Orang Mawas' or 'Orang Dalam,' described as a creature that "looks human but has fur the shades of dark red and black covering its face and body, stands about 4m tall and lets out a loud roar." It recounts a 15-minute encounter by Amir Md Ali, who stumbled upon the creature while catching frogs in the Gunung Panti jungles. He described it as tall, staring, and causing him to tremble with fear. Another villager, Herman Deraman, reported a closer encounter where his stilt hut began shaking violently one night, followed by a loud roar, and later seeing the creature again near his bamboo gathering spot. The article notes that Kampung Punjat Sungai Nadik is home to about 30 orang asli families. Hashim Yusof, director of Johor National Parks, conducted an expedition to ascertain the creature's truth and quell rumors affecting tourism, noting that 124,000 people visit the parks annually. A database of orang mawas sightings is being compiled. A 40-50cm alleged footprint found in Mawai, Kota Tinggi, is also mentioned.

Recent Sightings

This section provides a chronological list of recent alleged sightings:

• November 2005 - Sonoma, California: Mark Nelson claimed to have videoed a Bigfoot while driving with his girlfriend.
• April 2005 - Morris County, New Jersey: Five witnesses reported seeing a grey ape-like creature climb a rock face.
• July 2005 - Allendale County, South Carolina: A motorist and passengers saw a "black, hairy, tall thing crossing the road."
• June 2004 - Clarke County, Mississippi: Two motorists witnessed an 8ft tall hairy animal running towards them on a rainy night near Enterprise.

Still from Mark Nelson Video

This segment elaborates on the Mark Nelson sighting in Sonoma, California. Nelson reportedly saw a figure moving away from the road and pursued it with a camcorder. Vella notes inconsistencies in Nelson's story and expresses surprise at the lack of sightings in Sonoma, a region with abundant fruit, despite its proximity to San Francisco.

The Patterson/Gimlin Film

Following the publication of Greg Long's book 'The Making of Bigfoot,' the article includes an essay by Roger Knight titled "How Not to Plan a Hoaxed Filming." Knight humorously outlines numerous "red flags" and "risky/costly bells-and-whistles" that would characterize a poorly planned hoax. These include using rental cameras, having witnesses disagree, boasting about filming a Bigfoot, using horses, inconsistent descriptions of the creature's size and stride, unnatural hair and foot features, and a poorly executed reveal. Knight argues that the very existence of these "obvious" flaws in the Patterson/Gimlin film suggests it was not a commercially motivated hoax, as a planned hoax would have avoided such predictable issues.

Historical Reports

This section presents three historical newspaper accounts:

• Newark Daily Advocate, August 1, 1883: Reports on an "Extraordinary Character" near Ottawa, Canada, described as an 8-foot tall, hairy "wild man" armed with a tomahawk and bludgeon, who attacked two raftsmen.
• The Lima Daily Times, March 3, 1891: An account of "Bear Shooting in Thibet," where the author recounts killing a bear, but his "Mongols" were terrified of a "wild man" potentially being nearby, suggesting a local legend of a wild man.
• The Bucks County Gazette, May 24, 1883: Reports a "ferocious wild man" roaming the woods of Pulaski County, Virginia, described as six feet tall, muscular, naked, with long matted hair and beard, who allegedly attacked people and killed a man.

Weird Weekend 2006

This section promotes an event called "Weird Weekend 2006" to be held from August 17-20 at the Woolfardisworthy Community Centre in North Devon, UK. It lists speakers and topics, including "Dragons from a Velikovskian viewpoint" (Tim Matthews), "The Goatman Cometh" (Ronan Coghlan), "Analysing the Patterson Bigfoot Film" (Paul Vella), and various talks on cryptozoology, ancient Egypt, extraterrestrial mythologies, and crop circles. Workshops on analyzing big cat footage, fieldwork, and making monsters are also featured. The event includes exhibitions and documentaries. Information on accommodation and ticket prices (£20) is provided, with cheques payable to the "CFZ TRUST."

Mystery Cats Diary

This section details a "FIELD REPORT" from the outskirts of Monaghan Town, Irish Republic, by the BCIB research group. The team, including Charlie McGuinness, John Nutler, Sandy Smith, and Mark Fraser, investigated an area with previous sightings. During a night recce, they heard horses running and birds taking flight. After navigating fences and a hillock, they entered a clearing. Charlie recounted a previous sighting of a large black cat running across a field. The group then heard a rumbling and saw about 20 pairs of eyes, realizing it was a herd of horses stampeding. They narrowly avoided being trampled. Continuing their walk, they observed twigs snapping in the forest. Reaching the far corner of the field, they saw "greeny / yellow eyes" belonging to a "sleek jet-black body" about three feet long, which they identified as a "Monaghan mystery cat." The creature watched them intently before moving slowly. The report notes the horses had stampeded earlier, and the twig-snapping suggests something entered the clearing before them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on Bigfoot and cryptozoology. There's a clear critical stance towards organizations that appear to prioritize personal gain or engage in internal disputes over rigorous research, as exemplified by the critique of the BFRO. The publication promotes new, seemingly more professional research groups and events dedicated to these subjects. The inclusion of historical reports and a guide on hoaxing suggests an interest in the history and methodology of paranormal investigation, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events. The tone ranges from investigative journalism to satirical commentary and promotional content for events and new research initiatives.

This issue of "Animals & Men," issue number 37, delves into various unexplained animal encounters and local legends. The cover story, "Looking for the cat," details an encounter with a mysterious feline-like creature. The magazine also features reviews of books on paranormal and strange phenomena, and extensive reports on cryptid sightings.

The Mysterious Cat Encounter

The issue begins with an account of a group's encounter with a cat-like creature. While observing the animal, the group experienced a standoff, during which the creature moved swiftly into undergrowth. Upon investigation, they found a stream and a barbed wire fence. The cat was later spotted by some members of the group, described as having a blunt head and eyes set about 6-8 inches apart. The horses they were with initially stopped following them but resumed when the group moved towards the gate. The following day, the group planned to return to check for tracks, but the job was left to others. The witness never saw the cat directly but heard descriptions of its appearance.

Book Review: Weird Texas

The magazine reviews "Weird Texas: Your Travel Guide to Texas's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets," a book by Wesley Treat, Heather Shade, and Rob Riggs, edited by Mark Sceurman and Mark Moran. The book covers a wide range of Texas's strange phenomena, including ghosts, local legends, haunted houses, ancient mysteries, UFOs, and bizarre beasts. A particular focus is given to the chapter on "Bizarre Beasts" by Rob Riggs, which discusses the possibility of strange, hairy creatures in East Texas, similar to Bigfoot. The review highlights the book's thorough research and engaging presentation of tales, including those of the Goat-Man, the Marfa Lights, the Ghost Lights of Bragg Road, the Cash-Landrum UFO incident, and the alleged UFO crash at Aurora, Texas in 1897.

Book Review: Dark Woods

Another book reviewed is "Dark Woods" by Jay Kumar, described as an edgy, atmospheric, and genuinely entertaining thriller about Bigfoot. The review praises Kumar's research, including interviews with Bigfoot expert Dr. Grover Krantz, and his exploration of potential government reasons for keeping Bigfoot's existence a secret. The book is noted for its fast pace, believable characters, and multi-dimensional portrayal of Bigfoot.

Sheep-Squatch!

This section, written by Neil Arnold, details the investigations of Ed Rollins into strange phenomena, particularly focusing on the Mothman and other cryptids. Rollins's interest was reignited after a seven-year Navy tour. He initially aimed to disprove Mothman stories but found his efforts strengthened their credibility. His investigations led him to the eerie TNT area in West Virginia, known for UFO sightings and Men In Black encounters. During an investigation, Rollins encountered a whitish-brown creature moving on all fours, with a dog-like head, sharp horns, and paw-like hands. He described it as a "sheep-squatch." The creature left a pungent sulphuric odor, attributed to pollution in the area. The article also includes other witness accounts of similar creatures, including a "white beast" seen near Pumpkintown and a creature described by 'Tess' with sheep-like features and ram horns. Another account describes a white humanoid seen in New Cumberland, West Virginia, and a white monster resembling a big bear seen in Four States, West Virginia.

The Black Beast of Marseilles

This article recounts the events surrounding a Sumatran tigress that escaped from a traveling menagerie in Marseilles in the late summer of 1909. The tigress's cage was found damaged, and the animal disappeared. The beast inflicted a wound on the keeper of the Saint Marie lighthouse. A large-scale search was conducted, involving gendarmes and volunteer hunters. Meat laced with strychnine was used as bait, leading to the poisoning of two dogs. The tigress was eventually found dead, having died from wounds inflicted by bullets and lead shot. An autopsy was performed, and the animal was stuffed. A ballad called "The Song of the Tigress" was written about the incident. The article then draws a parallel to a similar event in June 2004, when sightings of a "black panther" in the Calanques area of Marseilles caused panic and led to the closure of local trails. This modern incident was eventually attributed to misidentification, but the article suggests it highlights the city's tendency towards wild rumors.

Other Sightings and Legends

The issue includes further reports of mysterious creatures. A dark-colored humanoid was seen in remote parts of West Virginia during the 1930s and '40s, possibly a Sasquatch relative. Two young men camping in Webster County claimed to have seen a Werewolf. Near Marietta, Ohio, witnesses described a beast as a cross between a bear and a deer, with glowing red eyes. The article also discusses dog-headed entities, often called werewolves, and other bogeymen with glowing eyes and shape-shifting abilities. It posits that these creatures, whether Mothmen or Sheep-Squatch, are deeply embedded in history and may be connected in some obscure way.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Animals & Men" consistently explores the unexplained and the mysterious, with a focus on cryptids and unexplained animal sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting witness accounts and research without necessarily offering definitive explanations, but rather encouraging further inquiry into these phenomena. Themes of local legends, historical mysteries, and the intersection of the natural and the paranormal are prevalent throughout the articles.

Title: ANIMALS & MEN
Issue: 37
Date: June 2005

This issue of Animals & Men delves into two primary mysteries: the 'Marseilles Panther' panic of 2004 and the historical account of Lt Colonel Percy Fawcett's discovery of a 'Double-Nosed Andean Tiger Hound' in Bolivia. It also provides coverage of the CFZ's 'Weird Weekend' event.

The Marseilles Panther Panic

The issue details the events of June 2004 in Marseilles, France, where the presence of a dangerous animal, widely believed to be a black panther, led to significant public alarm and a large-scale search operation. Police signs initially warned of a 'dangerous animal,' which was later specified as a 'PANTHER.' Sightings multiplied, prompting the mobilization of hundreds of people, including forestry officials, police, firemen, and the Navy, armed with hypodermic darts. The search involved an 'army of anti-panther forces' and a planned beat of 150 men to drive the animal into the open for shooting.

However, as the search continued, suspicion grew that the panther might not exist. Rumors of a 'clandestine circus' emerged as a possible source of escape, though this was discounted by a council spokeswoman who noted the circus was too small to have animals. The anti-panther force was eventually stood down, and the Calanques area was reopened, though tourists were warned to remain alert. The area was closed again on June 20th after another sighting.

On June 22nd, an 'embarrassed' spokeswoman announced that the 'panther' was actually a large domestic cat, approximately 60cm long, spotted in a ravine. This explanation, however, was met with skepticism by some commentators who suggested it was a case of 'mass hysteria' or a deliberate distraction from other issues. The timing of the announcement was seen as suspiciously convenient, possibly a damage control exercise.

Further muddying the waters was a report on the Brit ex-pat website www.expatica.com, which cited an AFP news agency report claiming 20 witnesses had seen an animal resembling a black panther. Testimony from police officer Antoine Delmas described seeing an animal making 'very graceful jumps' that was 'not very big' but was clearly a black panther. This conflicted with the official explanation and raised questions about information management.

Lt Colonel Percy Fawcett and the Two-Nosed Dog

The magazine revisits the story of Lt Colonel Percy Fawcett, a legendary British explorer, who, in 1913, claimed to have encountered a hunting dog with two noses while exploring Eastern Bolivia. His account, published in his son Brian's book 'Exploration Fawcett,' described the dog as a 'Double-Nosed Andean Tiger Hound,' with two noses 'cleanly divided as though cut with a knife.' Fawcett noted its size, comparable to a pointer, and its high value for its acute sense of smell and ingenuity in hunting jaguars.

Fawcett's claims were largely dismissed as a 'shaggy dog story' until explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell, Chairman of the Scientific Exploration Society, reportedly encountered a similar dog in the same region while on a geological survey party. Blashford-Snell recognized the description from Fawcett's memoirs. The dog, named Bella, was described as being from a long line of such dogs, highly intelligent, faithful, and courageous guard dogs with a strong sense of smell. The breed was reportedly prized for hunting jaguars, with the dogs urinating to signal the presence of the cat before the pack attacked.

Dr. Tito Ibson Castro, President of the Bolivian Veterinary Association, examined photographs of Bella and admitted he had never seen a dog like it, despite treating thousands. He suggested that if more examples were found, a new sub-species might be identified, and expressed interest in joining a future expedition.

Technical details about Bella are provided, including her age (3 years), sable coat, and measurements: tip of tail to noses (110 cm), head length (21 cm), head width (11 cm), and height at shoulder (47 cm). It is noted that larger dogs of this type can reach 70 cm at the shoulder, and that Bella had experienced three miscarriages. The distinctive nostrils were not connected.

Two-Nosed Dogs in Britain

Further investigation reveals that the phenomenon of two-nosed dogs is not unique to Bolivia. The article highlights examples in Britain: Max, a four-year-old boxer in Derbyshire with a cleft palate causing a divided nose, and Lady, a nine-year-old collie cross in Cheshire with a more elegantly divided nose. The article also mentions the Pachon Navarro, a breed from Spain and Portugal, known for its split nose, with an example named Henry residing in Spain with English owners.

Weird Weekend 2005

The issue also covers the CFZ's 'Weird Weekend' event, held at the Cowick Barton pub in Exeter. The event, described as a thriving Fortean gathering, featured 14 talks. Nick Redfern presented on the Texas Bigfoot and his theory about Roswell aliens being deformed human children. Peter Costello, an Irish author, discussed his career searching for lake monsters. Other talks included Ronan Coghlan on Irish folklore, Jon Hare on Sumatran weretigers, Gail Nina Anderson on the portrayal of fairies in art, and Chris Moiser on Fortean fauna in Arthur Conan Doyle's works. Steve Jones spoke about creatures associated with holy wells and springs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, cryptozoology, and historical accounts that challenge conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to favor investigating and presenting evidence for unusual claims, even those initially dismissed, such as Fawcett's two-nosed dog. There's a critical perspective on official explanations, particularly in cases of mass hysteria or potential cover-ups, as seen in the Marseilles panther incident. The publication seems to champion the idea that extraordinary claims may have extraordinary evidence, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the mundane.

Title: ANIMALS & MEN
Issue: 37
Publisher: CFZ COMMUNICATIONS
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of Animals & Men delves into a variety of unusual and fortean topics, featuring reports, articles, and reviews. The cover highlights the magazine's focus on "ANIMALS & MEN ISSUE 37" with an intriguing illustration of a figure in a gas mask and top hat.

Events and Lectures

The magazine reports on events that included award-winning author Jeremy Harte discussing Fortean happenings in medieval literature, Simon Sherwood on black dogs, David Farrant presenting theories on the paranormal, and Richard Ingram examining conspiracy theories. John Harrigan also delivered a theatrical performance as 'Dr Bleach'. The issue mentions a cryptozoology, fortean, and occult anthology of plays held at the Horse Hospital in London, and showcases artwork by Sam Shearon depicting cryptids.

Personal Accounts and Sightings

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to personal accounts. A correspondent, Bob Borquez, recounts an extraordinary sighting in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1973 of 40-50 giant earwigs, each 2-3 inches long, with distinctive markings, congregating at a fountain. He describes their unique wing folding mechanism, comparing it to retractable landing gear.

Another correspondent, Lloyd Pye, discusses the Starchild skeleton and refutes 'Oll's' theory about soil compaction, arguing that fossilization itself implies mineral replacement and compaction by soil and water, questioning the 'flattening' of fossils.

Chris Moiser contributes a piece about a strange animal sighting from the Scotsman, dated December 20th, 1926, concerning a silver-grey animal shot on a Sussex farm near Beachy Head. The animal, described as weighing about 41 lb and having tiger-like stripes, is of unknown species.

Reviews

The Science of the Alien Exhibition: Matt Salusbury reviews an exhibition at the Science Museum in London. The exhibition explores the science of aliens through Hollywood clips, the Santilli alien autopsy film, cultural artifacts, and toys. It touches upon the psychology of UFO beliefs, the 'Cold War communist = alien' obsession, and compares Hollywood alien designs to real-life organisms like water bears and sea dragons. The review notes the exhibition's emphasis on terrestrial parallel evolution as an argument for alien life and critiques its high cost (£8.50).

Mauler by Shawn Williamson: This book review discusses a novel centered around the 'Girt Dog of Ennerdale' mystery from 1810 in Cumbria. The review highlights the book's protagonist, Fell Boy, and his connection to a striped, wolf-like marsupial from Tasmania called Cu'chulain. The story involves a traveling circus, a dog fight, and a quest in Tasmania to protect wildlife.

Other Articles and Columns

Letters to the Editor: This section encourages reader correspondence and includes the detailed account of the giant earwigs.

Gone With The Breeze: A letter from Jon, responding to previous content, and a letter from Bob Borquez.

The Sycophant: This piece humorously describes a figure who 'steals ideas' from other magazines. It recounts a book launch event for Richard Freeman, Chris Moiser, and John Downes, and a subsequent incident involving a reporter and a toy black panther named 'Norman'. It also touches upon alleged hoax sightings by other Big Cat research organizations.

The Cryptozoology Files by Mark North: This comic strip features an encounter with the 'Double Nosed Andean Tiger Hound' in Bolivia, as described by Percy Fawcett.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, unexplained mysteries, and conspiracy theories. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of treating these subjects seriously, as evidenced by the critique of publicity-seeking individuals who damage the credibility of "Big Cats in Britain" and similar campaigns. The publication encourages reader participation through letters and highlights the importance of thorough research, as seen in the discussion of Lloyd Pye's critique of 'Oll's' theories.