BioFortean Notes - No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: BIOFORTEAN NOTES
Volume: 5
Issue Date: 2016
Publisher: COACHWHIP PUBLICATIONS
Location: Greenville, Ohio
Editor: Chad Arment

This issue of Biofortean Notes, Volume 5, published in 2016, delves into various aspects of cryptozoology and bio-mysteries, featuring a range of articles and notes from different authors. The publication is dedicated to exploring unusual biological phenomena and discoveries.

Articles and Content

Rare Whale First Discovered Along the Carolina Coast a Century Ago

This article by John Hairr recounts the discovery of a unique whale carcass on Bird Island Shoal in July 1912. Initially mistaken for a common blackfish or cowfish, the animal's unusual features, including a long, pointed beak and the absence of visible teeth, prompted further investigation. Fishermen contacted the U.S. Fisheries Laboratory at Beaufort, where assistants and later Dr. Lewis Radcliffe, the laboratory's director, examined the remains. Due to its unique characteristics, the specimen was sent to the U.S. National Museum in Washington, D.C., for expert analysis. There, Frederick W. True, an expert on marine mammals, identified it as a new species, which he named *Mesoplodon mirus*, commonly known as True's beaked whale. The article details the whale's measurements (16 feet long, 4 feet 8 inches flukes, 10.5-pound heart) and physical description, including its coloration and the discovery of two small teeth hidden within the jaw. True's research indicated that beaked whales, particularly the genus *Berardius*, were rare, with only about fourteen specimens known at the time. The article also mentions a later discovery in March 1940 of a gravid female True's beaked whale near Oregon Inlet, studied by H.H. Brimley, which provided crucial insights into the species' reproductive biology. A sighting and photographic documentation of a True's beaked whale in the wild by Dr. Michael Tove and a group of naturalists off the Outer Banks in 1993 is also noted.

A Honduran Mystery Animal

Authored by Chad Arment and Matthew Speights, this article likely explores an unidentified animal reported in Honduras, contributing to the broader theme of cryptozoology.

Developing a Potential Discovery Path Within Cryptozoology

Chad Arment's contribution outlines methodologies or approaches for discovering and documenting new or unknown species within the field of cryptozoology.

North American Giant Crayfish Tales

This article by Chad Arment delves into folklore or reported sightings of unusually large crayfish in North America.

The Boss Snake of Murphy's Pond

Written by Tony Gerard, this piece likely investigates a specific legend or reported encounter involving a large snake associated with Murphy's Pond.

Brief Notes

This section, featuring contributions from Chad Arment and Richard Muirhead, likely contains shorter reports, observations, or updates on various biofortean topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Biofortean Notes revolve around the exploration of the unknown in the natural world, particularly focusing on cryptozoology and the discovery of new or poorly understood species. The articles highlight the intersection of scientific investigation and anecdotal evidence, emphasizing the importance of documenting and studying unusual biological phenomena. The editorial stance, as suggested by the editor Chad Arment and the content, appears to be one of open inquiry into biological mysteries, encouraging research and the sharing of findings within the biofortean community.

This document appears to be an excerpt from a magazine or journal focusing on natural history and cryptozoology, featuring articles on marine mammals and unidentified animals. The content is primarily text-based with accompanying images and bibliographies.

Article: True's Beaked Whale This section details a notable discovery from March 1940, when Naturalist H.H. Brimley of the North Carolina Museum of Natural History studied the remains of a gravid True's beaked whale and its unborn fetus found near Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. The image accompanying this section shows Brimley examining the whale. The text also references a live sighting of what is believed to be Mesoplodon mirus (True's beaked whale) by Michael Tove. Tove suspected the species early on due to the animal's head and body shape, and stranding data. He observed a pod of three whales, two adults and a calf, and managed to photograph them. Tove notes that True's beaked whales are among the most elusive marine mammals, and their conservation status is uncertain.

Article: A Honduran Mystery Animal This article, authored by Chad Arment and Matthew Speights, recounts a third-hand story about a strange quadrupedal creature observed in Central America. The story was initially vague but became clearer after Matthew Speights obtained contact information from the witness, identified as LS. The sighting occurred around 2001 in grassland in the Cortés Department, Honduras, at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. LS encountered two animals while mowing grass. The animals were described as quadrupedal, about 48 inches tall at the withers, with a barrel-shaped torso, deep sides, and narrow front view. Their body length was estimated at 3 feet for the larger animal and 2.5 feet for the smaller one, with an estimated weight of 450-600 pounds. They had stout legs, long claws like an alligator, and a tail that was a continuous flow of the body, dragging on the ground. The head was flat with a little snout, resembling Kermit the Frog, and encircled by a pointed frill. No ears or nostrils were visible. The overall coloration was gray, though one animal had a neck/chest area described as "the beautiful color of a cock pheasant," and another had a "shiny like chrome" neck, possibly from crossing a river. The skin texture was compared to that of a hippopotamus. The animals showed no fear and moved slowly. LS believed they left via the river. Two other individuals later saw similar animals. The witness is certain it was not a misidentification of a known species and believes it to be similar to ceratopsian dinosaurs. Accompanying sketches by Oleksandr Pitura and artistic modeling by Steven Bellshaw are included to visualize the creature.

Conclusion of Honduran Mystery Animal Article The authors conclude that ceratopsian-like mystery animals are infrequent in cryptozoological literature, especially from Central America. They believe the Honduran mystery animal is worth further investigation, noting its shared features with basal ceratopsians like Montanaceratops, particularly the claw-like nails. However, they acknowledge discrepancies with known ceratopsian fossils. A significant impediment to investigation is the high crime and violence levels in Honduras, making it a dangerous area for researchers.

Advertisements/Promotions The document also includes promotional material for books: "Caribbean Monk Seals, by John Hairr" and "Flesh Falls & Blood Rains, by John Hairr," and a revised edition of "Still In Search Of Prehistoric Survivors, by Dr. Karl Shuker."

Bibliography A bibliography lists several scientific publications related to True's beaked whale and other cetaceans, including works by H.H. Brimley, Thomas A. Jefferson, Marc A. Webber, Robert L. Pittman, Michael Tove, and Frederick W. True.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this document are the study of marine mammals, particularly elusive species like True's beaked whale, and the investigation of cryptids or mystery animals. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry and open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations of such research, including the need for verifiable evidence and the safety concerns in certain regions. The inclusion of scientific literature and detailed descriptions suggests a serious approach to the topics presented.

This issue of "Missionaries and Monsters" (also presented as "Mokele-Mbembe: Mystery Beast of the Congo Basin") features articles by Chad Arment, exploring the field of cryptozoology. The cover art prominently displays the Mokele-Mbembe, a legendary creature from the Congo Basin, alongside historical imagery.

Developing A Potential Discovery Path within Cryptozoology

Chad Arment's article outlines a methodological approach to cryptozoology, advocating for it to be viewed as a methodology rather than a distinct field. The core of this methodology involves identifying a mystery animal (cryptid), gathering information about it and its environment, and then seeking confirmative physical evidence for scientific validation. Arment highlights recent advancements in genetic testing, particularly the use of environmental DNA (eDNA), as a powerful new tool. eDNA can detect species from traces left in their environment, proving useful for identifying invasive or rare species, and potentially for confirming the existence of animals believed extinct if their genetic profile is known. The technique is most effective in freshwater environments, though advancements are being made for terrestrial and marine settings. Examples cited include the detection of invasive Burmese pythons in Florida and the confirmation of the persistence of the Alabama sturgeon using eDNA.

Arment proposes extending this to "ancient DNA" analysis, which extracts genetic material from extinct organisms. If a mystery animal is closely related to a known extinct species, and sufficient ancient DNA is available to create genetic profiles and primers, it could be possible to detect persistent populations of that species. A prime candidate for this type of investigation is the giant beaver, *Castoroides ohioensis*, with research suggesting it might still exist. The author believes that creating a complete genome sequence for *Castoroides ohioensis* would enable the development of specific genetic primers to detect its presence, without necessarily requiring a physical specimen.

North American Giant Crayfish Tales

This section, also by Chad Arment, delves into historical accounts and reports of "giant crayfish" in North America. It begins by describing the diversity of crayfish species, noting that while most are small, some species like the Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish can reach significant sizes. In North America, the bottlebrush crayfish (*Barbicambarus cornutus*) can reach up to 9 inches, and a newly discovered species in Tennessee reached 5 inches. The article points out that historical newspaper reports of "giant crayfish" were common, often sensationalized. However, many of these reports may have been misidentifications of large freshwater prawns, such as the bigclaw river shrimp (*Macrobrachium carcinus*), which can reach 12 inches or more. The article includes several historical newspaper clippings detailing large crustacean catches:

• Gonzales, Texas (July 5, 1907): A "monster crayfish" with claws measuring 25 inches tip-to-tip was caught in the Guadalupe River.
• San Antonio, Texas (August 28, 1907): Winnie Walker caught a large, soft-shell crayfish measuring 22 inches from claw tip to tail end in the San Antonio River.
• Lockhart, Texas (July 30, 1917): A "fresh-water lobster" measuring 24 inches from tip to tip was exhibited.
• Runge, Texas (May 5, 1933): A crayfish with a 25-inch spread was caught in the San Antonio River.
• Hardin County, Kentucky (August 29, 1948): A photograph shows a "giant crayfish" named "Champ," taken near Stephensburg Lake, with a pencil indicating a length of six and one-half inches.
• Brownsville, Texas (August 17, 1969): A photograph depicts a young boy holding what is believed to be a freshwater lobster or shrimp, measuring 11 inches.

The article concludes that while many of these reports might be exaggerated or misidentified, the possibility of undiscovered or unusually large specimens of known species, or even unknown species, remains a subject of interest in cryptozoology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a scientific and methodological approach to cryptozoology, emphasizing the use of modern techniques like environmental DNA analysis. It highlights the potential for discovering or confirming the existence of unknown or extinct species through rigorous research and evidence gathering. The articles suggest that cryptozoology can contribute to zoological knowledge by providing new avenues for research and discovery, particularly in areas where traditional methods are limited. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, seeking to legitimize the study of anomalous fauna through robust methodologies.

This issue, published by the Daily Record on August 7, 1973, features a cover story about an unusually large prawn caught in Texas, alongside several other articles detailing extraordinary encounters with large crustaceans and snakes. The publication delves into folklore, eyewitness accounts, and scientific observations of unusual wildlife.

A Freshwater Prawn Caught in Texas The lead story, accompanied by a photograph, reports on Andrew Spell, a 15-year-old from Cuero, Texas, who caught a prawn measuring 27 inches from pincer to pincer in the Guadalupe River. The article notes that such creatures are typically found in South America and describes the prawn as a cross between a crayfish and a shrimp. Spell recounted that the prawn put up a significant fight and even attempted to attack them when brought into the boat.

Giant Crustaceans: Historical Accounts Several sections compile historical reports of exceptionally large crustaceans, often referred to as 'crayfish' or 'lobsters'.

Louisiana's 'Ol' Papa Épicé' A report from 1934 details 'Ol' Papa Épicé' from Louisiana, a giant crayfish claimed to be 6 feet long, though more accurate measurements suggest 3 feet 4 inches and a weight of around 30lbs.

Florida Lobster An account from March 28, 1922, mentions a 'monster crayfish' captured off the Florida coast, measuring over three feet and weighing 80 pounds.

Wachusett Dam Discovery On November 12, 1901, a 'giant crustacean of unknown species' was found in a scoopful of sand and stone during the excavation of the big Wachusett dam in Clinton, Massachusetts. It measured 31 1/2 inches long.

Adirondacks Freshwater Lobster A dispatch to the New York World from Saranac Lake, dated June 26, 1911, describes J. R. Tait and Charles Wendlekin hooking a strange, lobster-like crayfish in fresh water. L. R. Bolton, a former lobster expert, identified it as a lobster and the first known to be found in fresh water.

The Boss Snake of Murphy's Pond This extensive article by Tony Gerard explores folklore and eyewitness accounts of a large snake found in the Murphy's Pond area of Hickman County, Kentucky. The pond is described as the largest cypress swamp in western Kentucky and a habitat for various southern species, including a high population of cottonmouths.

#### Family Folklore and Eyewitness Accounts
Gerard recounts a family story about a large snake killed in 1950 or '51. Relatives saw a snake that had been killed by a logging truck. Descriptions from his mother and aunt suggest a snake between 12 and 15 feet long, dark gray with black spots or mottled patterns, and as thick as a coffee can. Another witness, Cletus Murphy, recalls a different enormous dead snake found in 1963 or '64 on Highway 307, estimated at 15 feet long and 8-9 inches thick, with a head like a grapefruit. Michael Farmer, a lifelong resident, helped reconcile these accounts, suggesting there was likely only one significant snake incident, possibly misdated by the family.

#### Identification and Origin
Both the family and Cletus Murphy speculated the snake was a constrictor like a Python or Anaconda. Dr. Edmund Zimmerer, a retired herpetologist from Murray State University, considered the possibility of a tropical species overwintering in the pond due to its springs. He suggested that the introduction of such animals from 'roadside zoos' that may have closed or released their stock was a plausible explanation for their presence in Kentucky.

#### Carnivorous Crayfish
Separate anecdotes highlight the predatory nature of crayfish. One story from August 1, 1926, from the Beckley, WV, Sunday Register, suggests crawfish might be responsible for mysterious disappearances of chickens, dogs, and cats. Another account from June 25, 1929, in the Athens, OH, Messenger, describes a giant crayfish attacking a week-old chick.

New Species and Ongoing Discoveries The issue briefly mentions that new species of crayfish, such as *Cambarus clairitae*, are still being discovered in North America, but solid evidence for truly large North American crayfish (over 12 inches) remains elusive, though potential discoveries in isolated watersheds are hinted at.

Bibliography The issue concludes with a bibliography listing sources for the articles, including scientific papers and online articles related to large crustaceans and their distribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the extraordinary and the unexplained in the natural world, focusing on unusually large specimens of common creatures like prawns, crayfish, and snakes. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with these anomalies, presenting eyewitness accounts, historical records, and speculative explanations. There is an implicit encouragement for readers to consider the possibility of such unusual occurrences, blending folklore with factual reporting and scientific inquiry. The articles highlight the ongoing discovery of new species and the enduring mysteries within local ecosystems.

This issue of "Cryptozoology and the Investigation of Lesser-Known Mystery Animals" presents a collection of intriguing reports and investigations into unexplained creatures and phenomena from around the world. The magazine features a variety of articles, each exploring a different mystery, from giant snakes and elusive felines to luminous insects and potentially extinct marsupials.

Giant Snakes of Kentucky

The issue opens with an editor's note discussing giant snake stories from Kentucky, referencing accounts from Hickman and Calloway Counties. A news clipping from the Louisville Courier Journal dated July 12, 1962, details the capture of an 18-foot snake near Hazel, KY, which was identified as a nonpoisonous South American anaconda. Police Chief W. O. Parker described the snake as brown with black diamonds and a yellow belly. The report also mentions Hildred Paschall, a farmer who claimed to have seen a much larger snake, estimated at 21 to 30 feet long, in his cornfield.

The Little Black Panther of the Everglades

Another section focuses on a mystery animal reported in the Everglades National Park region of southern Florida. This creature is described as a small, black panther-like feline, about one-third the size of a normal panther, with a long tail, unlike typical panthers which are tawny and larger. Sightings have been reported by tourists, scientists, rangers, and wildlife authorities over a period of about 10 years. Several theories are discussed, including it being a jaguarundi of unusual size, an ocelot in a melanistic phase, a large feral cat, or even a new species unknown to science. FOIA requests to the park yielded no results regarding locally maintained records.

Mystery Snake of Colorado

The magazine then shifts to Colorado, detailing reports of a moderate-sized black snake, similar to an eastern black racer, observed in the northwestern part of the state since 1986. Naturalist Jan Roth noted that the species appears to prefer oak brush and serviceberry ecozones near water sources between 6,500 and 7,500 feet in elevation. The article discusses potential explanations, including a new species or a range extension of a known one, ruling out yellow-bellied racers and coachwhips due to their characteristics and location.

Luminous Caterpillars of Australia

A report from Australia details the discovery of suspected luminous caterpillars in Springbrook, Queensland. Researcher Garry Maguire observed that the caterpillars' tails glow continuously, and when disturbed, their heads, tails, and digestive tracts exude bioluminescence in a blue/green spectrum. These caterpillars were identified as belonging to an as-yet-unidentified moth. Historical records from settlers in the area also mentioned a luminous moth around 1914. Unfortunately, Garry Maguire passed away recently, and no one is currently continuing his research.

Gold Coast Pipefish

An unusual pipefish photographed in the Gold Coast Seaway, Australia, in November 2009 is presented as a potential new species. US biologists discovered the photo online, leading to unsuccessful search expeditions in 2014 due to poor weather. A further trip was planned for late 2015.

The Desert Rat-Kangaroo

The issue also covers the desert rat-kangaroo, or oolacunta, a small marsupial first described in 1843 from South Australia. After sightings in the early 20th century and some reports in the 1970s and 1980s, the species was believed to have gone extinct. A possible sighting in the Peake Hill Mine area is mentioned as a potential re-rediscovery narrative.

Arctic Pygmy Seals

Philippe Coudray's work on hidden animals is referenced, specifically an account of Arctic pygmy seals from the Barents Sea. Seafarers describe these seals as pigmy, likely a subspecies of the ringed seal, measuring only seventy-three centimeters. They are known for being very alert, earning them names like 'seal-phantom' or 'seal-gnome.' The exact reasons for their small size and behavior remain unanswered.

Manitoba 'Pig with a Tusk'

Finally, the magazine discusses a cryptozoological report from Manitoba, Canada, concerning an animal described as a 'pig with a tusk.' This creature is reportedly pig-like, black, with a seven to eight-inch horn on its snout, and lacks split hooves, leaving a flat round track. The article notes similarities to small fossil rhinos like Menoceras and Diceratherium.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, the investigation of unexplained animal sightings, and the challenges of documenting and verifying such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and scientific or speculative explanations without definitively concluding on the nature of these mysteries. The magazine encourages exploration of the unknown and highlights the ongoing quest to understand the world's hidden fauna.

This document is a single page from Coachwhip Publications, providing information about their website and social media presence. It does not appear to be a full magazine issue but rather an informational insert or back page.

Publisher Information

The publisher is identified as COACHWHIP PUBLICATIONS, with their website being COACHWHIPBOOKS.COM. This site is presented as a resource for additional titles of interest to cryptozoology enthusiasts.

News and Updates

For news items specifically relevant to cryptozoology and Fortean biology, readers are directed to visit two Facebook pages: Facebook.com/StrangeArk and Facebook.com/StrangeAtmosphere. These platforms serve as channels for updates and news in these specialized fields.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content focuses on promoting resources for enthusiasts of cryptozoology and Fortean biology, suggesting an editorial stance that supports and disseminates information within these niche areas of study. The emphasis is on providing access to books and news through their website and social media channels.