Creature Chronicles - No 06 - 1983 Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: Creature Chronicles
Issue: Spring, Number 6
Year: 1983
Publisher: Hominid Research Group
Focus: Forensic Investigative Techniques in Bigfoot Research

Editorial Stance and Content

This issue of Creature Chronicles, published by the Hominid Research Group, delves into the application of forensic science in the investigation of Bigfoot phenomena. The editorial, penned by Charles J. Wilhelm, emphasizes the need for Bigfoot investigators to adopt and utilize forensic techniques, drawing parallels to the methods employed by Sherlock Holmes and subsequently adopted by law enforcement agencies like the FBI. Wilhelm highlights that while many investigators are essentially detectives, the formal application of scientific methods is crucial for successful case conclusions.

The lead article, "Forensic Investigative Techniques," outlines essential procedures for investigators. It stresses the importance of preserving prints and impressions as evidence, detailing how to interpret 'walking pictures'—the signs left by a creature's movement—to deduce information about its size, gait, condition (walking, running, hurt, or fatigued), and direction. The article also covers techniques for tracking wounded creatures, noting the significance of bloodstains on various surfaces and how their patterns can indicate the creature's movement and state of injury. The author promises further discussion on pre-planning, expert assistance, evidence processing, and lab testing in future issues.

Staff and Operations

The magazine introduces Tim Curry as the new staff artist, whose work is noted as enhancing the publication's format. The editorial also addresses an ongoing investigative report into alleged Sasquatch movie footage of Mr. Ray Wallace, suggesting it might be a hoax and that a full report is expected in the next issue. A new by-law is mentioned, restricting the use of tape recorders by OUFOIL members to prevent slander and misconstrued statements, allowing them only for interviews or lectures. The editors apologize for the lateness of the issue, attributing it to economic factors, and provide a new mailing address for the Hominid Research Group: P.O. Box 335, Loveland, Ohio 45140.

Creature Reports and Case Studies

The issue features "Ohio Valley Creature Reports - Part 1," a multi-part series detailing creature sightings in the region, excluding classic Sasquatch reports. This section aims to document unexplained phenomena, distinguishing them from misidentified known animals. Examples include:

• Panthers in Ohio and Kentucky: Explained as a genetic trait within the feline family, not necessarily indigenous to the area.
• The Ohio "BLOB" (June 1973): A white, gooey organism reported in Cincinnati, identified by Dr. Kenneth Applegate of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency as a myomycete (slime mold).
• Batavia, Ohio (1947): An unusual bug-like creature, six inches long, green with stripes and multiple horns and legs, was found and identified by Mrs. Hester Stephensen as the larva of the Royal Walnut Moth (Hickory Horned Devil).

Other reports include:

• A "tiger" in Russellville, Kentucky (August 1823): Described as having a terrific front and large eyes, it was shot but unaffected.
• A "monstrous animal" near Rising Sun, Indiana (December 1877): An unidentified man was chased by a creature from the woods. Later, Mary Crane reported seeing glowing eyes and hearing claws scratching, and was pursued by an animal described as big as a calf.
• A kangaroo-like animal near Grove City, Ohio (January 1949): Louis Staub reported seeing a hairy, brownish creature about five feet high hopping along the highway.
• Non-human figures near Branch Hill, Ohio (March 1955): An investigator reported seeing three greyish, non-human figures, about three feet tall, with unusual body proportions.
• An unknown water creature in the Ohio River (January 1959): A truck driver reported seeing an ugly, greyish creature resembling an octopus with tentacles and rolls of fat. The same creature was sighted later in Covington, Kentucky.
• A phantom feline in Lorain County, Ohio (Summer 1959): A giant cat was reported to be killing sheep.

Book Review

The issue includes a review of "Manlike Monsters on Trial: Early Records and Modern Evidence," edited by Marjorie Halpin & Michael M. Ames. The book is a collection of reports from a 1978 conference and is recommended for its insights into evaluating cryptozoological cases, though some parts are noted as boring due to their anthropological focus.

Late News and New Publications

"Late News" mentions an article in the March 1983 edition of PACIFIC NORTHWEST magazine discussing events near Walla Walla, Washington, the Patterson film, and footprint finds. A new publication, "The Ohio Valley Hominids," is announced. This booklet, jointly published by the Hominid Research Group and the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, covers chronological listings of cases from 1869-1979, the 1980 Flap, and selected cases from Hominid Research files, including illustrations and maps. Orders are being accepted for this limited edition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the rigorous investigation of unusual phenomena, particularly Bigfoot and other cryptids, through the application of scientific and forensic methods. There is a clear stance against unsubstantiated rumors, favoring factual, documented evidence. The Hominid Research Group positions itself as a serious research entity, open to exchanging information with other researchers. The publication also acknowledges the existence of unexplained biological anomalies and creature sightings, while attempting to provide rational explanations for some, and documenting others as potentially genuine mysteries.