Creature Chronicles

Magazine Overview

Title: Creature Chronicles
Issue: Autumn Number 7, 1984
Publisher: Hominid Research Group
Focus: Cryptozoology, Ufology, and paranormal investigations.

Trail Tracking

This article, authored by Charles J. Wilhelm, delves into the intricacies of identifying and tracking Sasquatch footprints. It emphasizes that perfect prints are rare due to the creature's movement altering the ground. Key criteria for identification include a consistent right-left-right-left sequence, uniform shape and size, a regular stride, prints oriented in one direction, and resemblance to a human foot but larger. The article highlights that the ball of the foot and heel typically bear the most weight and thus leave the deepest impressions. It also warns against misinterpreting tracks from animals like bears or even weathered duck tracks. For further study, "A Field Guide to Animal Tracks" by Olaus J. Murie is recommended.

Staff and Editorial Stance

The editorial staff is listed, with Ron Schaffner as Publishing Editor and Charles J. Wilhelm as Assistant Editor. The Hominid Research Group is described as a division of the Ohio UFO Investigators League, Inc., focusing on factual investigative work. The editorial, titled "Foot Notes; Etc.," by Ron Schaffner, reflects on 11 years of cryptozoology research. Schaffner stresses the importance of objectivity and total documentation, criticizing the sensationalism prevalent in both tabloid newspapers and some books and magazine articles. He argues that sensationalism appeals to bias and prejudice, whereas objectivity brings all facts into play without bias. The editorial also notes that the group is re-examining past cases, identifying some as misinterpretations or hoaxes, while maintaining that valid cases still exist.

Investigation Techniques: Camera Triplines

Tim Curry details methods for setting up remote camera traps using modern technology. The article explains how to adapt electro-magnets for shutter release and discusses two types of activation switches: light-activated (motion-detector) and sound-activated. The light-activated switch works on changes in light and is best used during daylight, while the sound-activated switch is preferred for night use. Information on obtaining components from BNF Enterprises is provided. The author offers to send diagrams upon request.

Hoaxes and Reality

This section presents several cases, contrasting alleged authentic encounters with confirmed hoaxes. A Sasquatch sighting on a bus in British Columbia was revealed to be a staged prank. A reported encounter in Stilwell, Oklahoma, involving a hairy monster, was also admitted as a hoax by the perpetrator, Brian Jones. Other incidents discussed include a mysterious animal in Lafayette, Indiana, that allegedly killed dogs, and a creature sighting in Dutch Mills, Arkansas, with large footprints. The article also touches upon the skepticism surrounding Bigfoot evidence, the potential for hoaxes to overshadow real encounters, and the financial realities of Bigfoot investigation. A case in Orange County, Florida, involving a 'Swamp Ape' attack, was attributed by authorities to a man-made print.

Late News

This section compiles brief news items:

• Yeti Existence Denied: The Soviet news agency Tass declared that the abominable snowman (Yeti) does not exist, citing a lack of physical evidence and attributing eyewitness accounts to imagination.
• Exotic Lizard Shot: An African monitor lizard, nearly six feet long, was shot by a teen-ager in a pond in Findlay, Ohio, likely having escaped from a pet owner.
• Cat Killings: A string of 100 cat killings in Indianapolis, Indiana, has baffled police, prompting a reward offer from Spay-Neuter Services.

Letters

A letter from L. Meyers in Middletown, Rhode Island, suggests a correlation between unusual earth tremors and unusual sightings, referencing a report of a black panther sighting in New Jersey and an earthquake near Maysville, Kentucky, followed by Sasquatch encounters.

Retrospective: Screaming Mystery Beast

This piece revisits an event from 25 years prior, concerning a mysterious animal in the Lafayette, Indiana area, described as crying like a baby and screaming like a woman. The animal was believed to have killed several coon dogs and was powerful enough to break a dog's back. Despite attempts to identify and capture it, the animal remained elusive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, objectivity, and the critical evaluation of evidence in the fields of cryptozoology and Ufology. It highlights the challenge of distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes and sensationalism, advocating for a scientific approach. The publication also showcases innovative investigation techniques and reports on a variety of unexplained phenomena, from cryptid sightings to unusual animal behavior.