Creature Chronicles - No 08 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: Creature Chronicles
Issue: Number 8
Date: March 15, 1985
Editor: Ron Schaffner
Affiliations: Ohio UFO Investigators League, Inc., Scientific Bureau of Investigations

This issue of Creature Chronicles is presented on an exchange and non-scheduled basis, aiming to maintain continuity in reporting cryptozoological events and investigated matters from other researchers. The editor notes that the current format is minimal due to a light news cycle in the field of cryptozoology and is undergoing a reorganization of files.

Feline Activity

The newsletter reports on interesting panther sightings in Ohio and Michigan during December. Notably, these sightings occurred within city limits in Cincinnati and Flint. The Michigan reports date back to the previous summer.

Where Have All the Sasquatch Gone?

This section addresses a statistically significant decline in Bigfoot (Sasquatch) reports, noting they are at an all-time low since the 1940s, especially when considering the previous two decades. The editor poses the question of whether this lack of sightings signifies something important and mentions developing a sketchy, skeptical hypothesis on the matter. Readers are encouraged to submit documented reports with proper source and credit, as the editor admits to potentially being negligent in logging them.

Big Bird Creature

Mr. Valentine Hood of Weirsdale, Florida, claims to have encountered a strange creature on December 15, 1983. He described it as being as large as an eagle but without wings, covered in fur about half an inch long. The creature's body vibrated where wings should have been, and it emitted a low sound like a bumblebee. The encounter lasted about thirty seconds. This report was investigated by Bill Rachels of Madison, Florida.

Coyote Trouble: Officials Consider Bounty For Sheep Killers

This article, sourced from THE ASSOCIATED PRESS and dated November 5, 1984, discusses Fayette County, Ohio, officials considering placing a bounty on coyotes to stop a series of sheep killings. There is disagreement among officials about whether coyotes, wild dogs, coydogs, or panthers are responsible. Laurence Dumford, a Fayette County commissioner, stated that four coyotes had been caught or killed recently. He plans to meet with other commissioners to decide on action and seek help from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Logan County had previously placed a $50 bounty on coyotes. Pat Ruble, executive administrator of wildlife management for the state, suggested the culprits might be coyotes coming from Pennsylvania or the West. Richard Pierce, a state agency director, leans towards wild dogs, while James Keener, assistant director of wildlife, noted the difficulty in visually distinguishing coyotes. Tests are planned for the Fayette County coyotes. Loren Coleman, a Maine psychiatric social worker and author, offers a different perspective, leaning towards panthers, usually with red eyes, being responsible, based on his investigation of similar animal killings in Fayette County in 1977. However, wildlife officials state there have been no confirmed panther sightings east of the Mississippi for 50 years.

India's 'Wolf Boy' Dies In Home

This report from THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, dated February 24, 1985, announces the death of Ramu, known as the 'Wolf Boy' from India. Ramu, who was reportedly raised by wolves, walked on all fours, and ate raw meat, died in a destitute home near Lucknow. He was in his 20s, and the exact cause of death was unknown, though he developed cramps two weeks prior. Ramu gained attention in 1976 when he was found in a forest with three wolf cubs, estimated to be about 10 years old. Upon his discovery, he walked on all fours with matted hair, long nails, and calloused palms, elbows, and knees resembling wolf pads. He was still attracted to raw meat and would sneak out to attack chickens. Ramu was taken in by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, who taught him hygiene and to wear clothes. However, like others with early human contact deprivation, he never learned to speak. Despite creating a press sensation, he was not put on display.

Authorities Search For Missing Baboons

This news clipping from THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, dated October 31, 1984, reports on an ongoing search for one or two escaped baboons in Danbury Township, Ohio. Police, wildlife handlers, and homeowners are involved in the search. Officer Robert Kramer described seeing a baboon sitting on a television antenna and later in the middle of the road, stopping traffic. Officials at the African Lion Safari, where the animals escaped, confirmed there was one baboon missing, but police believe there may be two.

No 'Lion'-Huge Cat Prowling N. Avondale, Say Residents

BY STEVE HOFFMAN, THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, December 4, 1984. Residents of North Avondale, Ohio, including Lillian Smith, have reported multiple sightings of a large cat, described as a mountain lion or similar to the Cincinnati Bengals' tiger mascot. The animal has been seen in an alley near the Fisher Body Flint Plant and in residential areas. Law enforcement officials are uncertain but are not dismissing the reports, with Sgt. Alan Jones of District 4 Cincinnati police noting that four of six sightings came from Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Smith described a heavy roar from the animal. Residents are concerned about safety, especially for children and the elderly. Sgt. Jack Young of St. Bernard Police questioned the likelihood of mountain lions in the area. Mike Serio, a state game warden, found the sightings hard to believe due to the animal's likely appetite. Samuel Snider, a licensed Ohio Division of Wildlife nuisance wildlife remover, planned to use bait to tranquilize the animal. Sgt. Jones mentioned paw prints found near Roger Bacon Stadium that the SPCA could not identify, and intermittent reports of such an animal in the area over the past two to seven years.

Panther on prowl again? Cat seen near Fisher Flint

This clipping from THE FLINT JOURNAL, August 14, 1984, reports on sightings of an elusive 'black panther' near the Fisher Body Flint Plant in Flint, Michigan. Three employees reported seeing a large, dark cat, much larger than a domestic cat, with a long tail. William Routhier, one of the employees, initially dismissed it as a cat or dog but then saw the creature sauntering down an alley. Police were notified but no further sightings were reported. The article also mentions at least four other reports of black panthers in Flint's suburbs within the last month, though none have been confirmed. Police and wildlife officials have confirmed sightings in Washtenaw and Oakland counties, suggesting the panther might be a former pet that has been released.

Close call with panther claimed here

This report from THE FLINT JOURNAL, December 4, 1984, details Craig Wadsworth, a truck driver from Davison, Michigan, who claims to have nearly hit an infamous Manchester black panther on Ortoaville Road south of Flint. Wadsworth stated the animal crossed his path at 6:30 a.m., causing him to slam on his brakes, initially thinking it was a large dog. The cat stopped, looked at him, and then scurried off. This sighting is noted as not being the first in the Flint area, with previous unconfirmed sightings in Flint Township and near the Fisher Body Flint Plant the previous summer.

Snake Nests Under Hood

This brief report from THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, November 11, 1984, describes a female motorist who found a snake under the hood of her car at a Sohio service station on Central Parkway. Elmer Hess, manager of the station, and Andy Mahlman, an SPCA dispatcher, were involved. The snake, described as a partially concealed, 4½-foot boa constrictor, was given to the Hamilton County SPCA. SPCA officials planned to hold the snake temporarily.

Peacocks Come In From The Cold

This report from THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER (Kentucky Metro), dated March 5, 1985, details an incident at the St. Charles Nursing Home in Covington, Kentucky. Employees reported peacocks tapping on a window. Marilyn Murphy, executive director of the Kenton County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), was contacted. She noted that while she had handled many different animals, peacocks were unusual. The peacocks were being held at the Kenton County SPCA, located at 3L Highway and Orphanage Road.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Creature Chronicles revolve around unexplained animal sightings and phenomena, often involving large or unusual creatures like panthers, Bigfoot, and the 'Big Bird Creature'. There is a clear interest in documenting and investigating these reports, even when official confirmation is lacking. The editor, Ron Schaffner, actively solicits reader submissions and expresses a desire to keep the flow of information continuous. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into anomalous events, encouraging skepticism while also valuing firsthand accounts and evidence. The inclusion of news clippings from various sources suggests a broad approach to gathering information on these topics.