Creature Chronicles - No 14 - 1991 October

Magazine Overview

Title: Creature Chronicles
Issue: Number 14
Date: October 1991
Publisher: R. Schaffner
Focus: Independent information and news service on wildlife phenomena.

An Ohio Enigma: Bigfoot or Black Bears?

The lead article, "An Ohio Enigma: Bigfoot or Black Bears?", by Ron Schaffner, explores the persistent reports of Bigfoot-like creatures in Ohio and questions whether these sightings could be misidentifications of the increasingly common black bear. The article begins with an account from John and Jerry Nutter, who in August 1978, saw what they initially described as a black bear near Minerva, Ohio. John later changed his story to describe a large, hairy, ape-like creature, but a photograph taken at the time only showed bushes and trees. The article notes that this period saw many Bigfoot reports circulating in the area, including around an abandoned strip mine near Mr. Herbert Clayton's home.

Another incident from the autumn of 1980 involved stories of a Bigfoot lair in Vinton County, where an investigative team spoke with Walter Coleman, who reported seeing a bear and its cub in berry fields. The author acknowledges that mentioning bears in relation to these investigations has drawn criticism from some researchers, and even the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) was initially reluctant to admit the possibility of bears in Ohio.

However, the ODNR now states that black bears have established residency in 14 counties in eastern Ohio. Wildlife experts Steve Wilcox and Clyd Simmerer observe a constant increase in their populations, suggesting the possibility of a small breeding population, as evidenced by a recent sighting of a mother bear with two cubs. This region has also historically produced many Bigfoot reports.

The article provides a physical description of the average black bear (Ursus Americanus): about 6 feet from head to body, with a shoulder height of approximately 2-3 feet, and weighing 225-500 pounds. They are described as solitary, primarily vegetarian, and generally not aggressive unless provoked, with a warning to never attempt to feed or touch them.

Understanding Animal Tracks and Misidentification

The article delves into the similarities between bear and Bigfoot tracks, explaining that "Bigfooters" tracking in the brush should be familiar with bear habitats. Bear tracks can be mistaken for hominid tracks due to soil composition and weathering. The round heel pad of a front foot may not always leave a mark, the larger toe is typically the outer one, and females may place their hind foot directly in the front print. Bears also leave physical evidence such as rubbed trees, bite marks, and hair. The author cautions that witnesses might claim to have seen a "hairy monster" when it was actually a bear, influenced by poor perception, emotional descriptions, and fright.

A case from Lewiston, New York, in September 1978, is cited where hunters found the remains of a dead black bear. In 1980, the Weekly World News sensationalized this discovery, claiming the remains were those of a Sasquatch. A Seattle-based researcher declared the story authentic, but it was later debunked by Dr. Richard Thorington, curator of mammals at the Smithsonian Institute.

The editor advises caution in the field, emphasizing the importance of knowing what one is tracking and prioritizing safety. Readers are encouraged to report any bear sightings in Ohio and surrounding states to aid in cross-checking with alleged Bigfoot activity.

Boar Galore: Wild Hogs in the Buckeye State

This section reports on the growing problem of Russian and feral boars in Ohio, which are believed to be escapees from private preserves. While not inherently dangerous, they are becoming a problem due to habitat destruction. The article recounts an incident from December 2, 1989, where Jim Hoover and friends were confronted by four wild hogs weighing about 400 pounds with two-inch tusks near the Vinton-Hocking County line. Hoover fired five shots, killing two hogs, while Herb Pugh and Stormy Robson killed the other two. Hoover estimated seeing six or seven more. The Ohio DNR acknowledges the increasing number of these feral hogs and has allowed an open season. The author argues that tracking such events broadens our minds towards true cryptozoological studies.

Piranhas "up-North"

This segment notes an increase in piranha finds in various lakes, ponds, and rivers, suggesting a new fad of tropical fish owners releasing their pets. Examples include a fish resembling a bluegill but with teeth found in Harland County Lake, Nebraska (possibly a pacu-type), two pacu-type fish caught in the Roanoke River, a piranha found in a small lake near Virginia Beach, and a "foot-long beastie" terrorizing a pond in Santa Barbara, California, responsible for "three-legged" turtles and a damaged catfish.

More Bear Reports

This section details recent incidents involving black bears in Ohio. The ODNR is holding special training classes with the West Virginia DNR to avoid incidents like the shooting of a black bear on May 30th. An investigation in East Liverpool, Ohio, involved a black bear wandering into a residential area, which Capt. E.D. Dillon ordered shot, despite Wildlife Division's Vince LaConte's belief that the animal would leave on its own. A similar incident occurred in Hubbard, Ohio, with the death of a young bear. West Virginia DNR biologists are noted as being more experienced in handling bear problems.

Misplaced Bass

A true stripped bass weighing about 34 pounds was caught in an unnamed lake in the Hocking Hills area of southeastern Ohio, a mystery as this species is not stocked in local lakes. Scott Schnell, a wildlife biologist, speculates it was either caught in the Ohio River and transported or came from the Senecaville fish hatchery.

Panther; or Just a "Fat Cat"

This multi-part article investigates reports of a "wailing panther" in Ohio's Ottawa County, which attracted hunters. The episode began in autumn 1989 and continued into January 1990. Howard Appling of Carroll Township reported seeing a black animal that he later identified as a black panther. Pam Merkle and her daughter Valerie Spence also reported sightings of a similar animal. Paw prints were cast, but police chief Jack Cupp remained skeptical. Nearby Fulton County had numerous sightings of a large black cat. Ultimately, after the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department photographed a black feline and zoo officials examined the images, it was concluded to be an oversized house cat, compared to a 10-year-old black leopard named "Susie." Some witnesses agreed, though others maintained a panther could still be in the area. The article also touches on similar reports in Michigan, where a creature captured on video was identified by a Natural Resources Officer as a black panther, though the escaped pet theory is also considered, referencing a past case of someone keeping a black panther illegally.

In Retrospective: A Recap of the 1980 Bigfoot Flap in Eastern Kentucky

This section revisits a 1980 Bigfoot flap in Eastern Kentucky, drawing from the publication "The Ohio Valley Hominids." Charles Fulton reported seeing a large, white, hairy creature with pink eyes, about 7 feet tall, which attacked his rooster and was shot at twice. Fulton was certain it was not a bear. The investigation by Ron Schaffner and Earl Jones found no physical harm to the rooster and noted the presence of a raccoon on the roof that night. Despite extensive searching, no trace evidence like footprints or hair was found. The creature was last seen heading up a gravel road. Another witness, J.L. Tumey, reported seeing a large dark, man-like entity near his porch, fired shots at it, and found evidence of a broken freezer, scattered frozen chicken, white hair, and ground impressions. The Flemingsburg Times Democrat reported Tumey describing it as a "huge shadow" making a "thumping noise."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Creature Chronicles revolve around the ambiguity of unidentified animal sightings, particularly the potential for misidentification of common animals like black bears and domestic cats as more exotic or cryptid creatures. The editorial stance, as expressed by Ron Schaffner, emphasizes a critical and investigative approach, encouraging readers to report sightings for cross-checking and highlighting the importance of forensic techniques in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The magazine aims to explore the unexplained while maintaining a grounded perspective, often questioning sensationalized claims and seeking rational explanations where possible, but also leaving room for the truly mysterious.

Title: CREATURE CHRONICLES
Issue: #15
Publication Date: March, 1992

This issue of CREATURE CHRONICLES focuses on cryptozoological phenomena, particularly alleged sightings of Bigfoot-like creatures and lake monsters, alongside a report of a lion escape.

Bigfoot Sighting in Kentucky

The issue details an incident in Mason County, Kentucky, on November 5, 1980, involving a sighting by truck driver Noble Clay. Clay reported seeing a 6-7 foot tall, white-haired, ape-like creature on the side of U.S. 68. Police reports indicated that the creature had entered a porch and robbed a freezer of chicken, hotdogs, and bread. Tracks were found, described as 12-14 inches long and six inches wide. Long white hairs were also found on the freezer's doorknob. Analysis of the hair by the Kentucky State Police determined it to be of human origin, light brown, blonde, and white, from a Caucasian. Mr. McGill, an investigator, learned of a former mental patient with long blonde hair seen in the area, but this was considered circumstantial. Sheriff White noted that the remains of package meat and bread were found ripped open, but no blood was present, suggesting the meat had not thawed. While the evidence weighed towards a prowler theory, the unusual characteristics of the creature, such as eating frozen meat, left the case somewhat unexplained.

Doug McGill interviewed other people who claimed encounters with similar creatures. Some accounts were deemed less believable, while others described the creature as moving fast and appearing to try to talk. However, primary witnesses like Fulton and Tumey described the creature as moving slowly and silently, and one witness stated it paid no attention when he shot at it. All agreed on the height estimate. A discrepancy was noted regarding whether Fulton's porch light was on or off during his encounter.

'South Bay Bessie' - The Lake Erie Monster

The magazine then shifts focus to 'South Bay Bessie,' an aquatic serpent reported in Lake Erie's western basin. The article notes that many inland waterways have claims of such monsters. Explanations range from prehistoric sturgeon to the creature itself. 'South Bay Bessie' has been a subject of wonder in northern Ohio since the mid-1980s, dividing believers and skeptics.

The issue lists several sightings:

• 1960: Ken Golic reported a cigar-shaped creature emerging from the water near Sandusky.
• 1969: Jim Schindler saw a serpent-like creature about 2 feet wide near South Bass Island.
• September 1981: Theresa Kovach saw a large, snake-like reptile that appeared to be playing near Cedar Point.
• circa 1983: Mary M. Landoll described a greenish-brown, 40-50 foot long animal with a long neck and a visible eye near Rye Beach, Huron.
• Summer 1985: Tony Schill reported seeing five humps emerge from the water north of Vermilion, stating it was not a sturgeon.
• August 1985: Dale Munro encountered a creature with three humps, twice the size of his 16-foot boat, off the Lorain Coast Guard Station.
• May/June 1989: A fishfinder on a boat owned by Ken Smith showed a sonar reading of a cigar-shaped apparition about 35 feet long.
• July 8, 1990: Susan Beeson witnessed a creature matching previous descriptions near Cedar Point.
• September 3, 1990: Bob Soracco saw humps with grey spots while jet skiing off Port Clinton, describing it as very long.
• September 4, 1990: Harold Bricker and family reported a 35-foot long serpent-type creature with a snake-like head near Cedar Point Amusement Park.
• September 11, 1990: Fire inspectors Jim Johnson and Steve Dircks saw a dark blue or black creature about 30-45 feet long facing Lake Erie.
• September 16, 1991: Dennis Szececinski saw something long and black slither in front of his boat near Toledo's water intake structure.

John Schaffner, editor of the Ottawa County Beacon, has been collecting data on these sightings via a toll-free hotline, with reports dating back 30 years. The majority of reports describe a 30-50 foot long, round, snake-like creature that appears when the water is calm.

Lion Escape in Clermont County

In a separate incident, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported on July 30, 1990, the escape of a 300-pound, 23-month-old lion named 'Sam' from Baker's Junkyard in Wayne Township, Clermont County. The lion reportedly entered the yard of the Simpson family, chasing their dogs and horse. The owner, Lawrence Baker, believes vandals used bolt cutters to release the lion. The lion was eventually tranquilized by a veterinarian and returned home. Baker described Sam as a gentle pet who likes dogs, cats, and people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue suggests that cryptozoology is being used as a belief system within intelligence communities, citing an article about CIA covert activities related to searching for the abominable snowman. It implies that such operations may have been used for espionage. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting reported phenomena without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities of unexplained events and potential government involvement or deception in such cases. The magazine credits various publications for the clipped stories, indicating a compilation of UFO and creature reports from different sources.