ISC Newsletter - Vol 03 No 1 - 1984

Magazine Overview

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, Volume 3, Number 1, dated Spring 1984, is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology. It features a prominent cover story on the evidence for a new bear species in Nepal.

Evidence for New Bear Species in Nepal

The lead article details the discovery of a potential new bear species in the Himalayas, tentatively named *Ursus nepalensis* by Dr. Daniel Taylor-Ide, director of the Woodlands Institute. Fieldwork conducted in December 1983, following native leads, uncovered "substantial" evidence including tracks, nests, and what is believed to be a live specimen. Taylor-Ide, who has extensive experience in Nepal, collaborated with ornithologist Robert L. Fleming. Preliminary analysis of three skulls (juvenile male, adult male, and a female from a previous expedition) indicates that their dentition, particularly the premolars and molars, are consistently smaller than those of the known Himalayan black bear, *Ursus thibetanus*. The unknown bear is described as primarily arboreal, more agile, and weighing approximately 70 kilograms (154 pounds). The article notes that *Ursus thibetanus* has a very wide range, but its behavior and ecology are poorly documented. The classification of the black bear genus has recently been updated, with *Selenarctus* now considered a subgenus within *Ursus*. Behavioral differences cited include the construction of more elaborate tree nests by the new species. The Woodlands Institute plans further fieldwork, including capturing live specimens, radio-collaring them, and releasing them to study their behavior and habitat. The government of Nepal is expected to initiate conservation measures in cooperation with local villagers. The article also mentions other wildlife in the region, such as leopards, red pandas, and blue sheep.

Field research in the area is challenging due to its remote location near Mount Everest, dense cloud forest, steep slopes, and lack of trails, with ground conditions infested with ticks and leeches. The case of *Ursus nepalensis* is presented as a significant breakthrough for cryptozoology, vindicating the methodology used in discovering other animals like the coelacanth and okapi.

Lloyds of London to Insure Ogopogo

This section reports on a publicity initiative by David Hodge of the Okanagan-Similkameen Tourism Association in Vernon, Canada. Hodge announced a $1 million Canadian reward for proof of the existence of Ogopogo, the supposed lake monster of Lake Okanagan, British Columbia. Ogopogo, known locally by Indigenous peoples as N'ha-a-itk or Naitaka, has been reported by settlers for over 100 years and is described as longer and more serpentine than Nessie. The Association will be covered by an insurance policy with Lloyds of London for the prize. The article notes that Paul LeBlond, a specialist in waves, examined a videotape of Ogopogo and concluded it looked like a wave. The Association is awaiting a draft contract from Lloyds to finalize the terms and conditions for the prize.

Lake Champlain Update: 1983

Joseph Zarzynski, Director of the Lake Champlain Phenomena Investigation (LCPI), reports a record number of sightings of Champ, the lake monster of Lake Champlain, in 1983. A total of 24 sightings were recorded, bringing the documented total to 200. The most media-interested sighting occurred on July 7, 1983, involving 35 witnesses who observed two brown humps rising from the water near Camp Grey lock. The animal was estimated to be about 35 feet long and 50 feet away. Zarzynski and LCPI associates conducted 29 days of fieldwork in 1983 using binoculars, cameras, sonar, and scuba gear. The year also saw the passage of the "Champ resolution" by the New York State Assembly, making New York the only U.S. legislative body in the lake's environs to have done so. The article also references the analysis of the Sandra Mansi photo from 1977, which computer enhancements found no evidence of hoaxing, and Paul LeBlond's determination of the animal's size based on wave analysis.

Cryptozoology in Nature

This section reviews the publication *Cryptozoology*, the Society's annual journal. A nearly full-page review by Robert M. May in *Nature*, a British science journal, is discussed. May's review covers Volume 1 (1982) and is generally critical, stating that the evidence for Sasquatch (photographs, tapes, casts) is "fraudulent." He expresses regret over the money libraries might spend on the journal and suggests more productive study of endangered species. However, the review favorably mentions the LeBlond Research Report on Champ and the Field Report by Mackal, Greenwell, and Wilkinson on Mokele-Mbembe.

Laboratory Analysis

The ISC offers laboratory analysis services for cryptozoological evidence, including footprint cast analysis, hair analysis, osteological analysis, and photo analysis. Members are encouraged to submit evidence with detailed reports and to communicate with the Secretary if they can provide additional analytical services.

Second Volume of Cryptozoology Published

Volume 2 of *Cryptozoology* has been published and mailed to members. It contains 172 pages, with seven articles, including a review by ISC President Bernard Heuvelmans, skeptical articles on the Chinese Wildman and Mongolian Almas, and evaluations of the Walla Walla Sasquatch evidence. Research reports on Nessie surveys and field reports from expeditions in New Guinea and Lake Champlain are also included. Six books are reviewed, and a new section for "Comments and Responses" features critiques of Volume 1. The journal reflects the international scope of the Society, with many authors from outside the U.S.A.

ISC Membership Meeting

The 1984 Membership Meeting of the Society will be held on June 9, 1984, at the University of Paris VI, France. Organizer Eric Buffetaut has planned talks and slide shows. Members outside of Europe who cannot attend are encouraged to contact Dr. Buffetaut for details.

Cryptoletters

This section features letters from readers. Dmitri Bayanov proposes the term "cryptid" for unknown animals and "chorocryptid" for known species found outside their normal range, and "chronocryptid" for extinct animals found alive. He suggests "monster" be reserved for teratological cases. Michel Breuil questions whether animals thought extinct, like the moa, would also be "chronocryptids." John R. Hendrickson writes about a near-miss in finding the Fernandina tortoise on the Galapagos Islands. Billy M. Morrison suggests the Beast of Exmoor might be a case of mass hysteria influenced by Black Dog folklore. Ennio Scannapieco questions Roy Mackal's theory of Nessie being a primitive whale, citing characteristics like a hairy mane and ears. John E. Wall also comments on Mackal's theories and suggests looking into Inuit traditions for crypto-animal information. A letter from an unnamed author discusses the challenges of scientific acceptance in cryptozoology and the potential conflict between lay investigators and established scientists.

Message from the Editor

The editor thanks members for their generous donations, which have helped reduce the Society's debt. Sustaining Members are recognized, and U.S. members are reminded that donations are tax-deductible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the scientific investigation of unknown animals, emphasizing the importance of rigorous fieldwork, evidence collection, and objective analysis. It highlights the Society's role in documenting and researching cryptozoological phenomena, encouraging member participation through letters and submissions. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking to legitimize cryptozoology as a field of study by applying scientific methodologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientifically plausible investigations and sensationalism or hoaxes, while also acknowledging the value of folklore and native accounts as starting points for research.

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1984, Vol. 3, No. 1, is a publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. It features letters to the editor, articles on cryptozoological subjects, and information about ISC publications.

Letters to the Editor

William Bird Mounsey's Perspective on Research William Bird Mounsey of Evergreen, Colorado, U.S.A., offers a strategy for those with open minds interested in cryptozoology and other unconventional possibilities. He suggests continuing research, documenting discoveries, bringing findings to public attention, ignoring defensive or vitriolic attacks, and publishing logical, well-documented responses to unfounded criticism. He emphasizes the importance of empirical support for any explanation.

Robert W. Morgan's Field Research and Frustrations Robert W. Morgan of Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A., writes in response to previous letters and the editor's responses. He criticizes the vehemence of some individuals, like Danny Perez, for alienating laymen and hindering serious research into Sasquatch. Morgan shares his personal experience directing the American Yeti Expeditions for several years, during which he collected significant circumstantial and anecdotal evidence, including a string of 161 tracks in 1974 that showed individual toe movement and response to stimuli. He recounts difficulties in getting the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to review this evidence, despite their agency status for his grant, while Dr. Krantz drove a considerable distance to see it. Morgan later discovered that the NWF's lack of cooperation was due to spiteful individuals inciting their withdrawal. He expresses disgust and withdrew from public view, continuing research on a smaller scale. Morgan states his interest in Bigfoot research remains high, but his approach will differ, acknowledging past field research errors. He believes the 'believers' will eventually be vindicated and would not have spent 11 years and his own money if he were chasing a dream. He urges serious individuals to utilize the ISC, which he believes to be serious and fair. Morgan also states he will not participate in or aid in the collection of specimens for scientific study, believing Bigfoot to be 'people' and collection to be akin to murder.

Articles and Features

'Cryptoquote' on Merman Theories This section discusses the prevalent theory that merman sightings refer to the dugong or manatee. This explanation, suggested in the seventeenth century and widely accepted by the end of the nineteenth, is critiqued for its obvious shortcomings. It is difficult to reconcile the appearance of these animals with traditional descriptions, and they are tropical animals. The advantage of this explanation is that it replaces a folk creature with a known animal, but it does so at the cost of implying extreme and unsupported implications about the observational and reasoning abilities of sailors. The text suggests that such explanations should presuppose phenomena that are themselves subjects of empirical investigation and are scientifically well-authenticated. Explanations that rely on phenomena whose existence is controversial or poorly understood are considered speculative. The article concludes that sometimes a change in language merely trades one unknown for another, and that folk belief has been explained away rather than explained. This piece is attributed to David J. Hufford from his book, "The Terror That Comes in the Night."

Wood's Animal Facts: The Ostrich This section features facts about the ostrich (Struthio camelus). It notes that there are five geographical races, with the northern subspecies being the largest. Ostriches are found south of the Atlas mountains and across to the Sudan and central Ethiopia. Adult male ostriches can stand about 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and weigh 265-280 pounds (120-127 kilograms), with some recorded heights up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) and weights up to 345 pounds (156 kilograms). A particularly large cock bird, possibly a hybrid, sold to a commercial animal dealer in 1979, stood 8 feet, 6 inches (2.59 meters) tall and was extremely fat. The whereabouts of this 'giant among giants' are currently unknown. This information is abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood.

ISC Publications Available

The newsletter provides information on purchasing past issues of The ISC Newsletter and the journal Cryptozoology. Prices are listed for individuals and institutions, including postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous pursuit of evidence in cryptozoology, the challenges posed by skepticism and hoaxes, and the importance of scientific methodology. The editorial stance, as implied by the publication of these letters and articles, supports open-minded investigation into unexplained phenomena while advocating for careful documentation and logical presentation of findings. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between speculation and empirically supported explanations. The ISC appears to position itself as a platform for serious researchers to be taken in earnest, contrasting with what they perceive as dismissive or overly critical academic attitudes.