ISC Newsletter - Vol 03 No 3 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 3
Date: Autumn 1984
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology

This issue of The ISC Newsletter features a prominent interview with Bernard Heuvelmans, widely regarded as the 'Father of Cryptozoology.' It also includes a report on Mark Keller's controversial Sasquatch hunt, an announcement regarding the 1985 Membership Meeting and the establishment of a European Secretariat, and the Society's official Policy Statement.

Interview with Bernard Heuvelmans

The interview with Bernard Heuvelmans, President of the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC), delves into his background and his pioneering work in the field. Born in Le Havre, France, in 1916, Heuvelmans earned a doctorate in zoology from the Free University of Brussels. His zoological career was interrupted by World War II, during which he gained recognition as a science writer. Post-war, he moved to Paris and became increasingly interested in the question of unknown animals, leading him to dedicate his life to this research.

Heuvelmans explains his definition of cryptozoology, initially 'the science of hidden animals,' but later broadened to 'unexpected' animals to encompass those that are well-known but not currently living or are reported in unexpected locations. He emphasizes that cryptozoology aims to accelerate the discovery of new species and often involves investigating reports from local peoples or eyewitnesses.

Heuvelmans stresses the importance of a strong zoological background for cryptozoologists, requiring knowledge of anatomy, physiology, ecology, and zoogeography to analyze evidence effectively. He also advocates for the protection and conservation of supposed unknown animals, citing historical examples of species that vanished due to a lack of timely conservation efforts.

He discusses his extensive body of work, including his seminal book 'On the Track of Unknown Animals' (1955), and his plans to publish an encyclopedic series of approximately 20 volumes covering unknown animals worldwide. He also mentions his recent French publications on unknown reptiles, apes, and humans in Africa.

Regarding the 'Iceman' specimen, Heuvelmans firmly defends its authenticity, challenging critics who have not read his book or are unaware of the evidence. He criticizes the term 'Iceman' as a deliberate invention to discredit the case.

Controversial Sasquatch Hunt Unsuccessful

The newsletter reports on Mark Keller's expedition to track and shoot a Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest. Despite extensive efforts, including the use of advanced equipment like a night vision scope and seismic sensors, Keller and his associate James Wyatt encountered only animal tracks and bears. The expedition was hampered by harsh weather conditions and a lack of food.

Keller's plan to kill a Sasquatch for proof drew public outcry, leading to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Game emphasizing their disbelief in Bigfoot's existence but commitment to monitoring the situation. The report also touches upon the debate surrounding the necessity of killing a specimen to prove its existence, with some, like Grover S. Krantz, arguing it's necessary for protection, while others, including the ISC's policy, remain neutral.

Keller was briefly arrested in Eureka, California, for possession of an alleged infrared scope, which he claimed was a legal light intensifier. The charges were later dismissed, but Keller believes it was deliberate harassment.

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, Keller remains optimistic about future expeditions, planning new forays in 1985. The location of his target area is kept confidential at his request to prevent disruption and potential damage to the environment.

1985 Membership Meeting Scheduled

The ISC announced that its 1985 Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 25, at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in San Diego, California. The meeting is intended to foster information exchange and idea sharing among members, with several illustrated talks planned. Members are urged to preregister due to the security measures at the institute.

Important Membership Information

Details are provided regarding the 1985 membership period, which begins March 1 or upon receipt of the 1984 issue of the journal Cryptozoology. Membership fees remain at US$25 for individuals and $30 for joint or family members. The newsletter also mentions the upcoming Winter Newsletter and the journal's increased page count. Members are encouraged to renew promptly to assist with administrative tasks and cash flow. A discount program for generating new members is also outlined.

ISC Secretariat for Europe to be Established

Due to increasing membership in Europe, the ISC is establishing a Secretariat for Europe in Switzerland, near Geneva, to commence operations on January 1, 1985. This new office will serve European members and aim to stimulate membership growth through promotional activities. An experiment with a pound sterling bank account in London is also mentioned to facilitate payments for UK residents.

ISC Policy Statement

The Society's Policy Statement, developed over 1.5 years and approved by the Board of Directors, clarifies the ISC's stance on cryptozoology. The Society's main purpose is to promote scientific inquiry, education, and communication regarding unknown or unexpected animals. It explicitly states that the ISC takes no position on the existence or authenticity of any supposed animals or evidence. Opinions expressed by individual members, including Board members, are personal and do not represent official ISC policy. The Society limits itself to publishing information and providing a forum for evaluating evidence. While acknowledging the debate around killing specimens for scientific examination, the Society holds no position on this matter, absolving itself of responsibility for actions taken by individual members. The only policy limitation is that cryptozoology, as a sub-discipline of zoology, must be pursued following established scientific procedures.

Cryptozoology Symposium to be Held in Brighton

Details are provided for the 'Cryptozoology: The Search for Unknown or Supposedly Extinct Animals' symposium, to be held on Sunday, July 7, 1985, as part of the Third International Congress of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology (ICSEB III) at the University of Sussex. The symposium aims to expose cryptozoology to a wider biological audience and attract new European members. Several prominent figures, including Bernard Heuvelmans, are expected to present papers. Information on registration, day tickets, and accommodations is included, with payments to be made in pounds sterling.

Cryptoletters

This section includes a letter from the Editor welcoming reader contributions and reserving the right to edit them for clarity and brevity. It also mentions that specific commentaries or critiques related to items published in Cryptozoology should be sent double-spaced for publication in that journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the definition and practice of cryptozoology, the ethical considerations of specimen collection versus conservation, and the organizational development of the ISC. The editorial stance, as articulated in the Policy Statement and the Editor's message, is one of neutrality regarding the existence of unknown animals and the methods used to study them, while strongly advocating for scientific inquiry and the provision of a platform for discussion and information sharing.

The ISC Newsletter, Autumn 1984, Vol. 3, No. 3, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, features several letters to the editor and factual articles related to cryptozoological subjects.

Letters to the Editor

Loch Ness Monster Classification Dr. Roy P. Mackal, from the Department of Biology at The University of Chicago, responds to a previous letter suggesting an invertebrate theory for the Loch Ness animal. Mackal argues that this theory is not viable, especially considering land sightings of the creature. He posits that the Loch Ness animals are likely mammals, with a cetacean identification being his second choice, favoring it over a pinniped. He dismisses the idea of a "hairy mane," stating that ridges are sometimes reported but not hair. Mackal suggests that external tube-like nares, rather than ears, might explain projections on the head. He also addresses land sightings, proposing that a primitive archaeocete could reasonably move over land, drawing parallels to the terrestrial origins of whales. He references his book, "Searching for Hidden Animals," for further arguments.

Thomas Wilkinson of Cincinnati, Ohio, also comments on the invertebrate theory for the Loch Ness animal, deeming it not viable due to the size of the creature and the lack of an internal skeleton in invertebrates, which would hinder land movement. He cites Arthur Grant's 1934 sighting as evidence of an agile animal at home on land.

Bigfoot Expedition Concerns Robert Takaroff of Jackson Heights, New York, expresses concern about ISC Director Grover Krantz's independent support for a Bigfoot expedition. Takaroff questions the rationale, suggesting that if Bigfoot sightings are merely hoaxes involving people in costumes (as concluded by some experts examining the Patterson file), then the expedition could lead to a human being being killed. He argues that shooting a Bigfoot could result in charges of involuntary manslaughter or homicide, stating that "Hoaxing is not and should not be a capital offense. What price knowledge?"

Jim Hewkin of St. Helen's, Oregon, offers a different perspective on the new Sasquatch hunt. He believes that acknowledging Sasquatch as an existing species on the continent would enhance its chances for survival. Hewkin argues that delaying recognition due to arguments only pushes the creatures further into restrictive, remote wilderness, and that much is unknown about their habitat requirements and natural history.

Cryptoquote This section features a quote from "October 3rd, 1857," by Lord Malmesbury (from "Memoirs of an Ex-Minister"). The quote describes a "mysterious creature" called the "Lake-horse" observed in Loch Arkaig, Scotland. The observer, John Stuart, saw the creature basking on the surface, noting its hollow back and a horse-like head. The Highlanders believed there was only one such creature at a time and that it possessed a "diabolical nature."

Wood's Animal Facts This section, sourced from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood, provides information on estuarine or salt-water crocodiles (*Crocodylus porosus*). It details their range from India to Australia and their average size. The text highlights two significant measurements: a 28-foot, 4-inch crocodile shot by Mrs. Kris Pawlowski on MacArthur Bank in Australia in July 1957, and a 20 ft. 2 inch crocodile harpooned by Keith Adams in the MacArthur near Barroloola, Northern Territory, Australia, on June 26, 1960. The text notes that the latter is considered the 'official' length record for *C. porosus* taken in Australia, and that Papua New Guinea remains a stronghold for these large reptiles.

Editorial Information The newsletter includes lists of Honorary Members, Benefactors, and Corporate Sponsors of the International Society of Cryptozoology. The ISC Newsletter's address is P.O. Box 43070, Tucson, Arizona 85733, U.S.A.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate and investigation into the nature of cryptids, particularly the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot. The editorial stance appears to encourage rigorous scientific inquiry while also acknowledging the potential dangers and ethical considerations involved in cryptozoological research, as evidenced by the letters concerning Bigfoot expeditions. The inclusion of factual animal data, like that on crocodiles, suggests a broader interest in the natural world and the potential for undiscovered species.