ISC Newsletter - Vol 08 No 2 - 1989

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Volume 8, Number 2, published in Summer 1989, is the official publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue features a wide-ranging interview with John Green, a leading authority on the Sasquatch (Bigfoot) problem, and includes a "Message from the Editor" and "Cryptoletters" section.

Interview with John Green

In an extensive interview conducted by J. Richard Greenwell, John Green, author of "Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us," discusses the Sasquatch phenomenon. He asserts his conviction that a large, unknown, bipedal primate exists in North America, stating that Occam's Razor favors this explanation over widespread hoaxes. Green recounts his personal journey from skepticism to belief, beginning in 1957 after realizing the reliability of eyewitness reports and becoming involved in investigations in the early 1960s.

Green identifies the primary impediment to Sasquatch research as a severe lack of resources, suggesting that major agencies or institutions need to invest significantly, similar to Chinese efforts in the 1970s. He acknowledges the circular problem of needing evidence to secure resources, but also needing resources to gather evidence. He believes the discovery and study of the Sasquatch would be the most important event in zoology and paleoanthropology.

He criticizes the scientific community's dismissal of Sasquatch reports, attributing it to a mindset that requires reversal. Green explains that scientists often dismiss evidence, demanding more proof, a cycle that can be difficult to break. He notes that primatologists typically work in South America, Africa, and Asia, lacking fieldwork experience in North America where Sasquatch evidence is found.

Green suggests that convincing politicians, rather than scientists, might be a more effective approach, as they are accustomed to evaluating evidence and can allocate funding. He believes the case for Sasquatch's importance is twofold: either it's a real animal, or it represents a significant form of human behavior worthy of study.

Regarding evidence, Green highlights the Patterson movie and associated analyses, along with footprint casts, as the strongest photographic and physical evidence. He notes that hairs and other biological samples are difficult to analyze definitively without a comparative collection.

On the question of killing a Sasquatch for specimen collection, Green initially agrees that it might be necessary if it's a biological animal, arguing that mankind kills millions of animals. However, he later expresses reservations, suggesting that proving its existence might lead to protection, and that habitat destruction is a greater threat than hunting. He believes that if the species exists, it is not endangered and is not human, making it a valid target for specimen collection to satisfy scientific rigor. He recounts his past efforts to inform hunters about the importance of bringing in physical evidence, but feels his message was overshadowed by the environmentalist movement.

Green expresses a lack of optimism about seeing the Sasquatch problem resolved within his lifetime, having spent over 30 years on research. He continues to compile information, but finds that the growing volume of data makes it more intimidating and less likely to be taken seriously by scientists.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell reflects on the nature of society and the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC). He notes that the ISC has about 850 members from diverse backgrounds and countries, united by an interest in cryptozoology. Greenwell acknowledges the variety of perspectives within the membership regarding the Society's direction, ranging from advocacy to a neutral forum, and differing views on which cryptids to focus on. He also touches upon preferences for journal versus newsletter frequency and the importance of publication quality over timeliness.

He emphasizes that members are bound by a common interest and that the Board attempts to balance diverse priorities. Greenwell concludes by stating that members become part of something larger than just receiving publications, contributing to the collective enrichment of the Society.

Cryptoletters

This section features letters from readers. One letter, from Martien 't Mannetje, argues against the hunting and killing of cryptids, including Sasquatch, citing three factors that encourage it: the scientific demand for specimens, the fear of the unknown, and the desire for sport. The author advocates for conservation and prefers methods like photography over hunting, criticizing the portrayal of a hunter as a hero in a previous newsletter. The editor responds, clarifying that the Society does not glorify killing and that its policy statement removes it from taking a stance on methods of proving existence, leaving conservation to other organizations. The editor defends the article about Dale Lee as an objective presentation of facts relevant to his reliability as a witness.

Another letter, from the editor in response to Dmitri Bayanov, explains why Sasquatch is a more pertinent target for hunting and shooting than other cryptids. The reasons given are that a dead Sasquatch can be retrieved for scientific examination, the prevalence of faked evidence necessitates irrefutable proof like a body or skeleton, and its potential closer relation to humans makes it a unique subject.

Note to Historians

This section details the founding and early history of the International Society of Cryptozoology. The founding meeting occurred in January 1982 at the U.S. National Museum of Natural History. Subsequent board and membership meetings are listed chronologically, with their locations and hosts, from 1982 to 1989. The Ninth Annual Membership Meeting is announced for July 19-22, 1990, at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England, co-sponsored with The Folklore Society, under the theme "Fabulous Beasts: Fact and Folklore."

1990 Meeting Planned for England

This article provides details about the upcoming Ninth Annual Membership Meeting of the ISC, scheduled for July 19-22, 1990, at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England. The meeting is a joint effort with The Folklore Society, focusing on "Fabulous Beasts: Fact and Folklore." Approximately 15 papers have been proposed, with an anticipated two dozen presentations over the three days. A registration fee of £95 is required, covering accommodation and meals. The article provides payment instructions and contact information for Roy Vickery of The Folklore Society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and evidence related to Sasquatch research, the role of scientific skepticism, and the ethical considerations of cryptozoological investigation. The ISC Newsletter positions itself as a neutral forum for discussion, aiming to balance diverse member perspectives while adhering to its scientific aims. The editor's responses in the "Cryptoletters" section indicate a stance that prioritizes objective reporting and scientific rigor, while acknowledging the complexity and controversy surrounding the field.

The ISC Newsletter, Summer 1989, Vol. 8, No. 2, is a publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue features discussions on cryptozoological subjects, including the potential for scientific acceptance of cryptids, the plausibility of legendary creatures like the Thunderbird, and factual data on animal species.

Articles and Contributions

Sasquatch and Scientific Recognition Grover S. Krantz emphasizes the urgent need for established primatologists to study the ecological needs of cryptids like Sasquatch. He argues that until its existence is conclusively demonstrated, governments cannot propose protection, and the species may become extinct before it is scientifically accepted. Krantz, while having tried to find acceptable proof without resorting to lethal methods, realistically anticipates that a dead specimen is the most likely way for such a creature to be proven.

The Thunderbird Legend Albert S. Zeller contributes a letter exploring the legend of the Thunderbird, a divine being associated with lightning and thunder in American Indian lore. He notes that some legends describe it as a real, awesome animal, with Pueblo Indian stories telling of large, eagle-like birds capable of carrying off children. Zeller points out that aerodynamic theories once deemed a 25ft wingspan impossible, but recent studies and the discovery of a fossil condor with a 24ft wingspan in Argentina suggest biological possibility. He also mentions present-day sightings reported in Pennsylvania and by inhabitants of southern Illinois and Indiana, questioning if these could be explained by known birds of prey.

In response, the editor notes that Thunderbirds have not been directly addressed in ISC publications but announces a new book, "Thunderbirds! The Living Legend of Giant Birds," by Mark A. Hall, available for order and slated for review in the newsletter.

Byzantine Dragon Ships and Western Legends Hugh H. Trotti, Jr. proposes a novel theory regarding the origin of the Western 'dragon' legend, suggesting it might be based on Byzantine fire-carrying warships. He posits that these ships, potentially encountered by Germanic and Scandinavian mercenaries in Byzantium/Constantinople, were 'poisonous' due to smoke inhalation and that their sails could be compared to bird wings. Trotti acknowledges that this theory is difficult to 'prove' but worth considering as a possible factual core for animal legends, aligning with Bernard Heuvelmans's views on the factual basis of myths.

Member Appreciation David J. DeLucca expresses his enjoyment of being an ISC member, despite his university studies occupying most of his time. He praises the professional caliber and value of the Society's publications and the integrity of the organization, extending best wishes for the future.

A quote attributed to Leonardo da Vinci is included: "Oh investigator, do not flatter yourself that you know the things nature performs for herself, but rejoice in knowing the purpose of those things designed by your own mind."

Wood's Animal Facts This section provides detailed factual information about gorillas, primarily focusing on the mountain gorilla (*Gorilla gorilla beringei*). It covers:

• Height: The average adult male mountain gorilla stands 5ft, 6in (1.68m) tall, measured between crown and heel in a supine position. The tallest gorilla ever shot in the field was a male from N. Kivu, measuring 6ft, 4.75in (1.95m). Other tall specimens include one from N. Cameroons (approx. 6ft, 3in or 1.9m) and a western lowland race gorilla measuring exactly 6ft (1.8m) in 1934.
• Captivity Records: Baltimore Jack, a mountain gorilla, measured a remarkable 6ft, 3in (1.91m) in standing height. He was known for his long legs and was housed at the Baltimore Zoo before being sold to the Phoenix Zoo.
• Weight: The greatest reliable weight recorded for a gorilla in the field was 482lb (219kg) for a large male shot in the Tchibinda Forest. The heaviest gorilla ever held in captivity was likely N'gagi, a mountain gorilla who died in the San Diego Zoo in 1944, weighing 683lb (310kg) at his heaviest. N'gagi was 5ft, 7.75in (1.72m) tall with a chest measurement of 78in (198cm).

This information is abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the rigorous scientific investigation of cryptozoological subjects. It emphasizes the need for empirical evidence and the potential for legendary creatures to have a basis in reality, provided they can be studied objectively. The publication also highlights the importance of cryptozoology as a discipline and expresses pride in the Society's contributions and integrity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging members to share theories and findings while maintaining a commitment to factual accuracy and scientific methodology.