ISC Newsletter - Vol 08 No 3 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Autumn 1989, Vol. 8, No. 3
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
Editor: J. Richard Greenwell

This issue of The ISC Newsletter focuses on the persistent evidence and ongoing debate surrounding the survival of the Eastern Puma (Felis concolor couguar), a subspecies thought to have been extinct for a century. The publication highlights recent sightings, historical research, and the challenges faced by cryptozoologists and wildlife officials in confirming the existence of these elusive animals.

The Eastern Puma: Evidence Continues to Build

The lead article, "The Eastern Puma: Evidence Continues to Build," presents compelling eyewitness accounts of puma-like felids sighted in the Eastern U.S.A. and Canada, regions where the subspecies is believed to have been extinct for a hundred years. A particularly noteworthy report comes from Fire Warden Hubert Graham of Maine, who described multiple clear sightings of a live puma, including a juvenile and a larger cat, over several days in April 1989. Graham, a lifelong hunter, provided detailed descriptions of the animals' appearance and behavior, emphasizing the excellent viewing conditions and his own competence as an observer. Despite his efforts, Graham was unable to capture photographic evidence, a common frustration in cryptozoological investigations.

Wildlife officials often attribute such sightings to mistaken identity, but the article suggests this explanation is difficult to apply to Graham's case. George Matula, director of wildlife research at Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, acknowledged the strong circumstantial evidence from numerous people with wildlife knowledge but stressed the need for proof positive, such as a photograph, before he would believe mountain lions exist.

The article delves into the history of human-puma relations, detailing how early settlers' persecution and habitat destruction led to the dramatic decline of puma populations. It explains that the Eastern puma subspecies (Felis concolor couguar) once ranged from New Brunswick to South Carolina and west to Illinois, but is now considered extinct. Similarly, the Southern subspecies (Felis concolor coryi), found from Georgia and Florida west to Arkansas and Louisiana, is also thought extinct, except for a small population in Florida.

Research and Investigations

The work of Bruce S. Wright, a Canadian wildlife biologist, is highlighted. Wright dedicated 30 years to investigating Eastern puma reports, resulting in two books: "The Ghost of North America" (1959) and "The Eastern Panther: A Question of Survival" (1972). His research indicated that the animal was still present in almost every state from the Canadian border to Florida, having adapted to a more cryptic and withdrawn behavior due to human encroachment and superior weaponry.

More recent investigations include those by Helen J. McGinnis, who documented 292 reports from Pennsylvania over 100 years, concluding that a small population likely survived. Curt Sutherly also reviewed current Pennsylvania reports, finding some to be legitimate and accurate.

In 1973, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service added the Eastern subspecies to the Endangered Species List. However, due to its presumed extinct status, no conservation measures have been implemented. This policy has led to potential conflicts, such as conservation groups threatening litigation over timber harvesting in areas with reported puma sightings.

Robert L. Downing, a wildlife biologist, conducted a study sponsored by the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if the Eastern puma survives. His 1984 article in "Cryptozoology" cited 89 reported puma kills east of the Rocky Mountains in this century, with at least 20 cases considered authentic. Despite extensive efforts, Downing concluded that while the animal might exist in small numbers, he was unable to positively confirm self-sustaining populations north of Florida.

Challenges and Hypotheses

Proving the survival of the Eastern puma is complicated by the difficulty in distinguishing between subspecies and the possibility of escaped pets or animals from Western subspecies extending their range. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in early 1989 that it was considering listing all free-living pumas in the East as protected, under the Similarity of Appearance provisions of the Endangered Species Act, to address the issue of deliberate killings.

The phenomenon of "black panther" sightings is also discussed. While a melanistic phase of the puma is known in Central and South America, there are no museum skins of melanistic pumas. Wright collected 20 reliable reports of black pumas in the East between 1951 and 1970, observed by credible witnesses.

Data and Statistics

The article presents data compiled by the Eastern Puma Research Network, founded by John and Linda Lutz. Between 1983 and 1989, they received 615 reports from 23 Eastern and Southern states. Of these, 37 percent involved black specimens. The data also indicates an increase in reports of cubs observed with adults since 1986.

Canadian organizations are also tracking puma reports, with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia alone having over 200 reports filed with the Canadian Wildlife Service since 1977.

Other Articles

Message from the Editor: J. Richard Greenwell recounts his visit to ISC Board member Phillip V. Tobias in Johannesburg, South Africa. He describes Tobias's distinguished career as a human anatomist and paleoanthropologist, his role in the discovery of Homo habilis, and his support for cryptozoology despite its controversial nature. The visit included a memorable experience holding the original Taung baby skull.

Nessie Symposium Proceedings Published: This section announces the publication of the proceedings from the 1987 ISC meeting dedicated to the Loch Ness Monster. The three-part, 214-page issue of "The Scottish Naturalist" includes papers on the monster's biology, public perception, sonar observations, and historical context.

Guildford Meeting: Plans for the Ninth Annual Membership Meeting in Guildford, England, are detailed. The conference, titled "Fabulous Beasts: Fact and Folklore," will feature presentations on various cryptozoological and folkloric topics, including case histories from different cultures, linguistics, and mythical creatures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent, yet often unacknowledged, evidence for the existence of the Eastern Puma. The ISC Newsletter adopts a stance that champions the rigorous investigation of eyewitness testimony and anecdotal evidence, even in the face of official skepticism and the lack of conventional scientific proof. The publication advocates for the cryptozoological method as a valid means of gathering zoological information, emphasizing the importance of exploring phenomena that fall outside mainstream scientific acceptance. The editorial also touches upon the broader implications of understanding how animals, even those presumed extinct, manage to survive in challenging environments, and the lessons that can be learned from such resilience.

The ISC Newsletter, Autumn 1989, Vol. 8, No. 3, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, features a cover story on "WOOD'S ANIMAL FACTS" and includes obituaries for three Society members. The newsletter also contains information on an upcoming conference, a "Cryptoletter" section, and lists of honorary members and benefactors.

Conference and Membership Meeting

The newsletter announces an upcoming conference with several speakers, including J.B. Smith on "Swallows, Amazons, and Basilisks," Isao Uemichi on "The Dragon and the Serpent in Japan," and Phil Underwood on "The Morris Beast." The final program details will be in the next newsletter, and interested members are urged to preregister. Registration, including university accommodation and meals from Thursday, October 19th to Sunday, October 22nd, is £116 (approximately $195). A deduction of £9.25 (about $15.50) per lunch is available if not required. All payments and arrangements should be directed to Roy Vickery at The Folklore Society in London. This will be the Society's first Membership Meeting in England, offering European members an opportunity to meet and connect with each other and the Folklore Society members. American members are also welcome.

Obituaries

The Secretariat regrets the passing of three Society members:

• James Clark (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada): Died of a heart attack on September 3, 1989, at age 30. He was actively compiling bibliographic information on the cryptozoology of British Columbia, particularly concerning "monster" lakes. He was the husband of Barbara Clark, who reported an "Ogopogo" encounter in 1970's. With ISC Board member Paul LeBlond, he founded the British Columbia Cryptozoology Club three months prior to his death.
• F.P. Gaekwad (Bombay, India): Died in early 1989. He was a specialist in big cats and headed the Indian branch of the World Wildlife Fund. He had a strong interest in cryptozoology and had expressed a desire to become an ISC Benefactor. His full title was His Highness Lt. Col. Fatesinghrao Pratapsinghrao Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Baroda.
• Warren L. Cook (Castleton State College, Vermont): Suffered a fatal heart attack on December 6, 1989. He was an anthropologist and historian, specializing in Colonial Spanish history and supposed pre-Columbian European contacts with America. He believed archaeological artifacts in Vermont demonstrated pre-Columbian Celtic influence. Within cryptozoology, he accepted the existence of Sasquatch (Bigfoot) in both the Pacific Northwest and New England. He was criticized for his liberal view of evidence. Dr. Cook was 64 at the time of his death.

Wood's Animal Facts

This section, abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood, presents interesting facts about large marine animals:

• Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola): Found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. Adults average 6ft in length and 8ft vertically, weighing up to 1 tonne. The largest recorded was accidentally struck by the S.S. Fiona on September 18, 1908, off Bird Island, Australia. It measured 10ft in length and 14ft vertically, weighing 4,927lb (2,235kg).
• Oarfish (Regalecus glesne): Also known as the King of the Herrings, it has a worldwide distribution. In c1885, a 25ft (7.6m) example weighing 600lb (272kg) was caught off Pemaquid Point, Maine, U.S.A. Another specimen measuring 21ft (6.4m) washed ashore in Santa Ana, California, in June 1901. In December 1947, the steamship Santa Clara decapitated an oarfish estimated to measure 45ft (13.7m) off the North Carolina coast. On July 18, 1963, a 50ft (15.2m) oarfish was observed by scientists off Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Cryptoletter

In response to a letter by Michael Playfair regarding the 1934 film "The Secret of the Loch," Mark Chorvinsky, Editor of Strange Magazine, informs readers that the film is now available on videotape for $31.95 postpaid from the Strange Bookshop in Rockville, Maryland.

Honorary Members and Benefactors

The newsletter lists its Honorary Members, including Andre Capart, Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, John Green, The Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine, Marie-Jeanne Koffmann, Ingo Krumbiegel, Theodore Monod, Sir Peter Scott, and Robert Titmus. It also lists its Benefactors, such as G. A. Buder, III, Robert C. Dorion, Michael T. Martin, Gale J. Raymond, Kurt Von Nieda, Edward B. Winn, Bette and Joe Wolfskill, and Count F. C. Zedlitz.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The ISC Newsletter consistently covers topics related to cryptozoology, including reports of cryptids, historical accounts, and scientific discussions. The obituaries section highlights the Society's community and the loss of dedicated members. The "Wood's Animal Facts" section, while not strictly cryptozoological, appeals to the broader interest in unusual or unexplained natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of information dissemination, community building, and the promotion of the study of cryptozoology, as evidenced by the details about the upcoming conference and membership meeting.