MANIMALS NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: MANIMALS NEWSLETTER
Issue: V.1, N.2
Date: 27 SEPT. 1972
Editor: JIM MCCLARIN
Publisher: Jim McClarin
Location: SACRAMENTO, CA. 95826, USA

This issue of the Manimals Newsletter focuses on two main topics: an unusual object at the Vancouver Centennial Museum and an investigation into a purported 'Bigfoot bed' in Northern California. It also includes a comprehensive list of recent newspaper clippings related to Bigfoot and other cryptid sightings from across North America.

Object at Vancouver, B.C. Centennial Museum

John Green reports on an object in the possession of the Vancouver, B.C. Centennial Museum, which arrived from Lillooet, B.C. in 1947. The object is described as foot-like, with long toes on top, short toes on the bottom, and heavy webbing, reminiscent of Sanderson's hypothesis. Green notes that it cannot be a bear track due to a prominent 'big toe' and suggests it might be a carving of a foot, stating he has no explanation for its pattern. He mentions that the anthropologist who might have more information is on holiday. The object's heel is partially missing, creating a bowl shape.

Green recalls seeing a cast of this object years ago when he donated another cast to the museum in 1958 or 1959. At that time, he only saw the top and felt it was unlikely to be related to their subject, as anyone could carve a foot. However, after receiving a picture of the underside from Hilary Stewart, he went to see and photograph it himself.

'Bigfoot Bed' Investigated in Northern California

The newsletter details an investigation into a finding in Northern California that was believed to be a Bigfoot bed or lair. Rene Dahinden and the reporter traveled to the scene in Orleans, Humboldt County. The area is described as a steep hillside with Douglas Fir growth. The 'bed' was located on the ground, made level by a large Douglas Fir, and built against the tree. It was rounded, slightly elongated, and measured six feet long by four and a half feet wide. The construction materials included leaves, sticks, moss, rhododendron shoots, and bear grass.

Findings at the site included 27 black hairs with brown tips, all less than 3½ inches long, and short, soft, black or brown underhair. A pile of faeces was found five feet from the bed, similar in shape and substance to common Black Bear faeces, weighing 5 ounces. Small, thin scratch marks were found on the bark of a Douglas Fir tree, and larger, deep scratch marks were found on a madrone tree eight feet from the bed.

Opinion on the 'Bigfoot Bed':

The opinion rendered is that the finding has every appearance of being the nesting bed or lair of a female American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). The small claw marks on the fir are attributed to newly born cubs, and the deep scratches on the madrone to a mature bear's territorial declaration. The hair and faeces were also deemed consistent with bear evidence. The teeth markings on stems indicated impressions made by bear incisors.

Authorities Consulted:

Authorities consulted included Steve Matthes (professional hunter), Gus Lanergen (professional hunter), Roger Caras (author of 'North American Mammals'), and Peter Byrne.

Apologies to George F. Haas

The editor issues a sincere apology to George F. Haas for previous erroneous statements regarding his discontinued Bigfoot Bulletin. The newsletter corrects the impression that Haas felt the bulletin was too much trouble or that information was being withheld due to potential misuse by those wishing to harm Bigfoot. Haas clarified that he appreciated the information received, which helped him build a large collection of Bigfoot material, but felt his time and resources could be better spent on personal research. He also stated that the bulletin was not censored, and information not printed was either confidential or excluded due to space limitations.

Miscellaneous Reports

Tamarac, Idaho Sighting: Russell Gebhart investigated a March 27, 1972 sighting report near Tamarac, Idaho. A Polaroid photo of the creature was allegedly obtained, and a cast of a footprint was taken. Gebhart was not impressed with the authenticity of his findings.

Ivan Marx Film: Ivan Marx appeared in an interview, along with a film he had taken of 'Bigfoot', on the television program 'You Asked for It'. The creature in the film was light in color and moved stiffly through snow. Dr. Geoffrey H. Bourne of the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center commented that the creature appeared to be a man in a costume.

Services and Policies

Free Loans of Investigatory Equipment: Diligent contributors can qualify for free loans of equipment, including movie cameras and tape recorders.

Photocopy Service: Due to increased workload, the newsletter is instituting a cost-plus policy for photocopies of articles. Copies of newspaper articles can be obtained at 10¢ per page, with profits shared between publication costs and acquiring investigatory equipment.

Confidential Information Policy: Confidential information is welcomed but must be sent separately and labeled "CONFIDENTIAL" to be placed in a special locked file. Contributors are not obligated to divulge secrets.

Correspondence Pointers: Letters should be on full sheets of paper, including name, return address, and date. Carbon copies should be kept for reference.

Subscription Policy: Those receiving MN gratis must send a self-addressed, stamped long business envelope and an informative dispatch or 25¢ for a late copy to receive the next issue. Back issues are available for 25¢.

Recent Bibliographical Acquisitions

The newsletter lists several recent acquisitions, including articles from "Anomaly", "Goatman", "Loch Ness Monster", and "Abominable Chicken Man". It also includes a lengthy list of newspaper clippings from various publications across the US and Canada, detailing numerous reports of Bigfoot, 'Momo', 'Abominable Snowmen', and other cryptid sightings. These reports cover a wide range of locations and dates, often including witness accounts, physical evidence (footprints, hair), and expert opinions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into Bigfoot and related phenomena, the documentation of sightings and evidence, and the dissemination of information within the cryptozoological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent reporting and investigation, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the 'Bigfoot Bed' analysis and the skepticism expressed by some investigators. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of community contributions and the sharing of information, while also outlining policies for subscriptions and services. The editor acknowledges limitations due to space and financial constraints but expresses a commitment to continuing the publication.