North American BioFortean Review - Issue 01

Magazine Overview

Title: North American BioFortean Review
Issue: Vol. 1, no. 1
Date: April 1999
Publisher: North American BioFortean Review
Editors: Chad Arment, Brad LaGrange

This inaugural issue of the North American BioFortean Review (NABR) introduces its mission to explore biological oddities from North America that present unanswered questions. These include cryptozoological subjects, extreme phenotypes, and unrecognized populations of introduced species. The publication aims to investigate unusual occurrences and wildlife behavior, with a primary focus on North America, though relevant international cases may be included. The NABR emphasizes the need for further research and encourages readers to contribute findings. A key editorial stance is that most questions can be answered without resorting to paranormal explanations, although individual author views may vary. The publication is offered free of charge and is intended for computer monitor viewing, though printing is possible. Publication is irregular, with 2-3 issues expected annually.

The frontispiece features an illustration of "three wild men" from Frederick Gerstäcker's "Western Lands and Western Waters" (1864), with a corresponding article inside.

Articles

Kentucky's Hairless Animal

This article by Brad LaGrange details the case of a mysterious hairless animal reported in Ashland, Kentucky, in 1989. Bobby Hale observed creatures described as hairless (except for tufts on their feet), resembling a cross between a raccoon and an opossum, making barking sounds. After Hale trapped one, authorities were baffled. Barbara Rosenman, a caregiver from 'Kentucky Wildlife Live, Inc.', initially thought it was a prank. Later, it was determined that four captured critters were raccoons suffering from heavy metal poisoning, with only one female surviving. This surviving raccoon later escaped its cage, locking the door behind it, an event attributed to a skilled thief. The investigation involved Ron Schaffner.

Active Sasquatch in Coshocton County, Ohio

Don Keating reports on numerous Sasquatch sightings in Coshocton County, Ohio, noting it has the highest number of alleged sightings in the state. Since before 1900, over 79 sightings have been recorded. The article highlights several sightings from the 1990s: a light-colored creature (6-6.5 ft tall) near New Moscow in April 1990; an albino creature (nearly 9 ft tall) near West Lafayette in April 1992; a reddish creature (about 8 ft tall) near Lake Lila campgrounds in July 1993; and a light or white-colored Sasquatch (7-8 ft tall) near Tunnel Hill in mid-July 1995, later confirmed by the witness's father. Two sightings on July 31, 1996, involved a dark brown creature (8-9 ft tall) with green-reflecting eyes, approached by seven young people. The article speculates that the county's abundant resources (Woodbury Wildlife Refuge Area, Columbus & Southern Coal Lands) provide necessary food, water, and shelter for such creatures.

Canadian "Black Alligators": A Preliminary Look

Chad Arment and Brad LaGrange investigate reports of unusual lizard-like creatures in British Columbia. The article references Dr. Karl P. N. Shuker's mention of Warren Scott's account from 1973, who found a "lost valley" near Pitt Lake where he encountered large "horned lizards." Scott claimed to have given specimens to a B.C. university, but the university had no record. Robert Powell described the captured young "lizards" as having horns and resembling prehistoric monsters. The authors note that the Simon Fraser University staff found Scott's story unlikely, and the largest native lizard-like creature in B.C. is the mudpuppy, which is an amphibian not found there. Barrie Alden, a conservationist, has collected evidence supporting Scott's claims, including Scott's dissection of a specimen. Alden suggests government interference may have halted an expedition to document the creature. The article also mentions reports collected by John Kirk of animals resembling "black alligators" from Al Surette, described as 6-10 feet long, unafraid of water, with smooth skin. Similar reports come from Chilliwack Lake, Cultus Lake, and an unnamed lake north of Manning Provincial Park. Alden also collected reports from Chilliwack Lake, the Fraser River, and Nitinat Lake, including a fisherman's account of five-foot-long animals emerging from the water. A similar species may have resided in Kootenay Lake, with reports from 1900 describing an animal climbing lake banks and leaving tracks from large webbed feet. Ivan T. Sanderson's "Abominable Snowmen" also records Charles Flood's 1915 account of seeing black alligators, twice the size of lizards, in a small mud lake near the Holy Cross Mountains. Sanderson argued that aquatic reptiles are unlikely in southern B.C., suggesting salamanders as a possibility, but also noted the possibility of alligators emigrating across the Bering Straits.

#### Native American Folklore

The article explores Native American folklore related to aquatic creatures, noting the difficulty in distinguishing between physical reality and spiritual beliefs. The term "slalakums" is used for strange and unnatural creatures and places. Reports of a two-headed snake (si'xqi) and a creature with a large round body and two "long necks" (plesiosaur-like) are mentioned. Bob Joe discusses the word "skwówech" for sturgeon and a "water lizard" that turns into a trout. He also mentions "sílhqey" (Chilliwack seelkee), described as a snake-like creature with a long mouth, horse-like ears, and alligator-like teeth, seen by Albert Louie in deep water. Louie also discusses "slalakum" as a spirit in the lake. The name "Ts'ewálí" [Soowahlie] is associated with Cultus Lake, described as deep (200-300 feet) and potentially containing large creatures. Wallace drew a "seelkee" about four or five feet high with a tail of about twelve feet.

#### Other Reports

Reports from outside British Columbia are considered, acknowledging the difficulty in definitively linking them to the described cryptids. The article distinguishes between "alligator" and "longneck" lake monster types. A report from Lake Saint-Francois, Quebec, mentions giant sturgeon and two distinct lake monsters: one large with dorsal fins, and a smaller "smooth-back" resembling a floating log. Witnesses described the "smooth-back" as blue-black or very dark green, enormous, with slick, smooth skin, and potentially 20 feet long. It stays in waters near cottages, close to the River Sauvage.

Book Reviews and Literature Surveys

This section includes "Abstracts in Review," "Literature from the Past: Spring on an Arctic Island," "Book Review: American Elves," "Mythical Animals of the Cherokee," and "Literature Survey: Field Techniques."

Techniques and Methodology

This section covers "Investigation Technique" and "Biological Modeling in Cryptozoology."

Contributing Authors

The contributing authors are listed as Chad Arment, Don Keating, Richard L. King, Brad LaGrange, Bill Rebsamen, Ron Schaffner, and Douglas E. Trapp.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, unexplained animal sightings, and folklore, particularly focusing on North America. The articles present eyewitness accounts and historical reports of creatures such as Sasquatch, hairless animals, and various lake monsters, including "black alligators" and "longnecks." The editorial stance, as stated in the foreword, is to investigate these phenomena with a focus on naturalistic explanations, encouraging research and the collection of evidence. While acknowledging the mysterious nature of these subjects, the publication aims to approach them scientifically, distinguishing between physical evidence and cultural beliefs or folklore. The issue also touches upon investigation techniques and biological modeling within cryptozoology.

Title: North American BioFortean Review
Issue: Volume 1, Issue 1
Date: Spring 1999
Publisher: Zoological Miscellania
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review presents a collection of intriguing reports and articles on cryptozoological and paranormal phenomena across North America.

Lake Monsters and Aquatic Anomalies

The issue begins with a series of reports on lake monsters. In Lake Memphrémagog, Quebec, Canada, several alligator-like sightings were reported in the 1930s, with estimates of length around 10-11 feet. A 1979 sighting from Fitch Bay described an animal with a row of pipe-like objects on its back. Peter Pond Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada, had reports of an aquatic animal in 1979 and 1981. Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada, featured a sighting of "two long log-like animals" in 1989. Muskrat Lake, Ontario, Canada, had a report from 1968 of a gray animal, described as "part alligator and part fish," with a single tooth hanging from its mouth, estimated at 14-16 feet long.

Terrestrial Encounters

Moving to terrestrial sightings, Brad LaGrange reports on an encounter in Harrison County, Indiana, USA, in the early 1990s. A witness named Don P. described an animal eating a dead opossum, standing on its hind legs about four feet tall, with a light tan/cream color and bent legs, moving between a dog-like and ape-like locomotion. Chad Arment details a sighting in Wellsville, Missouri, USA, in mid-June 1976, of a large black cat, identified as a panther, approximately four feet long with a long black tail, weighing 100-110 pounds.

Unexplained Sounds and Unusual Creatures

Richard L. King recounts a bizarre incident near Vincennes, Indiana, USA, in February 1990, where he heard a loud, amplified, electronic-sounding nocturnal noise described phonetically as "bsszzzhhtt bsszzzhhtt clack-clack-clack." The sound repeated for 30-45 minutes. Brad LaGrange also reports on an unusual colored salamander found in Perry County, Indiana, USA, in late spring 1997 – a green longtailed salamander described as "chunky" or "chubby."

Historical and Speculative Reports

The issue includes a historical account of a sea serpent allegedly harpooned on August 6, 1897, at Belle Isle, USA, measuring 17 feet long and two feet wide. Chad Arment also discusses the "Rudolph-Trapp Snow Worm," a peculiar creature found in the California mountains in 1978, described as a stiff, wire-like worm that survived captivity without food. Furthermore, the magazine addresses the topic of "Giant Amerindians," noting that most reports of giant skeletons are hoaxes, but referencing an intriguing tale from Kentucky about an 8-foot, 9-inch skeleton found in 1965 that was subsequently reburied.

Abstracts in Review

Chad Arment provides a section of "Abstracts in Review," summarizing several scientific papers with potential biofortean implications. These include a report on forensic biological pursuits of piranha origins in Hawaii, notes on jelly-like masses in Florida, a mass unidirectional movement of Florida water snakes, and research on iridescence and signaling in crabs. These abstracts touch upon various natural history oddities and puzzles.

Mystery Cat Mount

Bill Rebsamen details his encounter with a mounted specimen in the Wildlife World Museum in Springfield, Missouri, USA. He describes a reddish-brown spotted big cat, possibly a red color phase of a melanistic leopard, with rosettes clearly visible and darker than the background fur. He investigates the origin of the mount, which was donated by a former big game hunter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained animal sightings, mysterious sounds, and historical accounts of unusual creatures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts for the reader's consideration, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes. The publication encourages further research and reader submissions, as indicated by the contact information and website URLs provided.

This issue of Strange Magazine, dated 1998, features a collection of articles on cryptozoology and folklore, primarily authored by Chad Arment. The cover image is a close-up of a melanistic cat's head, with the main headline likely related to mystery cats.

A Melanistic Cat Specimen

The issue opens with an investigation into a museum specimen of a melanistic cat, initially identified as a jaguar. The author, however, is convinced it is a leopard based on its physical characteristics, such as a longer, thinner tail and smaller rosettes. He consults with museum staff, including Rick Collins and Mr. Meinerz, who donated the mount. While Meinerz's records suggest it was a jaguar from Belize, the author's observations point towards a leopard. He considers several scenarios, including museum record errors, improper preservation, a reddish melanistic jaguar, an escaped exotic pet, or his own misidentification. Dr. Karl Shuker expresses interest, noting reports of red leopards but no verified specimens. The author hopes for future clarification, potentially identifying it as a rare red leopard or a red jaguar.

Frederick Gerstäcker's "Wild Men of the Woods"

This section examines a tale from Frederick Gerstäcker's book "Western Lands and Western Waters." Gerstäcker, an early traveler and author, describes a traveling menagerie in Arkansas owned by Monsieur Bertrand. The townsfolk are intrigued by the animals, including a cougar, a leopard, and primates. The focus shifts to a primate described as a 'monkéh' or ape, which some hunters believe to be a 'wild man' caught in the Cash swamps. The article explores the local folklore surrounding 'wild men,' who are described as men who have turned wild and live in the forests. Gerstäcker offers an explanation that these 'wild men' might be individuals who, lost in the forest, lose their reason due to fear and excitement, attempting to escape humans. He also recounts a story of a backwoodsman who became disoriented in the Tennessee swamps and was found attempting to cross the Mississippi. The article connects these accounts to potential unrecognized primate species in North America, possibly similar to apes.

A Tennessee Mystery Cat

This article discusses an unusual cat killed in Tennessee in 1997, as reported by Dr. Karl P. N. Shuker. The cat is described as slim, cheetah-like, with a long neck, small head, golden brown fur with spots, and reddish coloration around the face. It had a long tail with black rings and a reddish dorsal stripe. A few investigators looked into the report, but the feline was apparently skinned and its photo sold to a student. The article suggests it might be an aberrant individual rather than a new species, though some local farmers claimed to have seen similar cats. The most plausible explanation proposed is a hybrid from the exotic pet trade, possibly a cross between a mountain lion and a jaguar, or a cougar-leopard hybrid, similar to one reported by Sacha Siemel in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Cryptoherps of Indiana

This section, authored by Brad LaGrange, explores cryptozoological creatures reported in Indiana. It mentions "Oscar," a giant snapping turtle, and a sasquatch flap in Knox County. The most exciting cryptid is "Big Jim," a legendary giant timber rattlesnake from Rattlesnake Ridge, said to have been born in 1881 and killed in 1908. Its mounted skin was twelve feet long with twenty-nine rattles. The article also covers errant alligators, including an account from Knox County in 1946 and another from Decker Chapel. The origins and longevity of these alligators are questioned.

Literature from the Past

This section reviews Katharine Scherman's 1956 book "Spring on an Arctic Island," which details a scientific expedition to Bylot Island. It examines native people, wildlife, and geography, mentioning legends of "little people" (inoogaggoligakjuk) and "giants" (Toonijuk). The "little people" are described as dwarfs who ate rabbits, and Captain Luke Foxe reported finding graves of people no taller than four feet. The "Toonijuk" are described as prehistoric, large people with peculiar habits, who lived in underground houses and disappeared before Eskimo memory. Relics of pre-Eskimo peoples are also mentioned.

Book Review: American Elves

Chad Arment reviews John E. Roth's 1997 book "American Elves: an encyclopedia of little people from the lore of 380 ethnic groups of the Western Hemisphere." Arment praises the book for its thorough examination of legends and folklore of "little people" from North, Central, and South America. He notes the book's detailed descriptions, behavior, and attributes of these mythical humans, along with extensive maps and a comprehensive bibliography. While acknowledging the lack of biological evidence for these legends, Arment points to occasional reports of small bipedal animals and graveyard findings of small human bones.

Mythical Animals of the Cherokee

This section briefly surveys potential cryptids and mythical creatures mentioned by A. Fradkin in "Cherokee Folk Zoology." It lists several terms: "nvyuhnuwi" (red ant or stone man), "dagwa" (mythical monster fish), "dagahnda" (red with black spotted salamander, the "rainmaker"), "uktena" (mythical horned snake with a diamond-like crest), "uw!jvda" (mythical bouncer snake), "usdadli" (mythical foot snake), "sanuwa" (mythical hawk), and "galos-ganvhida" (mythical bear).

Investigation Technique

This article reviews an article by Jescavage-Bernard and Crofoot in Scientific American, detailing a method to create maps for preserving watersheds. The authors suggest this technique could also be used to map the distribution of cryptid sightings, identifying critical areas and potential reasons for their prevalence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine consistently explores reports of unusual animals, legendary beings, and historical accounts that defy conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence while acknowledging the speculative nature of the topics. The articles encourage further investigation and critical analysis of these mysterious subjects.

This issue of Exotic Zoology, titled "Fish Finder Cryptozoology," features articles by Brad LaGrange, Chad Arment, and Ron Schaffner, exploring various aspects of cryptozoology. The magazine delves into the potential for discovering unknown creatures using modern technology, the scientific methodology of biological modeling in cryptozoological investigations, and a detailed examination of the "South Bay Bessie" phenomenon in Lake Erie.

Fish Finder Cryptozoology by Brad LaGrange

Brad LaGrange introduces the concept of "Fish Finder Cryptozoology," suggesting that many cryptids could be found with sufficient technology, making them "marketable." He outlines five cryptids he would prioritize: large fish in Lake Illiamna, Alaska; a giant freshwater fish from China; various mystery cats in South America; a giant monitor in Papua New Guinea; and new apes in Africa. LaGrange emphasizes the importance of marketability for gaining public and scientific interest, citing the potential for Nova or Nature episodes and articles in nature magazines. He also mentions the Tasmanian Tiger and giant sloths as other potential targets, while noting the significant equipment and effort required for lake monster investigations.

Biological Modeling in Cryptozoology by Chad Arment

Chad Arment discusses the application of biological modeling in cryptozoological investigations. He explains that this process involves comparing reports of cryptids with known species to establish a hypothetical model, which aids in speculating about the creature's behavior, morphology, and habitat. Arment stresses that a model should not be considered absolute and can be refuted by new evidence. He uses the example of "Chessie," the Chesapeake Bay sea serpent, to illustrate how models like a large aquatic snake (Palaeophidae) can be explored. The article details fossil evidence of ancient snakes like Palaeophis and Pterosphenus found in North America, discussing their potential habitats and sizes, and considering whether they could be related to modern sightings. Arment concludes that cryptozoology's goal is to determine if a zoological basis exists for a reported cryptid and whether it involves a recognized extant species.

Literature Survey: Field Techniques by Chad Arment

This section by Chad Arment provides a compilation of articles relevant to field researchers, particularly those investigating mammalian cryptids like eastern cougars. The listed articles cover techniques such as hair-catchers for identification, scent-station indices for population abundance, scent-station survey techniques, mountain lion track surveys, long-distance night vision devices, using sign counts for abundance, differentiating mountain lion and dog tracks, and snow track surveys for foxes. The compilation aims to facilitate the transference of techniques between different fields of study.

Research Opportunity

Chad Arment notes a research opportunity regarding reported Bigfoot sightings in South Dakota near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, expressing interest in hearing from anyone who has investigated or wishes to start an investigation in that area.

SOUTH BAY BESSIE: A Continuing Investigation into an alleged Great Lakes Serpent by Ron Schaffner

Ron Schaffner investigates the "South Bay Bessie" phenomenon, an alleged great lakes serpent reported in Lake Erie. He begins by discussing the challenges of evaluating eyewitness testimony and media reports in cryptozoology, noting that not all legends have a factual basis. Schaffner recounts how he was introduced to the "South Bay Bessie" story through newspaper clippings from the Ottawa County (Ohio) Beacon in 1991. The creature is described as a 30-50 foot long, snake-like animal, approximately the width of a bowling ball, and typically appears when the water is calm. The article presents a timeline of sightings dating back to 1960, including accounts from Ken Golic, Jim Schindler, Theresa Kovach, Mary M. Landoll, Tony Schill, Dale Munro, and Gail Kasner, who reported sonar readings of a cigar-shaped object.

Further reports include a sighting by Susan Seeson in 1990, Bob Soracco's encounter with humps, Harold Bricker's family seeing a 35-foot long creature, and fire inspectors Jim Johnson and Steve Dircks describing a dark blue or black animal. Dennis Szececinski also reported a sighting in Maumee Bay. Schaffner mentions George Repicz's 1991 video footage of a moving object in the bay, which is still under analysis. He also notes a 1993 Wall Street Journal article that theorized the Bessie phenomenon might be a marketing tool for tourism in Huron, Ohio, and a $100,000 reward offered for the capture of the beast.

Schaffner addresses a report from January 1999 about Bessie allegedly attacking a sailboat and killing three people, which he investigated and found to be from a tabloid newspaper without corroboration of deaths. He also discusses Dave Monk's 1986 encounter in the Detroit River, where he saw a long, black neck emerge from the water. Mark, another witness, reported seeing intelligent eyes on the creature.

Schaffner explores potential explanations for the sightings, including misinterpretation of the endangered lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), which can reach up to 200 pounds and has a prehistoric appearance. He notes that the sturgeon's habitat requirements align with Lake Erie's bottom. Other possibilities include misidentified driftwood or man-made objects, such as an oak construction found in Lake Michigan shaped like a zeppelin.

Schaffner concludes that the "Birth of South Bay Bessie" likely resulted from fabricated newspaper reports and promotion ploys, which have fueled a legend that attracts tourists. He maintains an open mind, acknowledging that hoax and misinterpretation factors may not always be the complete explanation and invites further reports and documentation.

Upcoming Articles

The issue lists upcoming articles in the North American BioFortean Review, including topics like "Coatis in Indiana," "Giant Centipedes in the Ozarks," and "Bipedal 'Dino' Reports."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unknown creatures through technological means ('Fish Finder Cryptozoology'), the application of scientific methods to cryptozoology ('Biological Modeling'), and the detailed investigation of specific legendary creatures ('South Bay Bessie'). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the collection of evidence and the application of scientific reasoning while acknowledging the challenges of eyewitness testimony and the potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations. The publication seems to advocate for a rigorous yet open approach to cryptozoological research.

Title: Lake Sturgeon in Ohio
Issue Date: 1957 (Publication 299, R485)
Publisher: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This document provides detailed life history notes on the Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in Ohio, including its historical distribution, physical characteristics, habitat requirements, spawning behavior, and the reasons for its significant population decline.

Life History Notes

Distribution

Historically, until the 1850s, the lake sturgeon was abundant in Lake Erie and major Ohio tributary streams like the Cuyahoga, Maumee, and Sandusky Rivers. It was also found in the Ohio, Muskingum, and Scioto Rivers, and occasionally in smaller tributaries such as Big Darby and Big Walnut Creeks. The construction of dams proved to be a major factor in preventing the sturgeons from reaching their spawning grounds, leading to their extirpation in most of these Ohio habitats.

Identification

The lake sturgeon is easily distinguishable from other Ohio fishes, with the exception of the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. Its upper body is typically olivaceous to gray, transitioning to a yellow or milky color on the belly. Unlike most fish, the lake sturgeon lacks scales, instead possessing numerous bony plates on its back, sides, and belly. A key identifying feature is the presence of four long barbels located in front of its mouth, which is situated far behind the snout.

Adult Size

Lake sturgeons can grow to impressive sizes, with adults ranging from 25 to 200 pounds (11-91 kg) or more.

Habitat

This species requires clean waters with sand, gravel, or rocky bottoms that support a plentiful supply of its food sources, including snails, crayfish, clams, and larvae. Currently, the lake sturgeon is considered rare or uncommon in all Ohio streams.

Spawning

Spawning is believed to occur over riffles in relatively shallow water during May. A significant aspect of their life cycle is their late maturation; lake sturgeons do not spawn until they reach approximately four feet (1.2 meters) in length and are about 20 years old.

Remarks and Conservation Status

The decline in the lake sturgeon population is attributed to several factors: destruction of their natural habitat, the construction of dams that impede migration to spawning areas, pollution of their preferred waters, and their delayed age at first spawning. In the mid-1800s, when sturgeons were abundant, they were not highly valued as a food fish. However, more recently, their quality for smoked sturgeon and caviar has been recognized by connoisseurs. The lake sturgeon is classified as an endangered species in Ohio, making possession of the fish illegal. It is one of 39 fish species and subspecies listed as endangered in the state. Ohio citizens are encouraged to support the Division of Wildlife's efforts to protect and manage endangered wildlife by donating a portion of their state income tax refund to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife program.

Illustration Source

The fish illustration featured in this document is reprinted from 'The Fishes of Ohio' by Milton B. Trautman, copyrighted in 1957 by The Ohio State University Press.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document clearly highlights the theme of conservation and the critical status of the Lake Sturgeon as an endangered species in Ohio. It emphasizes the impact of human activities, such as dam construction and pollution, on the species' survival. The editorial stance is one of concern and advocacy for the protection of this species, encouraging public support through donations to wildlife management programs. The information presented serves to educate the public about the biological needs and precarious situation of the Lake Sturgeon, underscoring the importance of habitat preservation and species management.