1976 10 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS, MODERN MYSTERIES
Issue: 16
Volume: 16
Date: 1977
Publisher: SAGA
Country: USA
Price: $1.00
Cover Headline: Vampires From Outer Space?

This issue of SAGA delves into the perplexing phenomenon of animal mutilations, a subject that has been a recurring theme in the magazine. The cover story, "Vampires From Outer Space?" by John A. Keel, investigates the mysterious deaths of thousands of animals worldwide, characterized by the complete draining of blood and surgical removal of organs without leaving any discernible traces.

Vampires From Outer Space?

The article begins by highlighting the widespread nature of these mutilations, noting that they have been occurring for at least two hundred years, with periodic waves in the US and globally. In the early 1970s, the phenomenon saw a marked increase, leading to public outcry and speculation ranging from cattle rustlers and devil worshippers to marauders from outer space. Strange flying objects and phantom "helicopters" were often sighted near the mutilation sites.

The author introduces the concept of "Big Hairy Monsters" (BHM), also known as Bigfoot, which were reportedly seen simultaneously with animal disappearances and butchering in areas like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These creatures were described as raiding chicken coops, tearing out sheep throats, and generally terrorizing rural communities. In January 1976, residents in Texas speculated that their epidemic of animal mutilations was linked to sightings of a "Big Bird," described as resembling an ancient pterodactyl, which had been seen sporadically since 1945 and might be connected to the legendary Thunderbird of American Indian lore.

The phenomenon is not limited to the US. Australia has also reported giant ape-like monsters and animal mutilations, particularly around the town of Goolma, with sightings of hairy monsters and UFOs peaking in May 1975. Similarly, in the spring of 1976, farmers in Sodermanland, Sweden, experienced an outbreak of mutilations where carcasses were drained of blood, accompanied by sightings of hairy monsters and flying saucers.

John A. Keel, an investigator, expresses his perplexity regarding the absence of blood at the scene of these mutilations. He notes that freshly killed animals should bleed profusely, yet the phantom mutilators manage to kill and dismember their victims without spilling a drop of blood. Furthermore, they drain all the blood without leaving any telltale puncture marks. Experienced veterinarians and pathologists have been unable to find any evidence of punctures or surgical incisions on the bloodless carcasses.

One theory among law enforcement is that the animals are first downed by a tranquilizer gun, but the absence of nicotine traces, which would be expected from such agents, baffles authorities. Keel proposes that these animals might be paralyzed by a mysterious force, similar to how humans have reported being paralyzed in the presence of UFOs. He suggests that the mutilators might be using some form of electrical energy to immobilize the entire nervous system.

The article draws parallels to "Men In Black" (MIB) cases, where witnesses have claimed to feel numbness or paralysis when confronted by these figures. In Middle Europe, these black-garbed individuals were once thought to be evil vampires who paralyzed their victims with a hypnotic stare before drinking their blood. Keel speculates that these legends might have a basis in fact, and that modern vampires, unable to easily target humans, may have turned their attention to animals. He also notes the significant number of human disappearances each year, suggesting a potential link.

Secret Cults and Other Theories

Zoologist Ivan Sanderson's theory that Earth is a farm and humans are the crop, with UFOs raiding for blood, is revisited. Another popular theory from 1975 posits that the animal mutilations are the work of secret devil cults. While acknowledging the existence of such cults, the author questions whether their rites would involve the sacrifice of entire herds of sheep, and notes that a cult operating on a national scale would likely have the resources to maintain their own ranches rather than engaging in clandestine mutilations.

Expert investigators like Jerome Clark and Ed Sanders have interviewed individuals claiming knowledge of such cults, but like the police, they have found no concrete evidence. However, there are occasional reports of mysterious hooded men seen in the mutilation areas. A woman in Ohio claimed tall men in white garments killed her cows, and they were able to leap high fences with ease.

In September 1975, Don Mitchell, a Forest Service employee, reported seeing two hooded men in black robes at Cabin Creek, Idaho. They were moving stealthily and seemed to be carrying a canvas sack. Officers who searched the area found no trace of them.

The article also discusses the puzzling absence of footprints or tire tracks around the bodies, even in mud or snow. This has led to speculation that the culprits might be using methods to erase their tracks, similar to Arab bandits in the Middle East.

Aerial objects, often mistaken for helicopters, have been frequently seen near mutilation sites, leading to speculation that the perpetrators operate from the air. However, Carl Whiteside, an agent for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, doubts this, citing the high cost of helicopters and fuel.

The Colorado Cattlemen's Association has offered a reward for a solution to the mystery, given the significant losses incurred. In 1975 alone, 175 mutilations were reported in Colorado counties. Agent Whiteside emphasizes the difficulty in establishing a motive for these "senseless crimes," as the removed animal parts have no retail value and there is no apparent profit motive.

The article presents two main possibilities for the perpetrators: either a highly organized, well-financed worldwide organization staffed with trained personnel, or an "Unknown" force employing UFOs, Bigfoot-like creatures, and other phenomena to achieve a mysterious mission on Earth.

The cumulative losses from these mutilations are estimated in the millions of dollars, prompting calls for a massive international investigation. The author questions whether it is better to uncover the truth if the culprit is non-human.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly animal mutilations, and their potential links to extraterrestrial activity, cryptids like Bigfoot, and mysterious human or non-human agents. The editorial stance appears to be one of deep investigation and open-minded inquiry into these baffling events, presenting various theories and witness accounts without definitively concluding a single cause. The magazine encourages readers to consider unconventional explanations for these persistent mysteries, highlighting the limitations of conventional law enforcement in solving such cases.