Stigmata - Issue 02

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: NUMBER TWO
Date: MARCH 1978
Publisher: Thomas R. Adams (Copyright 1978)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of STIGMATA, a publication focused on the phenomenon of animal mutilations, presents an editorial questioning the direct link between these events and UFOs. The magazine aims to serve as a forum for communication among those seeking answers and emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing raw data.

Editorial: Is There a "Link" Between Mutilations and UFOs?

The editorial team states that they have no "pet theories" and are seeking conclusive data. They express an open-minded approach to the causation of animal mutilations, cautioning against jumping to conclusions that might play into the hands of those perpetrating the acts. The editorial references the 1967 death of Snippy the Horse in Colorado as a point where the UFO-mutilation link was first postulated.

It acknowledges that UFOs have been reported in or near areas of animal mutilations, sometimes concurrently, but questions whether this indicates direct involvement or is merely coincidental. The editorial critiques the assertions of Kevin Randle, a writer for the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, who stated he had seen no evidence linking UFOs to cattle mutilations and felt the burden of proof lay on those claiming a link. STIGMATA argues that the absence of immediate proof does not negate a potential link and that Randle's argument that "each objective investigation has destroyed the link to UFOs" is untrue, as many cases leave open the possibility of UFO or "paranormal" involvement.

The editorial discusses a specific incident where a bovine mutilation involved only the removal of an ear and part of a lip, and Randle concluded "there were no UFOs and no mutilation." STIGMATA counters that even limited mutilation does not invalidate extramundane legitimacy. While many cases involve gross excision of organs, others affect only one or two parts, such as ears or the tongue.

The publication agrees with Randle that settling on a conclusion and molding findings to fit a preconceived idea is not conducive to valid examination. However, it emphasizes the need to gather and objectively analyze information, acknowledging that perfect objectivity is difficult. The editorial also concedes that the presence of UFOs near mutilation sites does not prove a link, but neither does it negate one. It also notes that while humans may be involved in some mutilations, this does not preclude other-than-human involvement.

In a critique of Randle's earlier statements at a 1975 UFO conference, the editorial notes his speculation that an occult or pseudo-Satanic organization might be responsible, possibly using helicopters. STIGMATA acknowledges the seeming improbability of a "cult" having the resources for such acts but mentions accounts of "mystery helicopters" in mutilation-infested areas.

The magazine defends its approach as judiciously objective, contrasting it with what it perceives as Randle's potentially opinionated or presumptuous stance. STIGMATA clarifies that its opposition is to Randle's publicly stated convictions regarding animal mutilations, a subject on which the magazine holds strong feelings.

It touches upon the "bizarre and at times almost synchronistic aura" or "paranormal quality" noted by some investigators at mutilation sites. The editorial poses the question of whether the causes are "saucers, satanists, or CIA?", suggesting the answers might lie with any or all of these, or none.

The core point of the critique is that a UFO/mute link remains possible, and the question cannot be resolved due to a lack of definitive evidence. The editorial also expresses a desire to understand what UFOs are, independent of the mutilation issue.

STIGMATA reiterates that belief is irrelevant; data is paramount. The magazine expresses gratitude to readers who responded to its first issue and contributed financially.

Mutilation Chronology Updates

The issue promises to make corrections or additions to its 1977 mutilation chronology. Three cases are added:

• June 1977: McPherson County, Kansas
• December 1977: Jackson County, Missouri
• December 1977: Salt Lake County, Utah (Horse, discovered 12-28-77, Salt Lake City)

Readers are asked to provide further additions.

Agreed: Someone Is Operating Under a Delusion

This section discusses a paper by Mr. James R. Stewart titled "CATTLE MUTILATIONS: AN EPISODE OF COLLECTIVE DELUSION." The paper, from the Department of Sociology at the University of South Dakota, is available from Mr. Stewart for five 13¢ stamps.

STIGMATA states that its pages will not be open to debates on whether "classic", unnatural animal mutilations are occurring. Instead, the magazine's primary focus will be on determining who (or what), how, and why these events happen.

Mute Testimony

This section presents brief statements from law enforcement officials regarding animal mutilations:

• Sheriff Marvin Quade (Lawrence County, Missouri): Believes mutilations were done with knives, stating, "Our predators do not eat with a knife and fork." He also expressed being stumped by the mystery.
• Sheriff George Yarnell (Elbert County, Colorado): States he can tell whether a mutilation was done by a coyote or a sharp instrument.
• Sheriff Floyd Stahr (Deuel County, Neb.): Described an isolated remote area where the mutilations occurred, suggesting the perpetrator knew the terrain and that "humans make mistakes. So far whoever is doing this (mutilations) hasn't made any."
• Sheriff Anton Nowak (Perkins County, Neb.): Remarked that if a coyote is responsible, it must be carrying a "very sharp knife."

Mute Site Encounters and Unusual Odors

The magazine notes that while no one may have witnessed an actual mutilation in progress, mute-site encounters and sightings of "mystery helicopters" have been reported by private citizens.

STIGMATA is interested in information concerning unusual odors detected at mute sites, beyond normal decomposition smells. An example is given of Deputy David Ellis in Gunnison County, Colorado, who in 1975 encountered an aroma at a mute site that reminded him of a combination of formaldehyde and incense.

Carcass Color Changes and Molybdenum

An incident in Taos County, New Mexico, during the first half of 1977 is described, where a cow carcass changed color from reddish-brown to cream or dirty-white within 24 hours of death. This is contrasted with a phenomenon in Karnes County, Texas, where cattle affected by "moly poisoning" (due to molybdenum from uranium mining) change color to a "dirty white" or "smoky gray" before death. However, two mutilations in Karnes County in 1975 did not involve color changes. The presence of a "Molycorp" molybdenum mine in northern Taos County is noted, and readers are asked for information on color changes in mutilated animals.

Decomposition of Carcasses

The issue briefly touches on the varied rates of decomposition in mutilated animal carcasses, noting that some decompose very little or slowly, while others decompose more rapidly. Specific examples are promised for the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation into animal mutilations, the potential connection to UFOs, and the importance of objective data collection. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing the need for evidence-based conclusions and avoiding premature judgments. STIGMATA positions itself as a platform for serious investigation, focusing on the "who, what, how, and why" of mutilations, rather than debating their existence.