Stigmata - Issue 23 (in Crux No 2)

Magazine Overview

CRUX number 2, incorporating STIGMATA No. 23, is a combined issue for 1986, with plans to return to separate publications in 1987. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and potential connections to other unexplained events.

Cruxnotes

The "theme" for this issue, previously mentioned in CRUX #1, is carried over. The "cruxnotes" section highlights several points:

• Grant Callison's report: A flying critter report is mentioned, with a similar account in the new publication JOURNAL OF THE FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER.
• New Books: Recommendations include a book on a best-selling novelist's UFO experiences, "EXTRA-TERRESTRIALS AMONG US" by George Andrews, and "LE GRANDE CARNAGE" by Michel Granger, which offers a French perspective on the mutilation situation.
• Charles Whitman: A late news item clarifies that despite Loren Coleman's article and the magazine's commentary, there is no evidence Charles Whitman spent any time in New Orleans.
• Document Dissemination: The term "ORCON" is explained as "Originator Controlled," meaning a document cannot be disseminated without the originating agency's permission.
• Future Meeting: A discussion is planned for the next issue regarding a potential meeting at Capulin Mountain National Monument on March 12, 1992.

Lite UFology: Peruvian UFO/Military Run-In

This section details a Freedom of Information Act request by Ray W. Boeche of the Fortean Research Center, which yielded documents from the Defense Intelligence Agency concerning events in Peru in May 1980. A UFO was spotted on two occasions near the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) base in southern Peru. On May 9, 1980, a round UFO was observed hovering near Mariano Melgar Air Base, and an SU-22 aircraft was scrambled to intercept it. The pilot fired at the UFO at close range but caused no apparent damage, and the UFO out-ran the aircraft. A second sighting occurred on the evening of May 10, 1980; the vehicle was lighted and again out-ran a scrambled SU-22.

"Aquarian" Revelations?

This part discusses "Project Aquarius," a purported UFO-related operation involving "official" contact with extraterrestrials. A Texas researcher's FOIA request to the National Security Agency (NSA) for information on Project Aquarius was denied, with the NSA stating the document must remain classified Top Secret due to potential grave damage to national security and statutory protection of agency activities.

More "Revelations"?

A one-page document, described as "Top Secret" but also stamped "Unclassified," has been circulating among ufologists. It details "Sub Projects Under Project" and includes:

• Project Sigma: Established in 1954 (as part of a larger project) and became separate in 1976. Its mission was to establish communication with Aliens, which reportedly met with success in 1959. A contact with two Aliens reportedly occurred in New Mexico in 1964. The project is ongoing at an Air Force base in New Mexico.
• Project Snowbird: Established in 1972, its mission was to test fly a recovered Alien aircraft. This project is reportedly continuing in Nevada.
• Project Pounce: Established in 1968, its mission was to evaluate UFO information pertaining to space technology.

The document's interpretation of "TS/ORCON" is discussed, with "ORCON" being a dissemination control marking. The article notes similarities between "Project Sigma" and "Project Aquarius," referencing rumors of official contact dating back to President Eisenhower and a landing-contact in New Mexico.

Project Sigma and the Socorro Landing: The document suggests the Lonnie Zamora-witnessed Socorro landing of April 24, 1964, might have been a "mistake" for a planned landing and official communication on April 25th, with incorrect coordinates.

Project Snowbird and Cash-Landrum: The article links "Project Snowbird" to the Cash-Landrum case of December 1980, suggesting the craft seen was an alien craft modified by the U.S. government for flight testing. Rumors of such a program in Nevada persist.

Project Pounce and Surveillance: A 1983 report abstract titled "Surveillance/Pounce Model" is mentioned, discussing mobile target surveillance and the application of force, though it does not explicitly reference UFOs or 1968. The origin of the document is traced to a California ufologist who reportedly met with intelligence agents.

Just Another Day at the Lake

This section recounts two separate sightings at Harlingen City Lake, Texas, in August 1985. A woman and her two boys saw a triangular-shaped object. On August 21, it followed them and searched with a "spotlight." On August 23, the boys saw it again. The object was described as having three "beautiful blue lights" on its exterior.

We Have Seen Ufonauts and They Are Us?

This section explores the possibility that some UFO phenomena are explained by terrestrially-originated technology, such as remotely-piloted vehicles (RPVs). An Ohio correspondent shares an experience at Goodyear Aerospace Corp. in the mid-1960s, where they saw a "Zip Craft" under construction. This craft, described as aluminum-type, flat-surfaced with a dome, about 20 feet wide, and smooth as silk, was allegedly capable of speeds exceeding 10,000 mph. The correspondent believes the government knows much more about UFOs than it reveals, possibly due to the complexity and confusion surrounding the topic.

The article also inquires about the "XM-4," a flying-saucer-like commuter aircraft announced in the early 1980s by the Moller Corporation.

The Gallup Watch

This section presents a series of events reminiscent of the "Gallup Incident" reported in CRUX #31 in 1985:

• Kansas City, Missouri (November 4, 1984): Two loud booming sounds were heard across several counties. Investigations by law enforcement and military agencies, as well as the EPA, yielded no explanation. Speculation included military exercises, road construction blasting, waste detonation, and even disgruntled football fans.
• Washington to California (September 18, 1985): A series of bright lights (red, gold, orange, silver) were observed traveling horizontally. NORAD and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry announced the lights were due to falling debris from a Soviet Soyuz T-14 booster rocket.
• Jefferson County, Missouri (May 26, 1970): A woman reported seeing a "red-hot" cylindrical object about two inches long in her garden after hearing an explosion. The object was turned over to the Sheriff's Office.

Emmet County, Iowa (May 10, 1879)

An apparent meteorite fell near Estherville, described as a "large ball of fire." Chunks of the object were found, with the largest weighing 437 pounds. The material was composed of "iron, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur and an unknown substance" called "Estherville metal." Pieces ended up in the British Museum and the University of Minnesota.

The Occult, MIBS, UFOs and Assassinations

This article by Loren Coleman explores the surprising overlaps between the fields of political assassinations of the 1960s and Forteana (the strange and the unknown). It discusses potential connections between figures like Sirhan Sirhan, Charles Manson, James Earl Ray, and the "men-in-black" (MIBS) who have reportedly terrorized UFO investigators. The article delves into theories about hypnotism being used for control and mentions a supposed New Orleans "coven" involving Charles Manson, Janis Joplin, and Charles Whitman.

The Maury Island Incident and Fred Lee Crisman: The article details the 1947 Maury Island sighting of six donut-shaped metallic objects by Fred Lee Crisman and Harold A. Dahl. One object exploded, showering metal slag that injured Dahl's son and killed a dog. A "man dressed in black" (MIB) later visited Dahl, accurately describing the event and warning him to remain silent. Fred Lee Crisman, who had flown in WWII, was recalled into service and sent to Alaska and Greenland. The article notes the suspicious deaths of two Air Force officers involved in the Maury Island investigation and the theft of slag samples. Kenneth Arnold and E.J. Smith also experienced strange events while investigating. The article posits that Fred Lee Crisman may have been one of the "mystery tramps" arrested but not booked after the JFK assassination in Dallas, and that his name came up in relation to a possible investigation by the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Interconnectedness of Fields: The article concludes by questioning the strange thread connecting Maury Island to Dallas and beyond, and the role of MIBS and silencers. It suggests that the fields of occult researchers, UFO mystery, and assassinations are more interrelated than previously thought.

Some Notes on the Coleman Article

The editors of CRUX provide a note regarding "Samuel," Coleman's source for the New Orleans "coven" story, confirming they were the immediate source but lost track of "Samuel." They express interest in the life story of Fred Lee Crisman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), government secrecy and cover-ups, and the potential for these events to be linked to other mysterious occurrences, including assassinations and occult practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and reporting on these phenomena, presenting evidence and theories while acknowledging the speculative nature of some claims. The magazine aims to connect seemingly disparate events and explore the possibility of hidden truths within government and military activities.

This issue of CRUX, identified as Volume 11, Issue 11, published in 1986, focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, animal mutilations, Bigfoot, and the nature of hypnosis. The magazine solicits reader input on the JFK assassination, expressing skepticism towards the official account and embracing a 'Fortean' perspective that includes conspiracy speculation.

Articles and Features

The Crisman Story and 'Mr.C.'

The issue begins by referencing an upcoming publication detailing the enigmatic life of 'Mr.C.' and solicits comments from readers regarding the Crisman story. It also expresses interest in an individual named Thomas Edward Beckham, who is described as having a 'shadowy likeness' that turns up now and then, and seeks knowledge about him.

Fortean Outlook

CRUX defines 'Fortean' as an outlook and perspective, not merely a term for a body of data. The magazine asserts that conspiracy speculation and evidence contradicting official positions fall under the umbrella of 'data of the damned'.

Kenneth Arnold and Maury Island

The article mentions Kenneth Arnold's book, 'THE COMING OF THE SAUCERS', published in 1952, as interesting reading for those investigating the Maury Island incident.

Loren Coleman's Works

Loren Coleman's article is noted as appearing in the December 1985 issue of 'THE CONSPIRACY TRACKER'. His books, 'MYSTERIOUS AMERICA' (1983) and 'CURIOUS ENCOUNTERS' (1985), are highly recommended for serious Forteans.

"Coincidence, if traced far enough back, becomes inevitable."

A quote attributed to a Hindu temple inscription, quoted by Thomas Thompson, is presented.

Some Wide-Awake Thoughts on Hypnosis

This section discusses the controversy surrounding hypnosis, particularly highlighting The Amazing Kreskin's standing offer of $100,000 to anyone who can prove the existence of a hypnotic state. Kreskin spoke out against a bill in New Jersey that would license hypnotechnicians, questioning the validity of a state that has never been proven to exist. He argues that what is often labeled as hypnosis is actually motivation, imagination, or role-playing. The article also references a piece by Benjamin Altman and Gordon MacLeod from the NEW YORK STATE BAR JOURNAL (October 1982) titled 'Hypnotism: Its Utilization in Criminal Law'.

The future of hypnosis in the judiciary is viewed as uncertain, as courts are slow to adopt new concepts. Hypnosis is likened to lighting a match, with potential dangers but also beneficial uses. The current stage of hypnosis is seen as emitting only a small light, with no collective progress, akin to sporadically lighting matches and letting them extinguish. A final comment from Paramhansa Yogananda's 'AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI' states that a hypnotic state is harmful and can derange brain cells, calling hypnotism a trespass into another's consciousness.

Zoodities: Winged Creatures Over Illinois

By Grant Callison, this article details UFO sightings logged by the author and his wife starting May 3, 1967. On May 10, 1968, at 10:05 PM, they observed three giant 'bird-like' creatures flying in a 'v' formation at an approximate height of 500 feet, moving at 25-35 mph. These creatures glowed fluorescently and had a wing spread of approximately 15 to 20 feet. They were described as having feathers or scales with a metallic appearance, no discernible neck, and a short, cone-shaped tail. The flight was described as graceful and breathtaking. Simultaneously, two objects with pulsating red lights were observed to the south, moving at the same speed and height, appearing to intercept the 'birds'. The author's wife urged him not to mention the sighting to anyone.

A few days later, the author's brother, Ward, also reported seeing similar 'birds' or 'creatures' from his home. His description matched the author's. On October 20, 1968, at 9:00 PM, another giant 'bird' or 'winged creature' was observed moving east to west, flying directly overhead at an estimated 500 to 1000 feet. This creature appeared to have a slightly lower right wing and moved with its head turning as if spotting the observers. The author concludes that these giant 'birds or creatures' are likely extraterrestrial.

BHM (Big Hairy Monster) NOTES

This section compiles several reports of cryptid sightings:

• Central Texas (October 1985): A 'porch-chewing creature' was reported in Hearne, Robertson County. A man saw a tall, man-like figure slap at his door and chew on it. His dog ran off and did not return. Other observers reported creatures tearing window screens and jumping on rooftops.
• East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania (September 1985): Two residents reported a 6-7 foot tall creature with no neck, covered in shaggy brown hair, standing 40-50 feet away. It was described as wide at the hips and shoulders, with long legs. It lacked a snout and loped off with its arms swinging. Another resident reported a missing cat and strange noises, while a motorist named Tom Leach described a creature lacking a neck, standing about 6.5 feet tall, covered in hair, and baring fangs.
• Northern New Mexico (Early 1986): Reports of a 'huge, hairy creature with red eyes' along US Highway 285, north of Tres Piedras. Some speculated bears due to unseasonably warm weather, but other reports described the creature as more monkey-like. Local residents mentioned 'strange creature' reports over the years but did not officially report them.

Bigfoot

Grover Krantz and John Lowenstein are mentioned as agreeing on the aim of plugging Bigfoot for science. Krantz, an anthropology professor, suspects Bigfoot may be a form of Gigantopethicus and believes a carcass is necessary to prove its reality. John Lowenstein, a former baseball player, also believes in Bigfoot and planned to pursue the creature in the field, intending to shoot it.

THE CAPROCK WOLFPACK

This article recounts an unusual occurrence in Yellow House Canyon, Texas, in February 1877. John Lovelady reported seeing an immense pack of wolves, estimated at 20 wolves abreast and 2-3 miles in length, emerging from a canyon. The wolves were a significant problem for cattlemen after the eradication of bison. Historians David Murrah and William C. Griggs reportedly do not doubt Lovelady's account.

REPTILES OF A FEATHER

Dr. James A. Jensen of Brigham Young University announced in 1972 that the ostrich and its relatives (rhea, cassowary, emu) are not birds but feathered reptiles more closely related to dinosaurs. His conclusion, based on studies of modern flightless birds and fossil eggs, suggests these creatures evolved from different forebears than modern flying birds.

Anthropologist Melvin Conner interviewed a paleontologist who described the archaeopteryx as a transitional creature, calling it 'a piss-poor reptile, and it's not very much of a bird'.

JIMMIE DODD WOULD BE PROUD

A letter to the editor from Karen Houser, President of the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA), published in The Wall Street Journal (April 3, 1986), responds to an article about mice and rats. AFRMA holds regular competitions in California for mice and rats and invites interested individuals to attend their shows.

Miscellaneous Reports

• Northern Hungary (September 1985): Residents reported seeing a great beast with big eyes and ears jumping in a peculiar way in the forest. It turned out to be kangaroos that had escaped from a circus.
• Meghalaya, India (January 1986): A rare man-eating elephant was reported to have killed and feasted upon at least five people in 1985.

STIGMATA: THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS

This section details animal mutilation reports from 1985.

• Alabama (Marshall County): Activity was centered in Marshall County, less than 50 miles from Huntsville. A mare near Arab had its genitals removed. A cow on Les Click's farm was found dead with its genitals missing. Welton Tidmore lost a cow with its tongue and ears missing. On November 15-17, 1985, three goats belonging to Ty Dorman were killed; one had its sexual parts removed, another had a hole cut in its side with parts of three ribs removed. The carcasses were found in an old school bus shop. The largest goat, weighing about 150 pounds, was found on the verge of giving birth and had been killed in the night. The sexual organs were cut out. Two younger goats were also found dead, one with a hole cut in its side and fat removed.
• Colorado (Elbert County - El Paso County): This region is described as consistently prone to mutilations. Sheriff George Yarnell of Elbert County recalled numerous reports of low-flying aircraft, some with bright searchlights, during the 1975 mutilation-madness. He expressed frustration with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who concluded mutilations were predator-caused, despite Yarnell's evidence to the contrary. In 1985, a possible mutilation was investigated by Yarnell on the Max Kelly ranch, where a heifer was found with a large circular area cut out around the rectum.

Four mutilations were reported in a two-week period in early-to-mid September 1985 in El Paso County. A 9-month-old steer had its rectum, genitals, and 'half the face' removed. A 7-month-old calf had a 'smooth circular cut around the rectum'. A 5-month-old heifer calf had a perfect circle cut out behind its front leg and an incision around the mouth area. A 5-year-old cow on the Clifford Gertsch ranch had a circular cut around the rectum and an oblong piece of hide removed from the udder area, described as done with surgical expertise. The animal also had a substance oozing from its nose, an unexplainable spot on its belly where hair was rubbed off, and marks suggesting a claw device had pinched its hide. Mrs. Trembly believes the government is involved and that lasers may have been used.

• Weld County: A single case in October 1985 is mentioned, possibly linked to the Briggsdale cases of 1980. Another case in November 1982 involved a young crossbred bull found mutilated with its penis removed, scrotum cut away, and anus area cut. A two-year-old Hereford heifer had been found dead on the same property earlier, unmarked.
• Logan County: The county is described as perhaps the hardest-hit. Sheriff Tex Graves stated he 'knows who or what is responsible for the mutilations' but would not repeat it. A letter from a Logan County law enforcement officer describes paranoia, evasiveness, anger, and hostility from individuals involved in the investigation of mutilations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CRUX are the unexplained, the anomalous, and the potentially conspiratorial. The magazine actively encourages reader participation and skepticism towards official explanations, particularly concerning events like the JFK assassination. There is a clear interest in 'Fortean' phenomena, encompassing UFOs, cryptids, and unusual occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, challenging conventional narratives, and presenting evidence that deviates from established norms. The detailed reporting on animal mutilations suggests a focus on unexplained events with potential extraterrestrial or governmental involvement, while the inclusion of hypnosis debates highlights an interest in altered states of consciousness and their societal implications.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as Volume 21, Issue 21, published in 1985, focuses on the phenomenon of animal mutilations. The cover headline prominently features "ANIMAL MUTILATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA" with a sub-headline "PRELIMINARY FINDINGS BY A GROUP OF FRENCH SCIENTISTS" by Jean Sider. The magazine presents a collection of reported incidents from various locations, alongside an analysis that questions official explanations and explores potential underlying causes.

Regional Reports on Animal Mutilations

The magazine details numerous cases across different regions:

Kansas In February 1985, an 11-year-old cow carcass was discovered near Sawyer, Kansas. A 14-inch diameter circle was cut from the rear, removing the anus and vagina. Notably, there was no sign of bleeding, and only the cow's calf's tracks were present, not those of predators. A veterinarian was unable to determine the cause of death.

Montana In late October 1985, a horse was found dead in Cascade County, Montana. The owner, Tom Denning, an eighth-grade schoolteacher, reported that the animal's face was stripped back to the bone, sexual organs were removed in a circular pattern, and an ear and eyeball were missing. Denning emphasized the precision of the cuts and the lack of bleeding. Captain Keith Wolverton of the Cascade County Sheriff's Office investigated and attributed the deaths to predators, a conclusion Denning strongly disagreed with, citing the unnatural precision of the wounds.

New Jersey In July 1985, police in Atlantic City arrested 19 individuals of Cuban descent in an apartment containing remains of chickens, ducks, and lambs, along with ritualistic altars and buckets of blood. A similar scene was found in Pleasantville a week earlier. The magazine notes this is not considered "classic" animal mutilation evidence but presents it for contrast.

New Mexico In March 1985, a rancher in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, discovered the carcass of a 5-year-old Hereford cow. The udder, anus, and genitals appeared to have been removed with "the clean slice of a knife." The animal had been alive the previous day, and despite being found near the ranch house, no sounds were heard. The owner noted the cattle seemed scared. The cuts were clean, with no blood or signs of struggle.

Ohio In April 1985, Union County, Ohio, experienced a media flurry regarding "animal mutilations" and ritual slaughters. A deputy was appointed to investigate an outbreak associated with suspected "satanic worshipers." Reports indicated at least 200 animal mutilations, including the torture and consumption of animals. The investigation also uncovered evidence of potential cult activities involving human sacrifice in Toledo and Lucas County.

South Carolina In December, two dogs were found decapitated in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, with more incidents reported in 1986.

South Dakota In May 1985, a possible cattle mutilation was reported near Porcupine on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. A cow was found with mutilation of the rectal area, tongue, jaw, and udder. White material, possibly paint flecks, was found on the carcass, and a "skid mark" was noted nearby. Pieces of flesh were found scattered around.

Texas In January 1985, a 12-year-old cow carcass was found in Duval County, South Texas. The tongue, tail, and genitals had been removed with "clean incisions," and there was no blood or evidence of bleeding. The rancher, Tomas Hinojosa, insisted the animal was not old and had not been dead for two weeks, contradicting a deputy's suggestion of old age and buzzard activity. Hinojosa stated the meat was still fresh and that the carcass showed no signs of predation.

In March 1985, the remains of two horses were found near Leander, Central Texas. An autopsy revealed the animals were killed, their eyes removed, tongues cut out, and sex organs sliced off. The veterinarian, Guy Rowland, stated the mutilations occurred after death and found no signs of starvation or disease. He believed the animals were killed by people and possibly drugged, noting evidence of a struggle. The cuts were described as precise.

On July 6, 1985, a helicopter pilot reported seeing approximately 50 cow carcasses lying in a circle near Keller, Tarrant County, Texas. However, when authorities investigated, no carcasses could be found. The area had previously reported about 12 horse deaths that were sexually mutilated in the preceding year.

Canada (Manitoba) In October 1985, a cow was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Moosehorn area of Manitoba. The animal's throat was cut, and the tongue and udder were removed. There was no evidence of bleeding. The owner, Wesley Cook, suspected a "demonic ritual." The RCMP spokesman stated that while they could not determine foul play, they could not rule it out either.

United Kingdom (Wales) In May 1985, 21 lambs were found dead on two farms in South Gwynedd, Wales. Each lamb had a puncture wound the size of a 10p coin. Approximately 120 sheep were killed in a similar manner in the area that month, targeting only white Welsh ewes. Similar deaths had occurred in 1984. In September 1985, the mutilated bodies of 100 animals and birds were found on a refuse tip in mid-Glamorgan, Wales, including various animal parts.

Preliminary Findings by a Group of French Scientists

Jean Sider reports on an investigation by a team of French scientists into animal mutilation cases in the U.S.A. and Canada. Their study aimed to verify the revival of ancient cults practicing ritual ceremonies with animal organs and to analyze the impact and perception of these events. They contacted over 600 potential correspondents, but faced significant obstructions, receiving only about 100 answers, many without useful documentation.

Key Findings:

1. Not all incidents are attributable to satanic cults: The scientists ruled out the material impossibility of such groups handling heavy animals for rituals.
2. State veterinarians' reluctance: Despite numerous requests, necropsy reports were rarely obtained, and state veterinarians often denied human involvement, contradicting evidence of sharp instrument use.
3. "Official" investigators' shortcomings: The scientists found that official investigators often failed to conduct serious investigations and their thought processes were questionable, sometimes quickly shifting blame from cults to predatory animals without adequate explanation.
4. Predator behavior analysis: The most significant finding concerns the behavior of predators and scavengers. French and American experts agree that predators lack the physical means and intelligence to make the precise, straight cuts seen in mutilation cases. Predators typically start by devouring viscera and muscular masses, not specifically targeting sex organs, ears, or lips, and usually consume a carcass within 12 to 36 hours, leaving only bones.

The scientists submitted photographs of mutilated cattle to their consultants, who confirmed the wounds were made by sharp instruments, not predators.

Data Collection Challenges:

The researchers faced difficulties in obtaining data from various sources. Some Colorado County sheriff departments claimed reports were on microfilm and inaccessible without case numbers. Other departments cited fires that destroyed records or stated no reports could be found in their computer systems, even for cases that occurred after the alleged destruction of records.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mysterious nature of animal mutilations, the consistent pattern of precise surgical-like wounds, the removal of specific organs, and the lack of blood. The magazine highlights the inadequacy and often contradictory nature of official explanations, particularly the attribution of these events to predators. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief that these incidents are not fully explained by conventional means, suggesting a need for further investigation into less conventional causes, possibly involving human agency or unknown phenomena. The French scientists' findings strongly support the idea that these are not natural predation events and that official investigations may be deliberately obscuring the truth.

This issue of STIGMATA, identified as issue number 23 and dated 1986, focuses on the investigation of cattle mutilation incidents. The content is primarily derived from an analysis of numerous police reports and necropsy reports, with a critical examination of the official responses and potential explanations for these events.

Analysis of Cattle Mutilation Reports

The magazine details how numerous letters were sent to state police agencies, attorneys general, and governors regarding cattle mutilations, but few substantive replies were received. This lack of official engagement made it difficult to understand the situations in affected areas. Despite this, the group gathered over 100 police reports and approximately 50 necropsy reports from private veterinarians, veterinary medicine colleges, and state departments of agriculture and livestock boards.

Key observations from these reports include:

• Blood Absence: Many police reports noted the absence of blood on or around carcasses, leading to assumptions that mutilators had drained the blood. However, the analysis suggests this is generally inaccurate. In most cases, the animal had been dead for several hours, and the blood had clotted naturally in the viscera, arteries, and veins. This natural clotting explains the lack of hemorrhagic effusion.
• Cause of Death: In several cases, the animal appeared to have been killed by a strong electric output, either from lightning or artificial means. Except for possible burns, the exact cause of death was often not evident to police investigators. Electrical means of death can cause rapid blood clotting.
• Animal Displacement: Indications in some cases suggested the animal was moved in an upward and then downward direction, as if lifted. However, the data was insufficient to draw a firm conclusion. The possibility of pranksters, including helicopter pilots, creating hoaxes was raised, supported by reports of helicopter-like tracks found on the ground, which could explain broken or dislocated limbs.

Conclusions and Official Behavior

The magazine's initial conclusions are presented as limited and circumspect. While acknowledging that good explanations likely exist for most cases, the document points to the "curious behavior" of some "official" investigators and state veterinarians as a factor that has contributed to an "aura of mystery." The central question posed is not about identifying the mutilators (who are considered unlikely to be identified), but rather why authorities in some states have acted incompatibly with their duties, fostering suspicion and making "rather sad statements" without confronting the reality of situations that seemed beyond their comprehension.

Footnotes and Additional Reports

Footnotes provide further details on the data acquisition:

• Footnote (1): Mentions receiving two additional necropsy reports from the Utah Department of Agriculture and three from the Arkansas Livestock Board, obtained through different agencies.
• Footnote (2): Describes receiving six reports from the El Paso County (Colorado) Sheriff's Office, which were noted for their poor documentation and lack of scientific interest, possibly due to orders to stop investigations. It's noted that nearly one hundred reports of cattle mutilation were recorded by this office between mid-1975 and 1982.
• Footnote (3): Suggests that the sudden change in the official viewpoint about these incidents, without apparent reason, indicates that orders from a superior level may have been given to cease investigations. Blaming predatory animals was a way to avoid identifying human mutilators.

Project Stigma End Notes

This section provides updates and calls for reader contributions:

• 1986 Occurrences: Livestock mutilations in 1986 were reported in Alabama, New Mexico (Rio Arriba County), South Dakota, Washington, and Kentucky. Details were planned for STIGMATA No. 24.
• Reader Contributions Sought: Readers were asked to share news related to potentially mutilation-related events, specifically inquiring about:
• A film titled "Cattle Mutilations" by George Kuchar.
• The "mysterious deaths" of 100 pigs in Dane County, Wisconsin.
• Rumors of animal mutilations and black, unidentified helicopters near the U.S./Australian "Pine Gap" installation.
• A cattle mutilation near Kingman, Kansas, in October 1967.
• Livestock mutilations along the Arizona/New Mexico border in 1985 and/or 1986.
• Additional News Items:
• In May 1985, 74 cattle were killed during Army war games at Fort Hunter Liggett, California.
• Texas college professor Gayland Hurst suggested there might be 10,000 "devil worshippers" in Texas.
• A murder trial defendant in Cleburne, Texas, confessed after watching a graphic movie.
• The consumption of "Protomorphogins" (ground-up cattle glands) by some nutrition-minded humans was mentioned, with a caution about proper refinement to avoid negative effects on one's own glands.

Subscriber Information

Subscribers to both CRUX (#2) and STIGMATA (#23) would have their subscriptions extended.

Copyright

The copyright for the content is held by Thomas R. Adams, 1986.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained animal mutilations, the challenges in investigating such phenomena, and a critical perspective on the role and response of official authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that authorities have often mishandled these cases, contributing to public confusion and suspicion. There is an emphasis on gathering and analyzing data from various sources, including official reports and veterinary findings, to understand the phenomenon better. The magazine also actively engages its readership, seeking further information and fostering a community interested in these unexplained events.