Wonders - Vol 3 No 2 - 1994

Magazine Overview

WONDERS, Vol. 3, No. 2, published in June 1994, is a quarterly magazine from Mark A. Hall Publications, based in Minneapolis, MN. The issue's primary focus is on the phenomenon of Bigfoot, exploring various theories and evidence related to the existence of large, hairy, bipedal creatures in North America and elsewhere.

Editorial: Welcome to Our Planet

The editorial, titled 'Welcome to Our Planet,' draws a parallel between a science fiction scenario of a starship discovering a planet where the dominant species denies the existence of similar life forms, and humanity's current stance on certain creatures. The author argues that human scientists, like the fictional dominant species, are too quick to dismiss evidence of close primate relatives, such as Gigantopithecus, Neanderthal Man, and Paranthropus, insisting they cannot survive today. The editorial suggests that while humans may be primitive and sad in their collective inability to see the truth, there is also a measure of goodness in their unwillingness to knowingly destroy these close relatives when given the chance.

Patterson's Bigfoot by Mark A. Hall

This article by the magazine's editor, Mark A. Hall, delves into the complexity of the Bigfoot phenomenon, moving beyond simplistic Hollywood depictions. Hall posits that the term 'Bigfoot' is loosely applied to various reports of large, hairy creatures, and that the descriptions vary significantly, suggesting the presence of several distinct primate types. He notes that Native American cultures have long been aware of such beings, using numerous names for them, which he believes indicates different creatures are being described. Hall aims to clarify the origin of the modern Bigfoot/Sasquatch notion, culminating in the image from the Roger Patterson/Robert Gimlin film.

The article discusses 'True Giants,' described as reaching 15 feet in height with four-toed tracks, potentially survivors of Gigantopithecus. It also mentions reports of a distant relative of the Yeti, possibly Dryopithecus indicus. Hall references previous articles in Wonders on these topics.

He explains that the name 'Bigfoot' was popularized in 1958 by a newspaperman identifying large tracks found in Northern California. The similarity to the Sasquatch of British Columbia was quickly noted, and the two traditions merged. Hall suggests that Bigfoot stories reflect the survival of more than half a dozen primate types in North America, with parallels found globally. He cites Ivan T. Sanderson's book 'Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life' as an example of such stories.

The article focuses on the 1967 Patterson film, suggesting the creature depicted is Australopithecus robustus. It references Hall's own previous writings on 'Taku He' or 'Bigfoot' in South Dakota. Hall emphasizes that with fossil primate evidence, the true nature of these hairy beings should be clearer, but collective knowledge remains limited, leading to arguments about their existence.

Five Kinds of Tracks

This section, also by Mark A. Hall, proposes that the existence of 'Bigfoot' would be more easily accepted if there were only one type of creature. However, Hall insists that facts must guide explanations, leading him to propose several waves of prehistoric primate migration into the New World. He identifies five types of primates whose tracks are reported: Neo-Giants, True Giants, American Yetis, Taller-hominids, and Shorter-hominids. These types, he argues, have been confused, particularly the Neo-Giants and Taller-hominids in the Pacific Northwest.

Hall describes three types of tracks in detail to help distinguish them: Neo-Giant, Taller-hominid, and Shorter-hominid. He notes that the Neo-Giant tracks are characterized by an hourglass shape to the shank and split ball behind the big toe, while Taller-hominid tracks resemble human footprints but with increasing toe size and a convex ridge behind the toes. Shorter-hominid tracks are identified by an angled big toe and similarly sized toes.

He suggests that the Shorter-hominid might be a descendant of Homo sapiens neanderthalensis (Neanderthal Man), and the Taller-hominid might be a descendant of Homo sapiens rhodesiensis (Rhodesian Man). The article includes figures illustrating these tracks and a graph comparing the proportions of five types of tracks.

Key Encounters and Evidence

The magazine details several significant encounters and pieces of evidence:

• Albert Ostman Account: In 1924, Albert Ostman was reportedly abducted and held captive for a week by four Neo-Giants on Toba Inlet, British Columbia. He described their physique, habits, and communication. This account was later documented by journalist John Green in 1957.
• William Roe Sighting: In October 1955, William Roe reported seeing a female creature matching the description of the Neo-Giants near Tete Jaune Cache, British Columbia.
• Patterson-Gimlin Film: The most famous encounter discussed is the 1967 film by Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin in Bluff Creek, California. The film captured a creature identified as potentially Australopithecus robustus. Plaster casts of tracks measured 14.5 inches, and studies of the film suggest the subject was a female, about six feet tall, with short dark hair and a sagittal crest.
• Robert Titmus Casts: Robert Titmus cast a series of 10 tracks found at the Patterson-Gimlin site, showing typical footprint variations and proportions of 4.5 by 14.5 inches.

Scientists like Don Abbott expressed curiosity but reserved judgment, awaiting more concrete evidence such as bones or a skull. Naturalist Frank Beebe found the film genuine but admitted fear of such a creature's human-like appearance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the assertion that 'Bigfoot' and related phenomena are not isolated incidents but evidence of surviving, distinct primate species. The magazine advocates for a more open-minded scientific approach, challenging the prevailing view that such creatures are extinct or non-existent. The editorial stance is one of advocating for the pursuit of truth based on available evidence, even when it contradicts established scientific paradigms. The magazine positions itself as a source for exploring these less conventional mysteries, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of these 'hairy wonders' coexisting with humans.

Title: WONDERS
Issue: June 1994
Volume: 4
Date: 1994-06
Publisher: WONDERS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of WONDERS magazine focuses on the topic of "Neo-Giants," a term used to encompass creatures like Bigfoot and Sasquatch. The content delves into the history of sightings, scientific analysis, and the potential evolutionary origins of these beings.

The Patterson-Gimlin Film and Initial Reactions

The issue begins by discussing the screening of the Patterson-Gimlin film, taken in 1967, for members of the press. Initial reactions were mixed, with some expressing uncertainty and others skepticism. William Gall of the Vancouver Sun stated, "I don't know what to think. I would like to have seen a bone or something." Paddy Sherman of the Vancouver Province questioned why the creature wasn't shot.

Ivan T. Sanderson was enlisted to assist with the scientific and commercial uses of the film. He recounts meeting with Roger Patterson, the film's subject, and representatives from Look Magazine and Life Magazine. Both magazines viewed the film, with Life Magazine even paying for the party's passage to New York and creating "out-takes" of key frames. However, after a showing at the American Museum of Natural History, scientists there declared the film "impossible" and a hoax. This led both Life and Look magazines to withdraw their interest.

Sanderson later wrote an article for Argosy Magazine, illustrated with out-takes from the film. The film was also described in National Wildlife. Sanderson arranged for further viewings by primatologists Dr. W.C. Osman Hill and Dr. John Napier, and geographer Dr. A. Joseph Wraight, who generally found the subject positive.

Scientific Analysis and Potential Origins

The article highlights that studies of the film have been conducted by various researchers, including D. W. Grieve, Dimitri Bayanov, Igor Bourtsev, Dimitri Donskoy, John Napier, and Grover Krantz. The author finds the film to be genuine, noting the realistic movement of the arms and the breadth of the shoulders as arguments against a man-in-a-suit explanation.

The Neo-Giants observed in the film and by Albert Ostman are identified as potentially being living descendants of a particular fossil primate, *Australopithecus robustus* (also known as *Paranthropus robustus*). This species is characterized by a sagittal crest, found in both males and females. The article notes that *A. robustus* found in Africa were small, but larger relatives, termed *Meganthropus* (later *Paranthropus palaeojavanicus*), have been found in Southeast Asia, reaching up to 8 feet tall.

Roger Lewin's work on brain size increase relative to body size is discussed. Projecting this trend suggests that a creature weighing 182-227 kilograms could have a brain size of over 900-1100 cubic centimeters, indicating a potentially large brain.

Global Sightings and Descriptions

The magazine presents evidence of similar creatures, termed "Neo-Giants" or "wildmen," from various parts of the world. Tracks found in Shennongjia, China, are mentioned, though the photographic quality is noted as a limitation. A 57-year-old informant from the Hulong Mountains described "man-like bears" that were tall, covered in gray and brownish hair, walked bipedally, and ate corn, tree bark, and leaves. Their footprints were larger than human ones, and they were estimated to weigh between 100 and 150 kilograms.

In 1977, another observation in the Hulong Mountains noted a large "big toe" print. The "man-like bears" of China are suggested to parallel the Neo-Giants of North America. Reports from the Himalayas are also cited, with a drawing showing a physical type similar to North American Neo-Giants.

Slavomir Rawicz's account of encountering two creatures in the mountains of northern India in March 1942 is recounted. These creatures appeared to be 8 feet tall and are depicted in an illustration.

Further afield, records hint at Neo-Giants in Australia, Africa, Central America, and South America, though these are considered less documented possibilities. The Sisemite in Central America and the Ucumar (or Ukumar-Zupai) in Argentina are mentioned as potential Neo-Giant equivalents.

Characteristics and Behavior

The article synthesizes descriptions of Neo-Giants, noting their consistent physical traits such as height, bulk, and tracks. They are described as omnivorous, eating roots and plants, and potentially small rodents. Their dark coloration is suited to mountain slopes and shadowy forests. They are noted for their climbing ability and are generally described as lazy, often sitting and eating corn or other vegetation.

Evolutionary Context and Future Research

The Neo-Giant is presented as one of nature's experiments with highly developed primates, alongside *Homo sapiens*, True Giants, Taller-hominids, and Yetis. The article suggests that these beings have avoided extinction due to geological upheavals and the pressures of *Homo sapiens*.

The author criticizes the "catch and kill" approach to studying these creatures, arguing that it has been a failure and hinders knowledge acquisition. Instead, the article advocates for a drastic change in human regard for these beings, moving away from viewing them as mere specimens. The future approach should involve seeking "ambassadors" and changing our perspective to one of respect and potential communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the existence and nature of cryptids, specifically "Neo-Giants" (Bigfoot/Sasquatch), and their potential evolutionary links to fossil hominins. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a more respectful, scientific, and open-minded approach to studying these phenomena, moving beyond skepticism and sensationalism towards a deeper understanding and potential interspecies communication. The article emphasizes that these creatures are intelligent and aware of humans, and that our current approach is counterproductive to gaining knowledge.

Title: WONDERS
Issue: 51
Date: June 1994
Cover Headline: BIGFOOT HITS THE DAKOTAS

This issue of WONDERS magazine features an article by Mark A. Hall titled "BIGFOOT HITS THE DAKOTAS," which delves into a series of unusual animal sightings and track evidence primarily from the 1970s and early 1980s. The article focuses on events in Manitoba, Canada, and the Dakotas (North and South Dakota) in the USA, proposing a theory about the nature and movements of these creatures, which the author categorizes as 'Neo-Giants.'

Bigfoot Hits the Dakotas

The article begins by reflecting on the 1970s as an extraordinary decade for unusual animal reports. Mark A. Hall states his intention to revisit events from the Dakotas, which were published in "The Minnesota Archaeologist," to provide a larger context. He suggests that while these events may have seemed strange, they could be explained by understanding what the animals were, why they were present, and how their appearance became a notable episode.

Chronology of Events

The chronology starts in 1975 with peculiar events in Manitoba. On June 23 and 29, two men clearing brush near Brandon heard 'hair-raising animal screams,' and later, two other individuals reported hearing movement and footsteps. Their car became immobile for a period, and the bumper was found bent outward.

More significantly, on July 5, 1975, near Portage la Prairie, two boys, David Peters (15) and his cousin Joseph Mousseau (8), witnessed a 'shadowy dark figure about eight or nine feet tall' on their porch. David described it as dark-colored, lacking a distinct neck, with long arms hanging down to its knees. The creature's head was estimated to be 12 to 15 feet away from the 5-foot-tall boy, implying a significant height difference. The boys secured themselves indoors, and the next day, large footprints were found near a well and in a ditch, measuring approximately 20 inches long. The distance between Brandon and Portage la Prairie along the Assiniboine River was noted as considerable, making it seem unlikely for the same creature to be in both locations within five days.

Neo-Giants in the Plains

The speculation about these events led to the identification of the track-makers as 'Neo-Giants,' a term Hall uses for giant primates known from Western North America. He suggests that a group of three Neo-Giants, possibly an adult male, an adult female, and a half-grown offspring, had moved into the Dakotas from the West. Their route appears to have followed a path around 51 to 54 degrees North latitude to avoid populated areas, potentially entering Manitoba and then turning south.

Reports from July 1975 to the summer of 1977 are not detailed, but the creatures reappear near Spearfish, South Dakota. The implication is a southwestward movement, possibly along the Souris River, crossing the Missouri River in western North Dakota, and then heading south towards the Black Hills. Pauline Bennett, writing to the Eagle Butte News in October 1977, relayed a story from Betty Johnson of Spearfish, who, along with her three daughters, saw two animals. One was black, 7 to 8 feet tall, weighing 400-500 pounds, walking upright and making strange noises. The other was smaller, 350-400 pounds, brownish-red with a black face.

Detailed Sightings and Tracks (1977)

In 1977, the 'Little Eagle Bigfoot' became a news phenomenon. Reports from Red Scaffold and Green Grass in early August indicated movement from the west into the area of LaPlant to the Cannonball River in North Dakota. Hall details 29 reports from mid-August to early December 1977, with sightings most frequent around the Grand River and Little Eagle. Two individuals reported seeing an 8- to 9-foot-tall creature near the Cannonball River in North Dakota.

Three sizes of tracks were documented: the largest was approximately 8.5 by 20 inches, associated with a creature 8.5 feet tall with a 8-10 foot stride. A second track, around 8 by 18 inches, was linked to a 7.5-foot-tall creature with a 6-8 foot stride. A third track, 5 by 14 inches, was associated with a 6-foot-tall creature.

Eerie cries, described as high-toned whistling and howling, were often reported, thought to be a form of communication. One unusual event occurred on October 29, 1977, at Elkhorn Buttes. BIA officer Verdell Veo and another officer encountered a creature, while Veo's son, using an infra-red scope, sighted a second creature. The first creature seemed to want the men to follow it, while the second attempted to block their path to the pickup. The creature was described as about eight to nine feet tall.

Later Sightings and Analysis

After a gap, another sighting occurred on October 26, 1979. Two men driving in North Dakota encountered a creature described as a 'big gorilla, twice the size of a man,' with long, stringy, grayish-black hair, 6 to 7 feet in height. They wished to remain anonymous.

On September 27, 1981, three creatures were again seen near Little Eagle by three teenagers. Their jeep stalled, and as they walked back to town, they spotted three black objects estimated to be about 10 feet tall, moving rapidly on two legs.

Hall concludes that the tracks identify these creatures as Neo-Giants. He finds their appearance in the Plains peculiar but suggests it was a case of exploration. He believes they traveled as a family unit, indicating dedication to family and possibly a desire to explore the world. The author estimates this exploration occurred over at least six years, with periods of unseen activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article consistently frames the reported phenomena as evidence of 'Neo-Giants,' a specific type of large primate cryptid. The author, Mark A. Hall, presents a narrative that links disparate sightings across different years and locations into a coherent pattern of exploration by a family unit. The editorial stance is one of seeking rational explanations within the realm of cryptozoology, focusing on detailed accounts, track evidence, and witness testimonies. Hall emphasizes the unique vocalizations, bold behavior, and unusual locations associated with these Neo-Giant reports, distinguishing them from other 'Bigfoot' accounts. The article suggests these creatures are curious about their environment, much like humans, and that their appearances, though rare, are part of a larger, ongoing presence in North America.

Additional Information

The magazine also includes a promotional section for a book by Mark A. Hall titled "THE Yeti, Bigfoot & True Giants." This book, a reprint from WONDERS, covers three types of cryptids, includes new introductions, a revised bibliography, and an article on captive primates. It is described as a 1994, indexed, 120-page publication available for $16.95 postpaid in North America and $22.00 by airmail outside North America. Orders can be placed with Mark A. Hall at a specific P.O. Box in Minneapolis, MN.