Women in Cryptozoology

Staying On Track: 2008’s Forthcoming Cryptozoology Books

A new year is always exciting, for no telling what it holds. New species to be discovered? Of course. New cryptid sightings? Certainly. New cryptozoology books being published? Needless to say. The Top Cryptozoology Books of 2007 have been picked and discussed, so it is time to look to the future. There, indeed, are hints of many new cryptozoology books on the horizon. Let me split them between the nonfiction and cryptofiction. Cryptozoology Nonfiction Titles Ivan T. Sanderson’s classic book, Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life has been republished by Cosimo in 2008, with a new preface. I have already [...]

Maine Mountain Lion Study Group

A group of Dexter Regional High School students and their teacher-adviser Regan McPhetres plan to investigate and prove the existence of mountain lions in Maine. McPhetres, who along with another teacher ran a similar program from 1992 through 2001 in the Winslow-Waterville area, believes there is plenty of evidence that the elusive creatures have a presence in Maine. “There’s evidence they exist around us,” McPhetres said Sunday, despite the reluctance of some state officials to embrace the findings. He said confirmed sightings have been reported in Vermont, New Hampshire and New Brunswick. Mountain lions are supposed to be extinct east [...]

Women in Cryptozoology: Jan McGirk in Johor

Flashback: Let us trek back to Johor with newswoman Jan McGirk and revisit the Malaysian situation before it got lost in the morass of the photo hoaxing, to the events surrounding the initial finding of the now famed track cast. Jan McGirk, on the right, assists with the casting compound, to mold the footprint she first found in Johor, the one often shown being held by Joshua Gates. ++++ The unknown world: How I tracked Bigfoot through the Malaysian jungle (by Jan McGirk). Jan McGirk joined a team of paranormal investigators to check out reports of 10 ft giant apes [...]

Cryptozoology in the Medieval World

I have been in New York City for two days, but I have left various items to be posted in my absence, as you have been seeing. I could not be away without, at least, leaving an intellectual contribution to be posted at the start time of my talk at the American Museum of Natural History. For those looking for an extremely thoughtful discussion of the history of cryptozoology, you may download the following paper here: Cryptozoology in the Medieval and Modern Worlds.