Cryptoscatology (n.)

Scatology (n.), first appeared as “obscene literature,” 1876, with -logy ”treatise, study” + Greek skat-, stem of skor (genitive skatos) ”excrement,” from PIE *sker- ”excrement, dung” (cf. Latin stercus ”dung”), literally ”to cut off;” as per shear (v.). Related: Scatological (1886). Etymology Dictionary (2010).

Scatology is the study and analysis of feces for physiological, diagnostic, and biological purposes. It is a specialized woodcraft skill, highly valued for identifying specific species in the wild.

Scatology is also called coprology, hence coprolites, i.e. fossilized feces.

Cryptoscatology: The study of field found and collected scat (i.e. dung, feces) of unknown (cryptid), hidden (cryptic), and known (verified, confirmed) species of animals to better inform the knowledge base of cryptozoology (the study of hidden or unknown animals). ~ Loren Coleman (2018).

No prank but a serious educational exhibit. Opening in April 2018, the International Cryptozoology Museum unveils a NEW exhibit, “No Foolin’ Cryptoscatology,” the world’s largest display of fecal replicas (plus a Bigfoot dung model) to assist Sasquatchers identify field scat. The display also contains a replica of giant ground sloth dung.

The study of fecal deposits shares data about an animal’s behavior that is often overlooked.

The Bigfoot scat replica at the Museum is 19 inches across, and mirrors the expected appearance of Sasquatch scat from fifty years of finds. This piece was created by Hollywood SFX artist Kim Parkhurst, Member of the International Cryptozoology Museum’s Board of Directors.

Exploring the unexplored, for a better scientific understanding of Bigfoot, to discovery new hominology knowledge and expand the database.

The exhibit, besides the Bigfoot fecal model, contains 42 replicas of the dung of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. These serve as a comparative database for use in fieldwork and museums around the world.

Some examples include:

Cougar

Elk

Raccoon

Wolf

Black Bear

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Visit the Museum and join with us on September 1 – 2, 2018, at the International Cryptozoology Conference, presented by the International Cryptozoology Society and the International Cryptozoology Museum, Portland, Maine.

For tickets, click here.

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The title of this exhibit, Cryptoscatology is not to be confused with Robert Guffey’s scholarly 2012 book, Cryptoscatology: Conspiracy Theory as Art Form.