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Loren Coleman
Loren Coleman is one of the world's leading cryptozoologists. An honorary member of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, and several other international organizations, he is also a Life Member of the International Society of Cryptozoology. Starting his fieldwork and investigations in 1960, after traveling and trekking extensively in pursue of cryptozoological mysteries, Coleman began writing to share his experiences in 1969.
Loren Coleman is one of the world's leading cryptozoologists. An honorary member of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, and several other international organizations, he is also a Life Member of the International Society of Cryptozoology. Starting his fieldwork and investigations in 1960, after traveling and trekking extensively in pursue of cryptozoological mysteries, Coleman began writing to share his experiences in 1969.
Why is it that cryptids
seemingly can not be found?
Many cryptozoological species have been found. My book, Cryptozoology A to Zcontains many entries on animals such as the okapi, coelacanth, and pygmy hippo which are cryptozoological success stories. The animals found in the so-called "Lost World" of Vietnam are other examples. Native reports of these animals were gathered, followed, and the animals "discovered" by Western Science. In my other book, there's a whole segment where "New Primates" are discussed. It is a popular misconception that cryptids are not found.
How long have you been searching and researching yourself?
I began in March of 1960, starting in the Midwest USA. I have done fieldwork in 45 of the USA's 50 states, all across Canada, in Mexico and the Virgin Islands. I am a firm believer in doing field research as close to your base of operations, your home as possible. However, having been involved with writing and correspondence now for 40 years, I have a rather global view of cryptozoology, of course.
Why isnīt there any conclusive evidence on that hairy creature of North-America?
In The Field Guide to Bigfoot, Yeti, and Other Mystery Primates Worldwide there's a whole section on the evidence that has been found for these hairy hominoids. Again, it's a old misconception there is no evidence for these creatures. If you think about it, the gorilla formerlly was an unknown hairy hominoid, and conclusive evidence was finally found for it. The same is true for the bonobo (the pygmy chimpanzee).
Why do you think it is that some scientists seem to be outright hostile to the possibility of unknown species.
Some scientists love the status quo. Others may be open to such things but fear the consequences of their open-mindedness.
You have conducted many expeditions. Have most of these hunts turned up significant finds?
Down through the years, the list is a long one, and includes footprint finds, screeches, eyewitness accounts, teeth marks in fences, and other tangible evidence of these cryptids.
What got you interested in cryptozoology?
At 12, in 1960, I was reading the books of Charles Fort, which gave me an "open-mind" and "question authority" attitude when I saw a Japanese movie about the Yeti, entitled "Half Human." I went to school and asked my teachers what they knew about the Abominable Snowmen. The answers I got were very unsatisfactory, so I began reading and researching all I could on Yeti, Bigfoot, Sasquatch, lake monsters, and more. It has become a livelong pursuit, passion, and part of my life.
What's been your most interesting experience?
I've had so many it's hard to say one is more interesting than the next. Examining the details of the Dover Demon case of 1977 is high on my list. Looking for the Loch Ness Monsters at that Scottish lake in 1999, with my sons Malcolm and Caleb, is certainly up there. Finding apelike tracks, hearing screeching sounds of an unknown animal, tracking panthers, all in Illinois in the 1960s, were formative searches.
What's your take on the Patterson Bigfoot footage?
On October 20, 1967, the Patterson-Gimlin film was taken. This now-classic footage by Roger Patterson (Bob Gimlin was also there, gun at the ready) is the best evidence we have for a population of unknown primates (variously called Sasquatch or Bigfoot by the public) in the Pacific Northwest. I have not seen any debunking that holds any water, and I sense the film is authentic.
Of all the classic unknowns (Bigfoot, Yeti's, Loch Ness, Mokele Mbembe, etc..) which one do you think has the best chance of being proven true? What is it going to take evidence wise to prove the existence of one of these creatures?
The Orang-Pendek, a small apelike creature seen in Sumatra, I sense will be the first new "big cryptid" discovery. Unfortunately for animals, solid physical evidence through a capture or dead specimen is the only way to prove they exist. It's that simple.
Many cryptozoological species have been found. My book, Cryptozoology A to Zcontains many entries on animals such as the okapi, coelacanth, and pygmy hippo which are cryptozoological success stories. The animals found in the so-called "Lost World" of Vietnam are other examples. Native reports of these animals were gathered, followed, and the animals "discovered" by Western Science. In my other book, there's a whole segment where "New Primates" are discussed. It is a popular misconception that cryptids are not found.
How long have you been searching and researching yourself?
I began in March of 1960, starting in the Midwest USA. I have done fieldwork in 45 of the USA's 50 states, all across Canada, in Mexico and the Virgin Islands. I am a firm believer in doing field research as close to your base of operations, your home as possible. However, having been involved with writing and correspondence now for 40 years, I have a rather global view of cryptozoology, of course.
Why isnīt there any conclusive evidence on that hairy creature of North-America?
In The Field Guide to Bigfoot, Yeti, and Other Mystery Primates Worldwide there's a whole section on the evidence that has been found for these hairy hominoids. Again, it's a old misconception there is no evidence for these creatures. If you think about it, the gorilla formerlly was an unknown hairy hominoid, and conclusive evidence was finally found for it. The same is true for the bonobo (the pygmy chimpanzee).
Why do you think it is that some scientists seem to be outright hostile to the possibility of unknown species.
Some scientists love the status quo. Others may be open to such things but fear the consequences of their open-mindedness.
You have conducted many expeditions. Have most of these hunts turned up significant finds?
Down through the years, the list is a long one, and includes footprint finds, screeches, eyewitness accounts, teeth marks in fences, and other tangible evidence of these cryptids.
What got you interested in cryptozoology?
At 12, in 1960, I was reading the books of Charles Fort, which gave me an "open-mind" and "question authority" attitude when I saw a Japanese movie about the Yeti, entitled "Half Human." I went to school and asked my teachers what they knew about the Abominable Snowmen. The answers I got were very unsatisfactory, so I began reading and researching all I could on Yeti, Bigfoot, Sasquatch, lake monsters, and more. It has become a livelong pursuit, passion, and part of my life.
What's been your most interesting experience?
I've had so many it's hard to say one is more interesting than the next. Examining the details of the Dover Demon case of 1977 is high on my list. Looking for the Loch Ness Monsters at that Scottish lake in 1999, with my sons Malcolm and Caleb, is certainly up there. Finding apelike tracks, hearing screeching sounds of an unknown animal, tracking panthers, all in Illinois in the 1960s, were formative searches.
What's your take on the Patterson Bigfoot footage?
On October 20, 1967, the Patterson-Gimlin film was taken. This now-classic footage by Roger Patterson (Bob Gimlin was also there, gun at the ready) is the best evidence we have for a population of unknown primates (variously called Sasquatch or Bigfoot by the public) in the Pacific Northwest. I have not seen any debunking that holds any water, and I sense the film is authentic.
Of all the classic unknowns (Bigfoot, Yeti's, Loch Ness, Mokele Mbembe, etc..) which one do you think has the best chance of being proven true? What is it going to take evidence wise to prove the existence of one of these creatures?
The Orang-Pendek, a small apelike creature seen in Sumatra, I sense will be the first new "big cryptid" discovery. Unfortunately for animals, solid physical evidence through a capture or dead specimen is the only way to prove they exist. It's that simple.
