Cryptozoology is a pseudoscience that attempts to prove
the existence of cryptic creatures.
Cryptozoologists have studied the existence of Bigfoot.
Zoology refers to
the scientific study of animals. Cryptozoology, therefore, refers to
the scientific study of hidden animals. In other words, cryptozoology is
the study of animals whose
existence has not been confirmed by
the larger scientific community. Cryptozoologists, those who work in
the field of cryptozoology, research claimed sightings and folk legends of these hidden animals, and search for evidence of their existence. Individuals working in this field spend most of their time trying to establish respected theories that can explain
the claimed sightings of these mystery animals. Today, cryptozoology has become a popular interest and is even
the topic of many television series.
The academic community does not acknowledge cryptozoology as a true science. Instead, it is considered a pseudoscience, which means that it does not follow
the scientific m*ethod. The origin of cryptozoology as a potential branch of zoology dates back to
the mid-20th century, after two zoologists published books concerning specific cryptids (the term created in
the 1980s to refer to
the hidden animals
studied by cryptozoologists). In
the late 19th century, however,
the Director of
the Dutch Royal Zoological Gardens published a book positing
the existence of a large, undiscovered seal species, establishing
the platform upon which cryptozoology as a matter of public interest was founded.
Well-Known Cryptids Around
the World
As mentioned,
the term cryptid is used to describe
the undiscovered animals that cryptozoologists research. Many of these creatures come from folklore and other local stories, but their legends remain alive with
the help of reported sightings that continue into
the present day. Some of
the most well-known cryptids from around
the world include Bigfoot, Loch Ness, and Chupacabra.
Bigfoot might be
the most popular cryptid in
the field of cryptozoology. This creature is usually described as a large ape-like species that walks upright like a human. Stories of
Bigfoot date back to several indigenous tribes of North America.
Bigfoot sightings occur from time to time, particularly in
the Pacific Northwest region of
the United States. This cryptid has also been referred to by
the following names: Yeti or Abominable Snowman (a white version that lives in
the frozen environment of
the Himalayan mountains), Skunk Ape (in
the southern region of
the US), and Sasquatch (the name preferred by individuals in
the northwest region of
the US). One common theory that attempts to explain
the existence of
Bigfoot is that it is a descendant of
the Gigantopithecus Blacki species, which is now extinct.
Loch Ness is another popular cryptid that is believed to inhabit
the lake of
the same name in Scotland. Reports of this creature often claim that its body and neck are long and that as it swims, its back arches up out of
the surface of
the water. The lake has an underground channel that connects to
the ocean, which Loch Ness believers claim is how
the creature escapes undetected. One common theory claims this cryptid is likely a descendant of
the now-extinct Plesiosaur, which was a marine dinosaur with a long neck and flippers that enabled it to swim.
Chupacabra is believed to primarily inhabit several American countries, although des c r i p tions of similar cryptids
have been reported around
the world. Its name is Spanish for “goat sucker,” which refers to its livestock bloodsucking behavior. The first recorded sighting of this creature is traced back to Puerto Rico in 1995. Reports of
the creature usually occur after a community or farmer loses a large number of livestock due to a loss of blood. In many cases, investigators or livestock owners discover small incisions in
the animal that are appear like fang marks. Des c r i p tions of
the cryptid vary, but
the chupacabra is commonly suggested as a reptilian-like animal with spines along its backbone. Although it stands on its two back legs, it does not walk with a human-gait, but rather takes small jumping steps.
Confirmed Cryptid Discoveries
Although considered a pseudoscience, cryptozoologists claim their field has led to
the discovery of animals that were once considered mythical. One commonly cited example of this is
the confirmed
existence of
the Coelacanth, an ancient fish species. This 6-foot long fish was thought to
have gone extinct with
the dinosaurs despite claims from Africa that it was still alive. In 1938, a museum curator came across a specimen in a market in South Africa, confirming local legend. Today, only two Coelacanth survive.
Perhaps one of
the most widely recognized instances of a confirmed cryptid discovery is that of
the gorilla. In
the mid-19th century, several African tribes shared
the same story of
the “Pongo,” a creature with a dangerous temper that looked like a cross between an ape and a human. Local legend suggested that
the Pongo consumed human flesh and held supernatural powers. Most European scientists doubted these claims until 1847, when
the gorilla was discovered.
Criticism of Cryptozoology
Despite its claims of confirmed discoveries, cryptozoology continues to receive far more criticism than support from
the scientific community. While academic sciences widely accept
the fact that there are a number of animal species yet to be discovered, they argue that all of
the large, living animals
have already been discovered.
Cryptozoologists focus their energy on just that, large animals that
have thus far escaped discovery. Herein lies one of
the primary criticisms of cryptozoology.
Another significant criticism of cryptozoology is that it fails to utilize
the scientific m*ethod, and instead relies solely on oral accounts of possible creatures. Additionally, cryptozoologists devote
the entirety of their research to
the existence of animal species that academics
have long since deemed fictitious. Some individuals report that
the study of cryptids is so deeply criticized that showing an interest in
the field could end a scientist’s career.
Cryptozoologists are often ridiculed and referred to as “monster hunters” rather than as legitimate scientists. Human gullibility is often credited with its popularity.
Some highly respected scientific academics
have made somewhat positive references to cryptozoology, however. One example of this was when
the Flores Man was discovered in Indonesia in 2003. A paleontologist suggested that this find provided at least some proof that
the creatures of folklore may indeed be b*ased on actual truth.
What is Cryptozoology?
Cryptozoology is a pseudoscience that attempts to prove
the existence of cryptic creatures.