KENTUCKY BIGFOOT RESEARCHER

CO-FOUNDER OF WWW.KENTUCKYBIGFOOT.COM

1.Tell us a little about yourself, whatever you would like the readers to know. How did you get started in the pursuit of this animal? Do you believe it will be a life long journey/ambition/hobby/study?

I was exposed to several frightening phenomena’s at an early age. In 1971,when I was 5,we lived in a small country house by the Green River in Reed, KY at a place we called the Booth Farm. Strange things happened there. 'Shadows' were seen inside the house at night by my siblings. My older sister saw a Bigfoot type monster staring in the window one night while watching TV. After my mother saw a UFO land out behind one of the barns one evening we moved back to the city. Then, in 1975,we returned to the country. We moved to Spottsville, Ky-only a few miles up the river from the Booth Farm; to Mound Ridge Rd. Here we spent 11 months enduring many terrifying encounters with 'The Spottsville Monster’. Again we fled to the relative safety of the city. In 1985 we moved back to Reed, Ky. to a large 2-story house on Carlinsburg Rd. Again we were plagued by mysterious events. Bigfoot, ghosts, UFO’s, black panthers. All in one location. We spent 4 years there before moving back to the city a final time in 1989.In the mid '80's I got hold of a copy of Loren Coleman's 'Mysterious America'. This book is the sole reason I became interested in collecting other people's unexplained experiences. This one book provided me with the inspiration to eventually become a cryptid researcher, although I have actively collected encounters of every unexplained phenomenon as well along the way.

2.What are some of your personal beliefs concerning the origins or history of this animal?

Like every other researcher, I do not positively know the origins of these creatures. I have my own theories of course. Due to my own experiences over the years I know for a fact that they are capable of some astounding feats which tend to point to a more paranormal, or supernatural, explanation – such has becoming invisible and exhibiting some degree of telepathic 'mind

control’. I think there is a lot more to the Bigfoot mystery than most researchers care to admit, or even contemplate. I do not completely discount the notion that some of these things could be of a flesh and blood nature. They have been reportedly seen eating, mating, breeding, and leaving trace evidence behind such as footprints, hair and scat. Obviously, these are things, which would not be expected from a supernatural entity. Conversely, I have heard many accounts of these things walking through walls, leaving footprints, which abruptly end in mid stride, hypnotizing witnesses and even being directly associated to UFO entities. I think a hypothesis, which addresses all of these things, and not just one or two aspects of the phenomenon, are needed here. There are strong arguments, which support both sides, the F&B (Flesh and Blood) and the paranormal. I don't think that the researcher's beliefs should play a role in the way evidence, or data, is collected. And that's with any mystery, not just BF (Bigfoot).

3.What was your initial reaction to your fist encounter?

Same as with nearly all my bf encounters: extreme fright. My father was an extremely strong, brave, intelligent man. Aside from the notion of any of his children coming to harm, nothing scared him. The first and only time I ever saw him afraid of something was in Spottsville. This creature actually frightened him and that fact still impresses me to this day.

4.Tell us about your website and how you got it started, (you may mention your partner if he agrees to be recognized) what is the objective/purpose of your site? What message are you trying to tell the public about this illusive animal?

The Kentucky bigfoot website got started when my partner and webmaster, Charlie Raymond, a computer teacher from Louisville who majored in psychology, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in trying to put together a working database of all known KY bf sightings. As I had been collecting KY accounts for years, this seemed to be right up my alley, so

to speak.

5.What advice would you give a novice in this area of study?

My best advice would be to keep an open mind and not automatically dismiss accounts, which do not fit into ones own belief system. Gather all evidence, no matter how strange it may seem, even if it seems to point to a conclusion, which is contradictory to your own notions about what these creatures really are. Ignoring any part of a witness' testimony, no matter how bizarre, does nothing to contribute to any knowledge, which might eventually be gained concerning Bigfoot.

6.What are your personal thoughts on the nature of this creature’s habits/attitudes/migration and travel/social environment with others of the same species?

There seems to be several different types of these creatures, all described in differing terms. Some have 3,4 or 5 toes; some look like apes, some like humans, others like wolves that walk like men. One thing I have found to be consistent in most 'Dog Man’ (muzzled bf) reports is that they are almost always described as acting with extreme aggression towards both man and other animals. For the most part, these accounts seem to come from the Eastern states and are exactly the opposite of the 'typical' BF behavior which comes primarily, but not exclusively, from the PNW part of the U.S. So, it is my personal opinion that several types of bipedal humanoid creatures could be responsible for the bf enigma as a whole. Many researchers understandably have a problem with this. It is hard enough to grasp the idea that even one type of undiscovered primate exists in the world, much less 2 or 3 different varieties.

7.How do you sift through some of the sightings and witness accounts? Do you post them all or do you edit out the ones that are naturally related to hoaxes? Is there a profile of questions you ask?

I try to contact the witnesses personally when possible, and interview them to get a feel of their sincerity. Not all witnesses are sincere, but these types of people usually tip their hands in a personal conversation. Many factors are involved here, such as when a witness insists on remaining completely anonymous to the public and has no wish for attention of any kind. This says something for the credibility of a possible witness. I have found most witnesses to be honest and sincere. No money is involved when someone puts his experiences out for public scrutiny. In fact, there is a negative side to doing this involving public ridicule. I admire those who speak up for the simple sake of honesty and truth regardless of the possible repercussions. It takes guts.

8.What items or equipment do you take with you on an investigation?

Usually a good camera, notepad and pencil and a sturdy walking stick. Often just the stick unless I am interviewing a witness. On expeditions into heavy wilderness areas with which I am unfamiliar I always take a firearm for protection. Most researchers think this is a strict 'no-no’, but I have found that it makes very little difference and most BF is entirely unconcerned about a pistol. Every encounter, which I have either heard or read about concerning someone firing at these creatures, has amounted to

little or no physical damage done to them. I would never shoot at one, unless the safety of myself or someone in my party was being compromised. I don't advocate violence in any form toward anything, but, in the wilds, BF is not the only creature, which gives cause for concern, and it is, in my opinion, always better to be safe than sorry.

9.How far in the world does this creature’s existence extend? How far back has this animal been reported?

The enigma of BF, as far as I can tell, is an extremely ancient one, going back as far as the existence of mankind. And every continent has its own BF equivalents; we are dealing with a worldwide phenomenon with roots stretching far back into antiquity. (Readers see this link http://kentuckybigfoot.com/pictures.htm at the bottom of the page to see a photo of a Native American cave painting found in Kentucky that depicts some type of upright beast. Then go to this link http://kentuckybigfoot.com/counties/edmonson.htm to read more about the discovery.)

10.Hypothetically, if you ever actually entrapped a Bigfoot, what would be your course of action? Would you turn it over to science/government officials/the media?

First of all, I would never even attempt to capture one of these creatures. I don't think it's possible. They seem to be extremely intelligent; incredibly powerful and wary of anyone near them. I’ve asked this question myself to others who search for it. What will you do if you ever find it? Wrestle it down? Ask it to ride back into town with you? I would content myself with capturing its image on film. A good close-up shot for several minutes or so, I think, is the best anyone can hope for. It may sound callous, but the only way to actually prove to science that they exist is to kill one. Given their reported contempt for man-made bullets I don't think this will happen anytime soon.

11.Why, in your opinion, has there been no solid evidence, such as a body (live or dead or injured) been found to prove it's existence?

This question is the greatest bastion for the skeptical argument. This question alone, when you think about it, either supports the notions that they don't exist at all or they are a paranormal manifestation incapable of being killed or captured...or even photographed very well. It is incredible to think that a living, breeding population of beings such as these could avoid all detection for any length of time. Which they have done extremely well. Even their young seem to be incapable of making the kind of grave mistakes as our own do. They don't fall off of cliffs and die. They don't get killed by cars or drown. They don't seem to die from sicknesses such as humans often do. It is an extremely troubling paradox to which no cut and dried answer can be applied.

12.What do you think this animal actually is? An unclassified/undiscovered species? A creature of the paranormal realm? A creature left over from some alien visitation?

All of the above. At this point, the creatures are definitely an unclassified species. With each passing year and each new witness I talk to I am further impressed by the notion that these things, at least one type of them, are seemingly directly linked to the UFO phenomenon, which, I feel, is not of an extraterrestrial nature, but a paranormal one.

13.How far does the Bigfoot legend go back in the state of Kentucky?

As far back, as there were people here to record their existence.

14.Where are the most sightings in the USA?

Typically, it is considered that the majority of sightings take place in the vast expanses of wilderness in the PNW (Pacific North West). However, since I have been conducting my research I have found that an incredible amount of activity is going on in the Ohio Valley. Much more so than the average researcher would expect. Personally, I have come to believe that, for whatever reason, this is the bf capital of the world.

15.Do you believe that this animal has some level of intelligence or communication skills either with some of their own species or with humans? Do you believe one can be befriended/tamed/ or develop enough trust to study its environmental habits?

Yes to all of the above. I am in communication with several people, who wish to remain anonymous, which claims to be in direct contact with these creatures on a regular basis. According to them, the BF speaks using a combination of Native American dialects and mental telepathy. Something no 'natural' sentient being on earth is capable of.

16.What evidence that you have found can contribute to the actual statement that it does exist?

I think the best evidence, which argues the fact that they exist, is the tens of thousands of eyewitness accounts. Anecdotal, yes, but everyone can't be lying or delusional. To one such as myself, their existence is not even questionable.

17.Do you believe that the media is controlled by some secret government agency that steps in to cover up some of the more intense mysterious encounters with this animal...for instance if it involved serious injury/and or death to the witness?

Yes. I am sure of this.

18.Can you tell us some of the Native American beliefs about this animal?

Most NA (North American) tribes believed that BF was/is an evil spiritual being, capable of shape shifting into other animal forms and even disappearing at will. Most believed that to even see it meant certain impending bad fortune or even death. While the 'evil nature spirit' is the most common belief among NA cultures, there are some who hold that BF is merely another type of Indian, taller, more hairy and more powerful, not to mention more cunning and elusive.

19.Do you believe that the Yeti, the Russian Almas and other reports worldwide concerning the same characteristics of our own native Bigfoot, are related in some way? Were they all once a tribe together before the continental split thousands of years ago, and were separated, then had to adapt to their new environments?

Yes I think all of these creatures are merely regional varieties of the same subject.

20.Are all the Bigfoot groups/researchers/historians connected in some way or are they all basically independent branches, like segregated religions with their own beliefs/practices/code of ethics, etc.?

There are basically 2 types of researchers. Those who think BF to be merely an undiscovered species of primate, with no abilities other than those shared by other primates such as gorillas. Certainly not as intelligent as humans. The other type thinks that there must be more to bf than meets the eye. That no natural animal could be capable of the bizarre feats, which have been attributed to these creatures. From my own experience, the relict hominid believers seem to be extremely hostile to anyone who thinks outside of their own paradigms. They delight in ridiculing and belittling those who refuse to go along with their way of thinking, even though it has yielded absolutely no results in over 50 years. Not all F&B supporters are this way by any means. Some are very cordial and friendly to others despite the difference of opinions. By and large, though, the paranormal BF enthusiasts are generally not well received.

21.Do you believe that within the next 10 years that someone out there will solve this mystery once and for all, by using all the modern technology available?

No. I do believe the bf mystery will be solved in the next 10 years, but not by man using modern technology. If the mystery is to be put to rest, I feel it will be by the creatures themselves.

22.If one were captured, alive, what would be your feelings over it being in a public viewing area, such as a zoo?

I don't think this will ever happen but, should I be wrong and someone actually manages to capture one and it turns out to be nothing more than an F&B animal, I would sympathize with the BF. I don't believe we should put any animals on display, much less intelligent ones. Elephants are a good example of this.

23.Are there any other well-known public figures, (such as Jane Goodall who said in an interview in September of 2002, that she is certain Bigfoot exists, and was excited that a hair sample turned up DNA evidence of a species of unknown origin.) which publicly recognize the true existence of this animal? (Any scientist, crypto-zoologist?)

Not many. Nearly all cryptozoologists at least support the notion that they could exist. Loren Coleman, generally accepted as the world's leading cryptozoologist, is probably the most well known advocate of the existence of BF. Interestingly, I don't think he has ever had a sighting himself. Could be wrong there, but I don't think so.

24.What are some of the most unbelievable witness accounts that you have heard or read about? (Some that are way out there, like being raped and having Bigfoot's baby, bigfoot coming in and eating popcorn with the family, etc.)

I have read a couple of BF rape accounts, as well as several alleged bf murders. But to me, the most bizarre accounts are the ones, which the BF is reported as having some type of interaction with the UFO phenomenon. Of course, the ones where it is said to walk through walls and 'glide' above the ground are highly unusual as well.

25.Are there other avenues of the paranormal that you are interested in or have a desire to study? Have any experiences you would like to share?

I have studied all varieties of the paranormal and have my own experiences with most of them. I have personally seen several different cryptids, mostly in the company of other witnesses, aside from my BF experiences. The strangest was a large, red, featherless bird with a wingspan of about 20 ft. which resembled a pterosaur back in 1998.I have lived in haunted houses and experienced spectral phenomena’s while there. In addition, I have seen more UFO's here in Western KY than I could possibly relate here.

26.How do your friends and family take you believing in this topic of Bigfoot?

Seriously, just as I take it. Those who know me know that I do not lie or make up stories.

26.What do you say to skeptics, or how do you handle their sometimes-rude remarks?

I just do the best I can with that. It is not my intention to change anyone's beliefs or put my own in his or her place. In the end, everything I say will either be accepted or rejected. It is inevitable. I have no problem with either outcome.

27.Do you have an experience that truly frightened you?

Yes. Read my 'Strange KY Encounter' at www.kentuckybigfoot.com, Henderson County, involving an invisible BF attack. The Spottsville Monster episode, http://kentuckybigfoot.com/counties/spottsville_monster.htm, was very >frightening as well, especially for a young child. My most frightening experiences, however, involve ghosts. Never did care for them at all.

28.If you had an endless bank account, would you pursue this research as a full time career? Would you travel worldwide to do the research? Do you plan on writing any books?

Being poor all my life I think I would take some time to enjoy life a little more than what I have been able to so far. I would definitely continue my Fortean pursuits, but more efficiently. I cannot afford to travel much to meet with witnesses, even from opposite sides of my own state, to collect any evidence, which might be left behind. I’m sure that, were I rich, I would be an investigative whirlwind. I do have a couple of book projects that I am working on concerning BF and other mysteries, as

well as a movie about the Spottsville events which I hope to see released in the next year or two.

29.Is there anything else you would like to add to let the readers understand your course of study more? Or just anything else in general?

Yes. Even though, like everyone else, I would like to be rich, I did not get involved with cryptid research for any possible monetary gain. As of right now, I have never made a single cent from my experiences or research.

30.What is the most enjoyable aspect of your research?

To me, one of the most rewarding aspects of cryptid research is being able to sketch a mysterious being under the actual witness' direction. Note that I did not say witness’ description. There is a big difference between the two. Witness direction, as in Jan's case, is an ongoing process, which requires several attempts to portray exactly what the witness saw. The images are emailed to the witness who is then able to describe what alterations are needed. Back and forth the image travels until it arrives at its intended destination: a nearly perfect, accurate representation of an unknown animal. A very satisfying conclusion for both the witness and myself. Jan is an excellent observer and her eye for detail is amazing. Her instructions were very matriculate. She would settle for nothing less than a perfect image of the creatures she has seen. This degree of accuracy is not possible when sketching from a simple witness' description, and working with her was a rare pleasure on my part.

-Barton M.Nunnelly

(Click this link http://kentuckybigfoot.com/pictures.htm to see some of Barton’s wonderful artwork he sketched out under witness’ directions. Including the one’s he’s done for me personally concerning the Beast of LBL and the albino creature seen in Sturgis.)

Interview done by Hannibal Specter

February 2006