Bigfoot legend dates back to the 1800s. The ape-like hairy creature has been a mystery ever since, but data scientist Floe Foxton is the first one with an explanation.
Foxton’s study was published in bioRxiv and can explain numerous grainy sightseeings of the creature, also known as Sasquatch.
The explanation was always in plain sight
Foxton dedicated the whole study to Bigfoot. By using the numbers, he might have finally solved the existence of the creature present in North American and Canadian Folklore.
He wrote, “It has been suggested that the American black bear (Ursus americanus) may be responsible for a significant number of purported sightings of an alleged unknown species of hominid in North America.”
Foxton continued by saying the previous analysis showed “a correlation between “sasquatch” or “bigfoot” sightings and black bear populations in the Pacific Northwest using ecological niche models and simple models of expected animal sightings.”
Previously, Science Alert published a study that suggested that Yeti in Asia is a snow-covered Asian black bear, Himalayan brown bear, or Tibetan brown bear. Yeti’s teeth were already classified as known animals, most likely bears.
Foxton included US and Canada in his study
The scientists analyzed the USA and Canada by “regressing sasquatch sightings on bear populations in each state/province while adjusting for the human population and land area in a mixed-effects model.”
The data showed there is one Bigfoot sightseeing in every 900 bears.
Foxton concluded that based on statistical reviews, “it is likely that many supposed Sasquatch are misidentified known forms.”
The scientist used the database Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
Relying on the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and witnesses, the scientist compared data with black bear density and spread.
Additionally, he included the human population in the equation. The findings say that with more black bears and humans, there were more Bigfoot sightseeing.
Most of the data come from the XX century. Previously, there were little to no databases.
Texas and Florida as exceptions
Foxton added that “Bigfoot sightings have been reported in states with no known breeding black bear populations.”
The data scientist included places such as Florida and Texas, where the number of black bears is low, but Bigfoot was allegedly spotted.
He added, “Although this may be interpreted as evidence for the existence of an unknown hominid in North America, it is also explained by misidentification of other animals (including humans), among other possibilities.”
Foxton concluded that “if Bigfoot is there, it may be many bears.”
Do you believe that the age-old mystery was no mystery at all? Or do you think that the truth is still out there?