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What is Cryptozoology?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Cryptozoology is the study and pursuit of elusive animals whose existence is not acknowledged by the scientific mainstream. Examples include Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabras, and the Beast of Gévaudan. These are called cryptids. The vast majority of cryptids are either cases of the imagination running wild, misidentifications, or outright hoaxes. The Internet is home to communities of many thousands of people who are drawn to cryptozoology by its aura of mysteriousness and the potential of amazing the world through the discovery of an exotic cryptid.

Despite its huge following, cryptozoology is a field with far more failures than successes. As cameras become cheaper, more numerous, and better, our tools for observation of cryptids are improving, and if these beasts actually exist, it is only a matter of time until they are observed. Cryptozoology devotes itself to attempting these observations.

Some animals, such as the komodo dragon, were considered to be hoaxes prior to their physical discovery.
Some animals, such as the komodo dragon, were considered to be hoaxes prior to their physical discovery.

Perhaps the most famous of all cryptids is Bigfoot – a tall primate that is said to be closely related to humans, but like other surviving species close to us, is covered in fur. Bigfoot looks somewhat like a cross between a man and a large ape. There are Bigfoot sightings from all over the world, but the greatest hotspot of such activity is the Pacific Northwest, on the continent of North America. Scientists dismiss the existence of Bigfoot on grounds of the complete absence of any confirmed physical evidence – there is not a single scrap of hair, skin, bone, or feces yet discovered corresponding to a large nonhuman primate living in the wild in North America. Other efforts in cryptozoology are caught in similar circumstances.

Big Foot is legendary in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Big Foot is legendary in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.

Some cryptids, or animals thought extinct, have later been discovered in the flesh, lending credence to the field of cryptozoology. For example, the coelacanth, from an order of fishes that science thought was extinct, was caught in a fishing net off the coast of Africa in 1938. The platypus, mountain gorilla, komodo dragon, and giant squid were all considered to be hoaxes before they were actually discovered. However, these were all discovered many decades ago. Today, the discovery of new vertebrates is extremely rare – providing compelling evidence that we’ve already seen most of what is out there to be seen.

Another point to consider about cryptozoology is that, for a species to survive, it needs a certain degree of genetic diversity and a gene pool composed of at least a hundred or so individuals. If we’re talking about a hundred or more members of an exotic, large animal, it’s difficult not to dig up any conclusive physical evidence if you are really trying. Repeated failures in cryptozoology across decades strongly indicate that many target cryptids do not really exist. When monster-hunters continue to assert the existence of such creatures despite massive failures, it earns cryptozoology the psuedoscientific reputation it holds today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cryptozoology and what does it study?

Cryptozoology is a field of study that focuses on the search for animals whose existence has not been proven scientifically. It involves the investigation of creatures known as cryptids, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, which are often rooted in folklore and anecdotal evidence. Cryptozoologists aim to find tangible evidence to confirm these animals' existence.

How does cryptozoology differ from mainstream zoology?

Mainstream zoology is a scientific discipline that studies known animals, their biology, behavior, and conservation, using empirical evidence and peer-reviewed research. Cryptozoology, on the other hand, operates on the fringes of science, often relying on eyewitness accounts and historical reports to study creatures that are not recognized by the scientific community.

Are there any success stories in cryptozoology?

While cryptozoology is often met with skepticism, there have been instances where animals once considered mythical were discovered. For example, the okapi, native to the Congo, was once a cryptid until its recognition by scientists in 1901. Similarly, the giant squid was largely considered a legend until specimens were studied in the 19th century.

What methods do cryptozoologists use to search for cryptids?

Cryptozoologists employ a variety of methods, including field expeditions to alleged sighting locations, analysis of historical accounts, and examination of purported evidence such as photographs, footprints, or unexplained sounds. They may also use technology like camera traps or sonar in environments where cryptids are said to dwell.

Why is cryptozoology criticized by the scientific community?

The scientific community often criticizes cryptozoology for its lack of empirical evidence and reliance on anecdotal reports. The field does not typically adhere to the scientific method, and many proposed cryptids lack biological plausibility. This lack of rigorous scientific standards leads to skepticism and dismissal by mainstream scientists.

Can cryptozoology be considered a legitimate science?

Cryptozoology is not recognized as a legitimate science by the broader scientific community due to its speculative nature and the absence of verifiable evidence. However, it can inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world, potentially leading to new discoveries when approached with a critical and scientific mindset.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

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    • Some animals, such as the komodo dragon, were considered to be hoaxes prior to their physical discovery.
      By: Erni
      Some animals, such as the komodo dragon, were considered to be hoaxes prior to their physical discovery.
    • Big Foot is legendary in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
      By: Aleksander Bolbot
      Big Foot is legendary in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.