Sasquatch Tracks

Micah Hanks, Dakota Waddell and Jeff Smith

Sasquatch Tracks takes a scientific look at whether there are large animal species that remain undiscovered. With special emphasis on the Sasquatch in North America, the show looks at claims of apelike "relict hominoids" and other animals purported to exist in various parts of the world.

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68 episodes
Updated Nov 15, 2025

Episodes68

Newest first

Jan 31, 2022 · 1 hr 33 min
Daniel Perez: Bigfoot Times, Bluff Creek, and Beyond | ST 028
In this very special installment of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is proud to welcome longtime researcher Daniel Perez to the program, a historian and chronicler of the Sasquatch subject and editor/publisher of the legendary newsletter Bigfoot Times. According to Perez, The Bigfoot Times is "where you go when you need to know!" when it comes to the subject of Bigfoot. As of January 2022, Bigfoot Times has celebrated an incredible 24 years of continuous publishing, which Perez points out that "Few -- if anyone -- can make that claim." In an era where the majority (if not virtually all) publications dealing with the Sasquatch subject are found exclusively online, Perez's lasting contributions with Bigfoot Times have long remained a cornerstone for innovative discourse on the Sasquatch mystery. Our conversation with Daniel Perez covers everything from the early beginnings of The Bigfoot Times (which you can subscribe to online here), to his in-depth research into one of the most famous and controversial films of all time: the Patterson/Gimlin film of 1967, which purportedly depicts a large, female Sasquatch at Bluff Creek, California. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Bigfoot Times: The monthly newsletter on Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, & more. Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Dec 21, 2021 · 1 hr 55 min
John Mionczynski: The Biologist and Bigfoot | ST 027
On this special holiday edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by legendary biologist John Mionczynski, whose personal experience with a Sasquatch in 1972 while camping in the Wind River Mountains propelled him on a decades-long search for answers about the creatures and their existence. A naturalist, ethnobotanist, and musician with a penchant for old BMW motorcycles, Mionczynski is a revered and well-regarded field scientist who has worked with the U.S. Forest Service and a number of agencies on various wildlife projects. His study of Sasquatch in the decades since his 1972 encounter has led him to pursue indigenous American knowledge about the creatures, their habits, and behavior. Our conversation with Mionczynski takes us deep into the lingering questions about Sasquatch, and how science can be applied toward their study. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: John Mionczynski: A biologist revered and ridiculed John Mionczynski: naturalist, accordionist, and Bigfoot expert Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Nov 17, 2021 · 1 hr 33 min
Todd Neiss: Bigfoot and the American Primate Conservancy | ST 026
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by veteran Sasquatch researcher Todd Neiss, a retired Staff Sergeant from the Oregon Army National Guard and a veteran of the Iraq War. In 1993, Neiss's life was forever changed after he had a firsthand encounter with Sasquatch during a military training exercise, of which he later found that he hadn't been the only witness. Todd has been actively researching these elusive creatures for over two decades, and has been the subject of many television shows and documentaries; as well as a featured speaker at numerous Bigfoot conferences. He holds an Associate Degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies from Grantham University. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: The American Primate Conservancy Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Nov 3, 2021 · 1 hr 28 min
Gareth Patterson: The Otang: South Africa's Sasquatch? | ST 025
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by Gareth Patterson, a researcher who has spent the last several decades chronicling the elusive Knysna elephants in South Africa. However, during the course of his work, Patterson managed to discover evidence of something even more incredible than the world's most elusive clan of elephants. According to the book's description, "Beyond the Secret Elephants is the continuing story of Gareth Patterson's almost two decades of research into the secretive Knysna elephants. Significantly, however, it also reveals his startling discovery of a much more mysterious being than the elephants – a relict hominoid known to the indigenous forest people as the Otang." Patterson joins us for a discussion not only about the Otang and his personal observations of these creatures, but also about how studying large, elusive pachyderms can present lessons applicable toward the study of purported relict hominoids. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Beyond the Secret Elephants: On mystery, elephants and discovery Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Oct 5, 2021 · 2 hr 12 min
Mike Mayes and Rick Minter: Big Cats and Sasquatch Sightings | ST 24
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by Texas-based researcher Mike Mayes and UK podcaster and researcher Rick Minter for a discussion about the unusual appearances of large cats in various places, along with the relationship between the big cat mystery and the study of Sasquatch. A member of the North American Wood Ape Conservancy (NAWAC), Mike Mayes also runs the Texas Cryptid Hunter blog, and is author of the book Shadow Cats: The Black Panthers of North America. Rick Minter is host of the popular podcast Big Cat Conversation, whose work documenting big cat sightings in the U.K. has been featured in outlets like The Guardian and several others. In addition to the study of big cat sightings, Mike and Rick talk about the possible connections between their mutual interest, and the study of other purported mystery animals like Sasquatch on this special edition of the program. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Texas Cryptid Hunter: The Blog of Mike Mayes Big Cat Conversations: Rick Minter's Podcast Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Sep 4, 2021 · 1 hr 44 min
Josh Moss: Sasquatch Data: Mapping the Mystery | ST 23
On this episode of Sasquatch Tracks, the fellows of the Appalachian Institute for Hominology Studies are joined by Josh Moss, a researcher who uses GIS data and mapping software to analyze the Sasquatch mystery. Josh's professional background is in environmental science and archaeology, but in recent years he began to turn his attention to the discussion about Sasquatch in North America. Since becoming involved, Josh has created maps of several regions of the continent, particularly those showcasing data for specific states in the United States. Josh Moss joins us to discuss what kinds of trends his data analysis has revealed, and how they might reveal new information about the study of Sasquatch and its environment. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Josh Moss and PNW Bigfoot Maps on Instagram Josh Moss and PNW Bigfoot Maps on Twitter Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Aug 11, 2021 · 2 hr
Thomas Steenburg: On the Shoulders of Giants | ST 22
On this episode of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by the legendary Thomas Steenburg, a veteran Canadian researcher who has devoted decades to the pursuit of North America's mysterious relict hominoid. Steenburg's journey began at a young age following his early fascination with Hammer horror films, although his very serious interest in the study of Sasquatch from early adulthood onward has put him in touch with many of the true "giants" in the field, which includes legendary names like John Green, Rene Dahinden, Peter Byrne, and many others. Steenburg remains an active researcher and lecturer on the subject, and frequently spends time in the field searching for tracks and other signs of the elusive beast, in addition to documenting eyewitness reports that he transcribes and keeps on file. Thomas Steenburg is the author of several books on the topic of Sasquatch and also hosts the show "On the Shoulders of Giants" where he interviews other researchers and a wide range of other guests. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: The Official Website of Thomas Steenburg BOOKS: Sasquatch: Bigfoot: The Continuing Mystery Sasquatch in Alberta: Bigfoot in Wild Rose Country In Search of Giants: Bigfoot Sasquatch Encounters Steenburg in Reader's Digest: "Searching for Sasquatch" Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Jul 23, 2021 · 2 hr
Leon Thompson: Psychology, Systems, and Sasquatch | ST 21
On this installment of Sasquatch Tracks, after leading off with news and discussion of all things Sasquatch, we are then joined by Leon Thompson of Bigfoot Okanagan, a group that applies scientific principles toward the study of Sasquatch. Leon's background is in the study of systems theory, and over the course of the last several years, Leon has applied his unique background and skillset toward the study of Sasquatch and purported sightings in western Canada. Balancing critical thinking and skepticism with an open-mindedness toward the possible existence of relict hominoids, Leon joins us to discuss field research, as well as the possible areas where psychology might be useful in this area of study. Additionally, Leon shares his own investigative experiences, and even an instance involving a personal observation he made a number of years ago which involved what could have been a juvenile Sasquatch. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Bigfoot Okanagan Facebook Page Bigfoot Okanagan on YouTube Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Jul 4, 2021 · 1 hr 28 min
Shane Corson: The Olympic Project and Bigfoot Field Research | ST 020
On this special edition of Sasquatch Tracks, we are joined by Shane Corson, an active researcher who is a member of the Olympic Project, an association of dedicated researchers, investigators, biologists and trackers committed to documenting the existence of Sasquatch. Shane joins us to discuss his own personal experience that led him to believe in the existence of the creatures, as well as the current efforts of the Olympic Project to collect information and evidence about them. This includes the ongoing study of purported "nests" believed to have been created by the creatures, which the team has analyzed independently and with the help of anthropologists, biologists, and a range of other experts from a variety of disciplines. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Olympic Project Bio Page for Shane Corson Shane Corson on Twitter Shane's Monster X Radio Corson's Corner: The Olympic Project Blog of Shane Corson Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Jun 2, 2021 · 1 hr 34 min
Living with Sasquatch: Jason Sakrisson and Charles Lamica | ST 019
On this episode of Sasquatch Tracks, Jeff and Smoky lead off with an update about their recent investigations in a state park with a history of purported Sasquatch activity, and Micah reports on a number of items currently in the news, which includes a nighttime sighting by an Ohio woman who says she saw such a creature. We are then joined by researchers Jason Sakrisson and Charles Lamica, who share their field research and interests in the topic of Sasquatch studies, in addition to their collaboration on a new long-term field study called "Living with Sasquatch" that they two, along with other researchers, are undertaking this summer. Jason and Charles share with us what they hope to achieve with the project, and how citizen science like this may help to improve our understanding of the broader Sasquatch mystery. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Living with Sasquatch GoFundMe Page Jason Sakrisson on Facebook Charles Lamica on Facebook 'Squatcher's Guide to Tracking: How to Stalk the Elusive Ape—and Anything Else that Moves in the Woods by Charles Lamica Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
May 18, 2021 · 1 hr 53 min
Bruce Champagne: Desert Hominoids and Aquatic Cryptids | ST 18
On this episode of Sasquatch Tracks, after news and discussion about the latest happenings in the world of Sasquatchery, we are joined by Marine Biologist and former law enforcement and security specialist Bruce Champagne. Bruce has been involved with the investigation of relict hominoids and other cryptids for over forty years, and has been published in the Woodknocks: Journal of Sasquatch Research, Journal of Cryptozoology, International Cryptozoology Journal, and Elementum Bestia and Dracontology cryptozoology-related journals. Bruce joins us to discuss his research related to sightings of relict hominoids in desert locations, and also his extensive work regarding aquatic cryptids. Champagne has produced a detailed classification system that looks at the varieties of unknown aquatic animals reported over the years, which we discuss with him on this edition of Sasquatch Tracks. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Bruce Champagne at the Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology The Champagne Classification System of Aquatic Cryptids Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Apr 27, 2021 · 2 hr 11 min
David Ellis and Julie Rench: Sasquatch Sounds | ST 017
On this special edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by researchers David Ellis and Julie Rench, who discuss their ongoing research with audio recordings of unknown provenance in various parts of the United States. Joining us to discuss this unique research, Julie brings us a remarkable selection of recordings she has made near the Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina, with comparisons to similar recording types David has been collecting for years in the Pacific Northwest. David Ellis was born and currently lives in Washington State. He obtained his BA degree in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1974, and now retired, David lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. Ellis has followed the Bigfoot Phenomenon since 1963, but became involved in the field in 2006, and joined the Olympic Project with Derek Randles in 2010. In addition to field studies and track casting methods, Ellis also taught himself to record and edit field recordings. This analysis led him to collect hundreds of suspicious audio vocalizations clips. To date, he has reviewed 1,000s of hours of audio using Bio-acoustics methods of analysis, which we'll have him tell us more about over the course of this discussion. Julie Rench has been a field investigator for many years now, focusing her attention on the area near where she resides, the Uwharrie National Forest, which in recent years has become a focal point of activity right here in the Old North State. Like David, investigates the possibility that Sasquatch exists, and has had an interest in unknown phenomena for several years. She is a member of the Carolina Cryptid Research Group, a co-host on Monster X Radio's podcast "On the Shoulders of Giants with Thomas Steenburg" and others. Julie has been conducting an audio collection and analysis project in the area, and tonight both of them join us not only to discuss this, but also to analyze some of that audio they have collected, which we'll be featuring over the course of this discussion. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: David Ellis at the Olympic Project Website Julie Rench on Facebook Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Mar 27, 2021 · 1 hr 52 min
Amy Bue: Bigfoot and Project Zoobook | ST 016
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by researcher and educator Amy Bue, Co-founder of Project Zoobook and member of the Olympic Project Bigfoot Research Team. Amy is also the head of Amy's Bucket List Expeditions (ABLE), and a former investigator for the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. A language arts teacher, writer, and editor from Ohio, Amy Bue became interested in the search for Bigfoot after seeing something strange in Ohio's Mahoning County in 2012. While her main research areas are in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest and Ohio's Columbiana County, Amy has traveled to New York State, Kentucky, Oregon, Washington State, West Virginia, Texas, Arkansas, and all over Ohio following up leads. Creekfoot, a well-loved biannual Bigfooting event in Ohio, was created by Amy and her research partner, Tina Sams. Much of Amy's efforts have been put into her Project Zoobook, a group she co-founded comprised of primate zookeepers, primatologists, wildlife biologists, marine biologists, forestry workers, archaeologists, anthropologists, university professors, law enforcement officials, and other scientists working alongside Bigfoot researchers from across the country. She was given the International Bigfoot Conference's 2018 Dedicated Researcher Award for her work with this group. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Amy Bue's Facebook Page Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Mar 16, 2021 · 2 hr 24 min
Marc Myrsell: Incident at Ape Canyon | ST 015
In 1924, a group of miners who had been prospecting near the southeast shoulder of Mount St. Helens, Washington, returned from the wilderness with a hair-raising story. The men claimed they had been attacked by "apemen", who bombarded their remote cabin with stones after firing their weapons at one of the creatures. Known today as the Ape Canyon incident, it is regarded by some as one of the earliest widely-publicized stories in American newspapers involving what would become known as Sasquatch or Bigfoot in the years that followed. There is no researcher who has looked more deeply into the history of the incident at Ape Canyon than Marc Myrsell, a land surveyor and researcher who has compiled an impressive amount of information about the story, having interviewed living witnesses and even located the site of the cabin where the miners were purportedly attacked. Myrsell joins us to discuss his research into the case, which has turned up new leads, and helped to dispel some of the rumors and misconceptions about the controversial story. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Marc Myrsell on Facebook Original Newspaper Headline from July 17, 1924 Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Mar 2, 2021 · 1 hr 34 min
Doug Hajicek: The Mind Behind Monster Quest | ST 014
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team is joined by legendary television producer Doug Hajicek, creator of programs and documentaries like Monster Quest, Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science, Giganto: America's King Kong, Mysterious Encounters, and several others. In addition to his television work related to applying science toward the search for Sasquatch, Doug Hajicek has produced programming and contributed to papers and research related to a variety different animal species. Some of his recent work involves bears and their habitats, as well as their hibernation behavior, and several other programs and projects having to do with the natural world. Doug talks with the team not only about his fascination with the subject of Sasquatch, but also shares a number of his own personal experiences from over the years. Many of these occur at what he terms "border" locations, which were formative in his own pursuit of producing television programming about the search for Sasquatch. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Doug Hajicek on Facebook Doug's Podcast: Untold Radio AM Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Feb 17, 2021 · 1 hr 43 min
Russ Jones: Tracking the West Virginia Stone Man | ST 013
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, we turn a critical eye toward a possible sighting report from the Pacific Northwest, as some residents say they observed a large animal near a secluded roadway. We also touch on gorillas recently treated for COVID-19 at one U.S. zoo, and the possible implications regarding America's purported relict hominoid. Then joining us for a discussion about his research in West Virginia is Dr. Russ Jones, a chiropractor and longtime BFRO investigator whose book, Tracking the Stone Man: West Virginia's Bigfoot explores the region's history and involvement with the search for purported relict hominoids. As a graduate of the state's master naturalist program, he lends his skills in nature studies toward answering the long-held questions about whether there are undiscovered species in America's remotest corners. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Possible sighting shocks, excites residents of small B.C. community Captive gorillas test positive for coronavirus Gorilla treated with antibodies recovering from COVID, says US zoo Tracking the Stone Man: West Virginia's Bigfoot Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Jan 29, 2021 · 1 hr 19 min
Blood on the Tracks: Shooting Sasquatch | ST 012
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, Smoky and Jeff lead up by bringing Micah up to date on a recent field excursion of theirs, and Micah revisits a discussion with folklorist Thomas E. Bullard where they discussed the American tradition involving hairy bipeds. Then getting to the heart of the main topic at hand, we examine why an Oklahoma lawmaker has recently proposed legislation that seeks to establish laws related to hunting Sasquatch. In fact, it isn't the first time ordinances have been passed related to hunting, and potentially shooting Sasquatch (as well as some of their more mythical animal kindred). While the idea of hunting what many already only take to be a mythical animal may seem nonsensical, we look at how the serious research community might be potentially affected by such legislation, as well as the creatures themselves. More fundamentally, we look at what other laws already in existence indicate about what would happen if one of the creatures were ever killed; what authorities would become involved, and where would the body likely be taken thereafter? We even look at the Smithsonian Institution's involvement in cases where mysterious, humanlike remains have turned up in the past, and finally, government documents that discuss whether the creatures would become a protected species if a body were ever finally claimed for science. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: A Bigfoot hunting season in Oklahoma? Here's why a lawmaker filed this unusual bill. Bigfoot Act from the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission City of Douglas, Wyoming Jackalope Hunting License The 'Siege' at Honobia - BFRO Website Washington Laws Make It Illegal to Kill Bigfoot, If He Exists Killing Sasquatch: The Debate Between Law, Science, and Conservation What Would Happen if Someone Ever Really Did Find Sasquatch Remains: Part 1 What Would Happen if Someone Ever Really Did Find Sasquatch Remains: Part 2 Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Dec 25, 2020 · 1 hr 22 min
Abominable Snowman: The Legend Returns | ST 011
On this special holiday edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the team calls in from remote and snowy corners across the globe for a historical deep-dive in pursuit of the true story behind the first purported relict hominoid ever to have risen to worldwide fame, the yeti, or "Abominable Snowman." In addition to the origins behind its name, we look at the historic record of sightings dating back to the 18th century, and study the notable accounts from over the years which support the existence of an unknown, manlike creature in the Himalayas. Or, could there be even more than one variety? We also examine the controversies that have arisen with relation to the creature over the decades, and finally, one scientist's observation in 1991 that could present the strongest case yet for the existence of the creature. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Bryan Sykes Dies: Brought Genetics Credibility to Hominology Studies Link to Abominable Snowman article archive at Bigfoot Encounters How an 18th Century Anatomical Dictionary from Tibet Offered Evidence of the Legendary Yeti Major Waddell and the Yeti: A Tale of Footprints in the Himalayan Snow Observations of a YETI in the Himalayas of Tiber 1991 field report Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Nov 23, 2020 · 1 hr 48 min
Shelly Covington Montana: Citizen Scientist | ST 010
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, the gents lead off with a discussion about the influence of classic late-night radio on modern Sasquatch podcasts, and why finding a balance between entertainment and the presentation of scientifically literate perspectives on the issue of relict hominoids is important to the citizen science effort. Then we are joined by our guest, Shelly Covington Montana, a Texas native whose work may be one of the best representations of citizen science being applied in this field. Shelly grew up in a law enforcement family, and drew inspiration from the forensic science work that her father and others relied on for investigation. She combines the fundamentals of forensic science with extensive training in animal tracking to create a formidable tool kit for Sasquatch research. In addition to the work she has conducted over the years, Shelly discusses some breaking developments in the field, along with her own personal experiences, which she discusses with us in-depth on this edition of Sasquatch Tracks. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Shelly Covington Montana's page at The Olympic Project CyberTracker Online Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.
Oct 21, 2020 · 1 hr 50 min
Matt Pruitt: Sasquatch Theory | ST 009
On this edition of Sasquatch Tracks, after a bit of discussion geared around the Halloween season, we are joined for a lengthy discussion with Matt Pruitt, a longtime researcher of the Sasquatch mystery and current member of the North American Wood Ape Conservancy (NAWAC). Matt Pruitt grew up in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, and has been conducting active sasquatch field research for several years following his first encounter in 1999. In addition to being a member of the North American Wood Ape Conservancy, he was formerly an investigator, field researcher, and expedition organizer for the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO). He has conducted field research in many different locations across North America. Stories and other links discussed in this episode: Matt Pruitt's Blog The Official Website of the Sasquatch Contact Initiative The North American Wood Ape Conservancy Follow Sasquatch Tracks on Twitter. Got a news tip or story to share? Send us an Email. Have you seen an animal you can't identify? Submit a report here.