Now that Bigfoot has been caught on 'video', it's worth looking back at the legends across the world

In the grand spectacle of cryptid celebrities, Bigfoot has once again sauntered into the limelight, this time in Colorado, US. The mythical ape-like creature that has eluded conclusive proof for centuries, received a boost when a couple claimed to have captured a video of the creature during a train journey. 

What

Shannon and Stetson Parker, celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary, found themselves at the center of a viral sensation with their alleged Bigfoot sighting. The couple was on a sightseeing tour along the narrow gauge rail line between Durango and Silverton in the rugged southwestern region of Colorado.

The video is, in a word, undeniable.

• While some might expect Bigfoot to prefer solitude, this particular sighting occurred in broad daylight.
• It shows a large, bipedal creature lumbering down a hillside before taking a nonchalant seat in the great outdoors.
• According to Shannon Parker, the creature stood at least six or seven feet tall and blended remarkably well with the sagebrush in the mountainous terrain. 

Wait, how real is it?

Before this experience, the Parkers, like many others, had only entertained the possibility of Bigfoot's existence as a remote chance. However, their encounter left them convinced that they had indeed stumbled upon the elusive creature.

But it's not just the Parkers' word against the skeptics.

• The conductor of the train they were on confirmed that he'd seen footprints in the past that were large enough to convince even the most incredulous that Bigfoot could be a real mountain resident.

Not everyone is jumping on the Bigfoot bandwagon, though.

Some skeptics suggest it might be a case of mistaken identity, with the creature resembling something like Chewbacca but without the blaster and with a preference for posing rather than going on intergalactic adventures.

• Parker clarified that the creature did not resemble a hunter, as it was not carrying any weapon like a bow, which would have been expected during bow hunting season.

What is Bigfoot?

The mystery of Bigfoot has been baffling folks for well over a century. 

This sighting adds to a growing list of reported encounters with the enigmatic creature. Over the summer, an alleged Bigfoot sighting in the woods of Mississippi also garnered attention.

• These sightings, however, are part of a much longer history of reports across the United States, with many coming from the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest. 

The legend may even be rooted in the existence of Gigantopithecus, an extinct giant ape that coexisted with early humans.

• Descriptions of Bigfoot sightings vary widely, from a large, upright ape to a powerful, hairy humanoid standing over eight feet tall.

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A global icon

Bigfoot, also known by various regional names around the world, and its legends have permeated popular culture in diverse ways. 

Sasquatch (North America)

In North America, Bigfoot is also known as the Sasquatch.

• Native American folklore often mentions large, hairy creatures inhabiting the wilderness. Sasquatch is frequently described as a towering, ape-like being with long, shaggy hair. 
• Its footprints have been a staple in Bigfoot lore and it has made numerous appearances in books, documentaries, and even inspired the famous Patterson-Gimlin film, which purportedly captured the creature on camera.

Yeti (Himalayas) 

In the Himalayan region, the Yeti is the equivalent of Bigfoot.

• This creature is often depicted as a large, furry, and elusive being dwelling in the snowy mountains. The term "Abominable Snowman" is sometimes used interchangeably with Yeti.
• The Yeti has had its fair share of appearances in popular culture. From being the star of adventure films like The Abominable Snowman, to an appearance in Herge’s Tintin in Tibet, to making appearances in animated series like Scooby-Doo; the Yeti is a globally recognized cryptid.

Yowie (Australia)

Down under, the Yowie is Australia's answer to Bigfoot.

• Described as a hairy, ape-like creature, the Yowie is believed to roam the rugged terrain of the Australian wilderness.
• Yowie legends have inspired Australian pop culture, including music, art, and literature. It's also common to find Yowie-themed candies, which have become a whimsical part of Australian folklore.

Mapinguari (South America) 

In South America, particularly the Amazon rainforest, legends of the Mapinguari prevail.

• This cryptid is often depicted as a large, fearsome, and sloth-like creature with backward-facing feet.
• While less known in Western pop culture, the Mapinguari has made appearances in documentaries and regional folklore.

Orang Mawas (Malaysia)

Malaysia has its own Bigfoot legend known as the Orang Mawas.

• It's believed to inhabit the dense jungles of the country and is often described as a tall, humanoid, hairy creature.
• The Orang Mawas has gained attention in local Malaysian folklore and has been the subject of documentaries, but it remains relatively obscure in global pop culture.

The legend endures

These Bigfoot-adjacent cryptid legends have captured the imagination of people worldwide. In pop culture, they have been the subject of books, films, documentaries, and even video games. 

Bigfoot has been both a source of fear and fascination, with countless individuals and researchers embarking on expeditions to uncover the truth behind these legends. 

While the debate surrounding Bigfoot continues, and conclusive evidence remains elusive, sightings like the Parkers' reignite the fascination and curiosity surrounding this elusive creature. The quest for the truth about Bigfoot prevails, drawing in cryptozoologists and curious onlookers alike, eager to solve one of the most enduring mysteries of the natural world.