If you've ever tuned into Animal Planet, you're aware that the pursuit of Bigfoot, often called 'Squatchin',' is an incredibly strange endeavor. While some approach the topic with seriousness, many others propose wildly eccentric ideas about this elusive creature.
10. Bigfoot Might Be a Ground Sloth

While most enthusiasts think of Sasquatch as a hominid due to its bipedal stance, primate-like limbs, and human-like features, there's a fringe theory suggesting it could be an evolved descendant of an extinct ground sloth. This idea links Bigfoot to the Xenarthra superorder, placing it in the same family as anteaters and armadillos.
Though this theory lacks concrete evidence, it hinges on intriguing observations. For instance, sloths have internal testicles, and no one has ever claimed to spot Bigfoot's anatomy. Additionally, sloths have a slow digestive system, taking weeks to process food. This could explain why no traces of Bigfoot's meals have ever been found—its sloth-like metabolism allows it to survive long periods without eating.
The definitive blow to this cryptid theory lies in the notorious Patterson-Gimlin footage. Observe the creature's sluggish movements in the video—why isn't it sprinting away from the amateur filmmakers? The answer, according to this theory, is simple: it's a slow-moving sloth.
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9. A Devastating Disease Nearly Eradicated the Species

As Europeans arrived in the New World, they introduced deadly viruses. Historians estimate that over 20 million Native Americans perished from these foreign illnesses. Some theorists suggest that Bigfoot may have faced a similar fate, nearly wiped out by the same diseases.
Legend has it that Bigfoot and its furry companions thrived in North America until humans arrived and disrupted their peaceful existence. These hairless newcomers introduced unfamiliar diseases, overwhelming the Sasquatch immune system. Along with illnesses, humans brought weapons, driving Bigfoot populations out of their habitats and deeper into the wilderness.
Surprisingly, Bigfoot may be far more intelligent than their appearance suggests. Recognizing humans as a threat, they chose to remain hidden. Generations of Bigfoot have passed down warnings about the so-called 'Devil People,' teaching their young to avoid contact. This is why Bigfoot refuses to reveal itself or engage with humanity—they’ve learned to stay hidden and safe.
8. Bigfoot Lives Beneath the Surface

The term 'elusive' might as well be synonymous with Bigfoot, though any accompanying image would likely be out of focus. Despite their size, Sasquatches are rarely seen, which puzzles enthusiasts. If these giant ape-like creatures truly inhabit the forests, why are sightings so rare? One theory suggests they might reside underground, evading detection entirely.
Bigfoot might seek refuge in caves and traverse vast forest areas using underground tunnels. For sustenance, it could feed on insects and fish found in subterranean waterways.
But what about the overwhelming darkness? Wouldn’t Bigfoot struggle to navigate? Not if it possesses the ability to see in the dark. This theory suggests Bigfoot’s eyes could feature a tapetum lucidum
Compared to other 'Bigfoot Lives Underground' theories, this one seems almost reasonable. For instance, Dr. Richard Boylan believes Bigfoot, along with giants, elves, and leprechauns, retreated underground to avoid humanity’s chaos. Since humans allegedly destroyed Atlantis, these 'Inner Earth People' have lived in tunnels, donned 'red-orangey suits,' and even explored other planets. Hollow Earth theorist Dennis Crenshaw argues Bigfoot’s light-sensitive eyes keep it hidden in caves, all while scheming humanity’s downfall. Meanwhile, Henry Franzoni claims Bigfoot can phase through solid walls, allowing it to escape curious onlookers by simply walking into a mountain.
7. Invisibility

Bigfoot shares several traits with the Predator: both are large, bipedal, and, of course, fictional. Some in the Bigfoot community even suggest that Sasquatch possesses cloaking abilities, allowing it to vanish whenever humans venture into the woods. While this idea is far-fetched, it offers a convenient explanation for why this giant ape-like creature remains so elusive.
Some theorists propose that Bigfoot can vibrate its body at such high frequencies that it bends light, rendering it invisible. Another theory suggests its translucent hair reflects light like a mirror, and combined with dark skin, these reflective hairs help Bigfoot blend seamlessly into its surroundings, much like a camouflaged sniper.
As evidence, proponents of the cloaking theory present photographs—of empty spaces. The idea is that Bigfoot is invisible, and if you scrutinize these images closely, you might discern its outline, akin to the Predator in the 1987 movie. However, this phenomenon is more likely due to pareidolia and an overactive imagination.
6. Biblical Bigfoot

The tale of Cain and Abel is well-known: Cain’s violent act led to his brother’s demise, and God marked Cain, condemning him to wander the Earth. But what became of Adam and Eve’s son afterward? The poem “Beowulf” suggests Cain fathered monstrous offspring like Grendel and his mother. Some believe Cain’s descendants still roam North America’s forests, evolving into hairy, fearsome creatures isolated from human society.
Expanding on this theory, some Mormons reference Apostle David W. Patten’s encounter. In 1835, while traveling along a Tennessee road, Patten reportedly met a tall, hairy figure emerging from the woods. Patten believed it was Cain, and the two engaged in a lengthy spiritual discussion. By the 1980s, some Latter-day Saints began speculating that this figure might have been Bigfoot.
If the 'Cain Theory' doesn’t appeal to you, there are other Biblical connections. Some link Bigfoot to Esau, Jacob’s hairier elder brother. For a more unconventional take, the 'Nephilim Theory' proposes that Bigfoot resulted from unions between fallen angels and human women.
5. Bigfoot The Psychic

Linda Jo Martin, a self-described telepath, asserts that Bigfoot’s elusiveness stems from its psychic abilities. She believes Bigfoot can sense the intentions of those entering its territory. If it detects a cameraman or researcher approaching, it vanishes before being spotted. Martin suggests bringing a psychic on Bigfoot expeditions to communicate peaceful intentions and perhaps even convince it to stay briefly—though she admits Bigfoot will likely decline most invitations.
Martin isn’t alone in her claims. Connie Willies, writing for The Huffington Post, recounts a camping trip where she awoke sensing two Sasquatches near her tent. One allegedly spoke in her mind, saying, “This is what you came to see.” Too frightened (or perhaps still half-asleep), Connie didn’t open the tent, and the creatures vanished when she decided against seeing them.
Kewaunee Lapseritis, author of Psychic Sasquatch, takes this further, claiming Bigfoot can move between different dimensions. When threatened, it simply steps out of our reality into another. Lapseritis also believes Bigfoot serves as an environmental guardian, using its telepathic powers to warn humans about ecological destruction.
4. Bigfoot Is Really A Troll

No, not the internet kind. We’re referring to the mythical creatures that turn to stone in sunlight and face off against Jim Varney in Halloween tales.
To embrace this theory, you must first accept that trolls exist beyond Scandinavian legends. Once past that, consider the evidence: trolls are said to be 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical, existing more as a 'vibration' than a tangible being. They straddle our world and another dimension, which explains why Bigfoot photos often appear blurry—trolls aren’t fully present in our reality.
Still skeptical? Scientists have never recovered Bigfoot hair or DNA, which aligns with the idea that trolls exist on another plane, causing physical evidence to vanish. Any proof you might find would transform into stone or straw the next day. Additionally, Bigfoot tracks often end abruptly, as if the creature simply disappeared—consistent with trolls’ ability to vanish at will.
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3. Part Human, Part Lemur

Take a moment to look in the mirror, then picture a Bigfoot. You might notice some similarities, though Sasquatch likely has a larger forehead and oddly shaped eyes. Now, glance at a lemur photo—everything suddenly makes sense. Bigfoot could very well be a hybrid of human and lemur.
While many remain unaware of Bigfoot’s lineage, Texas veterinarian Melba Ketchum has long been convinced of its unusual origins. With contributions from enthusiasts nationwide, Ketchum gathered an assortment of hair, blood, saliva, and skin samples. Though the exact sources of these samples were never verified, they were attributed to Bigfoot.
After analyzing the DNA from her samples, Ketchum found that the mitochondrial DNA was human, while the nuclear DNA belonged to an unidentified hominid. She proposed that roughly 15,000 years ago, a giant lemur interbred with a human female, resulting in the creation of Bigfoot.
Ketchum’s theory faced significant backlash from the scientific community. Since the human DNA in her samples clearly originated from humans, her study was rejected by all reputable science journals. However, it found a place in DeNovo, a journal specifically created to publish her findings.
2. Bigfoot Works For E.T.

Those familiar with Bigfoot lore have likely encountered the 'Sasquatch Is an Alien' theory. Figures like Dr. Franklin Ruehl cite stories from as early as 1888 to argue that Bigfoot is an extraterrestrial visiting Earth via UFO. Some take this further, suggesting Bigfoot serves as an alien laborer, carrying out tasks for its otherworldly masters.
Lyle Vann is one such believer. A colorful character, Vann claims to have encountered Bigfoot over 31 times and has even met their extraterrestrial rulers. According to him, aliens require gold and other precious metals to fuel their spacecraft. However, lacking physical strength, they rely on Bigfoot to handle the strenuous work of mining and transporting these resources.
Some individuals make Mr. Vann seem tame in comparison. Take Jesse Denson, for example, who claims Bigfoot is a robotic creation developed by alien civilizations over millions of years. When visiting Earth, aliens don these Bigfoot suits, either manually or telepathically controlling them. These robotic suits serve dual purposes: spying on humans and providing extraterrestrials a way to relax by roaming forests in primate-like disguises.
1. A SWAT Team Target

In 2014, it became clear that Texas isn’t ideal for preserving mythical creatures. Since Bigfoot isn’t classified as a protected species, hunters are free to shoot at it—if they can locate one. California, however, takes a stricter stance, offering potential protection for the creature if its existence is confirmed.
According to Crypto Crew, a paranormal research group, Bigfoot faces danger regardless of location. In a February 2014 article, they suggested the government has formed a specialized Sasquatch SWAT team to handle problematic monsters. If a Bigfoot strays too close to human settlements or becomes aggressive, it risks being neutralized.
The same report reveals that SWAT teams aren’t the sole method for handling problematic creatures. The government also enlists freelance Bigfoot hunters to infiltrate Sasquatch communities and monitor sightings. When reports surface of a troublesome ape-man threatening hikers, these hunters track the creature and claim their reward.