The Patterson-Gimlin Film Part 1

Skeptics and believers alike will always demand proof of paranormal claims. But what happens when extraordinary and therefore controversial evidence is offered? When it comes to one of the most popular and enduring legends of a cryptid, that of North America's Bigfoot or Sasquatch, we have an answer. On October 20, 1967, Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin were about ten days into a horseback trip near Bluff Creek, northwest of Orleans, CA. Patterson had heard of Bigfoot activity in the area and hoped to film some evidence with a 16mm motion picture camera. Around 1:30 p.m. that day, Patterson got his wish, and much more than he bargained for in the long run. As the pair rode around an upturned tree stump, they suddenly spotted what appeared to be a massive, ape-like beast quickly walking away from them. As Patterson struggled to free himself from his startled and fallen horse, he managed to start filming while running towards it, capturing almost one minute of an unexplainable creature who has since been affectionately nicknamed "Patty." What resulted was a film clip that has been scrutinized nearly as much as the Zapruder film and became the iconic image of what the public envisions when they think of Bigfoot. Attempts have been made to call into question Patterson's character and in turn, the likelihood that he would perpetrate a hoax of this encounter. But this tactic doesn't address the heart of the matter and answer the question, just what is that creature on the film? The Patterson-Gimlin film has never been satisfactorily debunked, which is why it is still hotly debated to this day. There are only two logical conclusions about the film itself: either it remains one of the greatest hoaxes of all time, or the film actually captured a Bigfoot.

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