We have heard the myth of Bigfoot on more than one occasion. However, what began as a legend has gained some interest in the scientific community, especially with the recent research by the University of Oxford and the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne, who have set out to follow the Yeti's genetic fingerprintsThe genetic tests they are conducting seek to determine the possible existence of an unclassified humanoid within modern human genetics, a discovery that could revolutionize our understanding of human evolution.
Who is Bigfoot?
Bigfoot, also known as Bigfoot or Sasquatch, It is described as a creature with the appearance of a giant primate., covered in hair and with an imposing height of between 1.83 and 2.13 meters. Legends about its presence extend throughout the northwest of North America, especially in the mountains and forests of the United States and Canada.
For decades, sightings of this creature have been reported in various parts of the world. However, most of these accounts have been dismissed as hoaxes or misinterpreted natural phenomena. Although physical proof of Bigfoot's existence has been elusive, this has not stopped scientists like Bryan Sykes of Wolfson College in Oxford from carrying out a systematic investigation to analyze remains allegedly attributed to this mythical creature.
Scientific research: What does it seek to demonstrate?
Recent scientific efforts are not only focused on determining the existence of Bigfoot, but are also investigating other legendary humanoids such as the Yeti (the Himalayan Snowman), the Migoi, the Almasty of the Caucasus Mountains and the Orang Pendek of Sumatra.
Sykes' project bases its research on a collection of evidence accumulated over fifty years by zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans, known for his explorations and search for undiscovered species. This collection includes hair remains, footprints and other organic fragments which, through advanced genetic testing, are being analyzed to find any DNA evidence that does not match already known species.
DNA testing, which in the past only allowed for limited analysis, has improved significantly thanks to the advancement of forensic science. This has allowed ancient samples of hair or other remains to be processed with much greater precision, offering more conclusive results. If the tests show unique DNA, this could suggest the existence of a hominid species not recorded in our modern times.
What has been found so far?
To date, the results have been mixed. According to Professor Sykes, of the samples analysed, some have turned out to be from common animals, such as bears, horses and raccoons. However, There are intriguing cases, such as the discovery of hairs that showed a correspondence with the DNA of a polar bear fossil. (Ursus maritimus) dating back more than 40.000 years, raising further questions about possible connections between these sightings and extinct species or animal hybrids.
A striking example of this research was the Detection of DNA linked to a common ancestor of polar bears and brown bears in samples collected in the Himalayas. This genetic connection led to the hypothesis that some of the Yeti legends could be based on sightings of an unknown bear species that may have inhabited remote regions.
The Mysteries of the Yeti: Hybridization or Survival?
The Yeti case has been a subject of fascination for more than 70 years. In 1951, an expedition to Mount Everest led by British mountaineer Eric Shipton returned with images of giant footprints in the snow. These photographs sparked a wave of interest that continues to this day.
Some scientists have proposed the theory that the Yeti could be a hybrid species, descended from the gigantopithecus, a giant primate that lived in Asia until about 100.000 years ago. This link, though speculative, is one of many theories inspiring researchers to continue searching for answers in the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas.
Bigfoot and Homo sapiens? New hypotheses
Aside from the possibility that Bigfoot is an undiscovered species, there are hypotheses that propose that it could be an isolated branch of the Neanderthals or another extinct human species that survived in remote shelters. This is particularly relevant, given that recent studies have shown that the Neanderthal DNA is part of the genome of modern humans, in a small percentage.
This genetic mixing with ancient human species has led some to suggest that Bigfoot may have been a surviving hominid, which would explain the numerous sightings in remote mountainous areas where extreme conditions would have allowed this species to live relatively isolated from the rest of humanity.
DNA Testing: Results so far and next steps
In recent years, numerous hair samples and other remains attributed to both Yeti and Bigfoot have been tested. Some of the results obtained have been surprising.. For example: uterine
- Hair collected in the Himalayas turned out to belong to brown bears and horses.
- A hair sample from a possible Bigfoot in North America that turned out to be from a black bear.
- However, two hair samples analysed in Bhutan and Ladakh showed genetic matches with DNA from polar bear fossils dating back 40.000 years, raising new hypotheses about a possible hybrid between polar and brown bears.
This evidence has been published in leading scientific journals such as Proceedings of the Royal Society B, providing the academic world with a rigorous basis for further research into these fascinating legends. Although no definitive evidence of the existence of Bigfoot or the Yeti has yet been found, Genetic advances continue to open up new opportunities for analysis deeper.
The role of witnesses and sightings
Interest in creatures like the Yeti and Bigfoot is not only based on physical evidence, but also on the numerous accounts of sightings. From North America to Asia, There are hundreds of people who claim to have seen creatures of great stature, covered in hair, and with characteristics similar to those described in legends.
These stories They have been collected by scientists who apply new techniques to treat them with a more systematic approach.People who have reported sightings are asked to provide any fragments or physical traces relating to these creatures. Despite general skepticism, witnesses insist that what they have seen cannot be explained away as simple errors of perception.
Every year, new Bigfoot sightings continue to appear, especially in the wooded areas of the northwestern United States. Although many of these reports are refuted as hoaxes or confusions with other animals, the persistence of these stories continues to fuel the desire to find conclusive evidence.
Although the existence of Bigfoot or the Yeti is not yet confirmed, the Scientific research provides a solid platform for further examining the evidenceImprovements in genetic technology bring us ever closer to solving one of the most intriguing mysteries in cryptozoology.