Cryptozoology
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Cryptozoology is the study of or belief in cryptids, or species of animals for which no extant examples of their existence have yet been found or proven, but are believed in by some. Examples of such animals include Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Yeti, etc., and sometimes mythical creatures such as dragons or the perfect boy/girlfriend. However, some of the more believable cryptids are not crytids anymore, such as the okapi. There are also some believable ones which have not been found yet, such as the high-finned sperm whale.
Cryptozoology is not a clearly defined academic field which, for example, can be undertaken as a degree. As such, crytozoologists vary from highly qualified zoologists with an interest in unproven species, to amateur Bigfoot enthusiasts. Arguably, some follow the scientific method, while others clearly do not, and many are overly influenced by their belief in cryptids. In these respects, cryptozoology is somewhat akin to ufology and various forms of paranormal research.
In recent years there has been some debate among the scientific community as to whether cryptozoology should be given greater recognition and be made the subject of deeper research, although consensus still tends to regard it as a pseudoscience.
In the Canadian science fiction TV show Sanctuary, a scholar known as Helen Carter finds and protects cryptids.
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[edit] Examples of cryptids
[edit] Bigfoot
Bigfoot is an ape-like creature alleged to live in the North American forests and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Despite numerous claims to have seen the beast, there have been no remains found or any kind of serious physical evidence. If Bigfoot exists, it's very good at cleaning up after itself.
[edit] Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie", is one of the more commonly known cryptids. The aquatic beast is said to live in Loch Ness, a body of water in the Scottish Highlands. Numerous blurry photos and videos exist, but physical evidence of its existence has yet to be found.
[edit] Skunk ape
The skunk ape is a beast that supposedly resembles an orangutan, and is claimed to inhabit the southeastern United States. Its name is based on its appearance and the terrible smell it is claimed to emit. Most sightings occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. In 2000, photographs of the ape were sent anonymously to the Sarasota Sheriff's Department in Florida. In an accompanying letter, a woman claimed to have taken the photo from in her backyard. She went on to describe the ape taking apples from a bushel in her yard, believing it to be an escaped orangutan.[1]
