Polish Yeti Makes the Headlines
A very recent report came from the former Russian satellite state of Poland where the sighting of a European yeti hit newspapers and Youtube on August 28, 2009. The Austrian Times online edition (austriantimes.at) reported that a Polish man took video footage of a hairy apeman in the Tatra Mountains (known as “the Polish Alps”) on southern Poland’s border with Slovakia,
Said the article:
Yeti experts are heading to Poland after a local man filmed a “monstrous, hairy creature” while on holiday in the Tatra Mountains.
There have been rumours of a Polish Yeti in the area for centuries but this is the first time one of the strange creatures has been captured on film.
Piotr Kowalski, 27, from Warsaw was on a walking holiday in the Tatra mountains in Poland when he saw a mountain goat on one of the slopes. As he started filming, his attention was suddenly grabbed by the Yeti creature emerging from behind some rocks.
“I saw this huge ape-like form hiding behind the rocks. When I saw it, it was like being struck by a thunderbolt,” he told the daily Superexpress.
“Coming from Warsaw, I never really believed the local stories of a wild mountain ape-man roaming the slopes. But, now I do.”
The film has been handed over for examination to the Nautilus Foundation, which deals with unexplained phenomena.
“The film clearly shows ‘something’ that moves on two legs and is bigger than a normal man,” says Foundation President Robert Bernatowicz.
“But because the camera shakes so much it is difficult to say what it is exactly. We need to go to the site and see what traces, if any, were left.”
A still from the 2009 Polish yeti video.
One can view the video on Youtube by doing a search such as “Polish yeti video.” The video is surprising clear, and is clearly of something unusual. I have watched it several times with great interest, and to me it appears to be genuine. Literature on the Tatra Mountains says that besides species common also in other areas of Poland (such as deer, roe, fox and badger), the Tatras boast rare animals like lynx, brown bear, eagle, heath-cock, alpine chamois and now—yetis.
Another curious “European Yeti” is the so-called Yeti de Bourganeuf. This was the supposed body of an almas or almasty that was displayed briefly at a fair in Bourganeuf, France in March of 1997. Photos of the creature taken at the fair labeled it an almasty and inferred that it had come from the Caucasus Mountains or Central Asia. It was said to be 2.63 meters tall (8 feet, 7 inches) and was kept on ice in a freezer. A French researcher named Christian Le Noel said that it was claimed that the creature came from Tibet via China to eastern Germany where it had also been on display. It has vanished and except for the few photos, little else is know about the Yeti de Bourganeuf.
And so, enough Europeans in the 1950s started going to remote corners of the Himalayas to find evidence of yetis, almases, dremos and abominable snowmen, it turns out that these creatures are more easily photographed in remote mountain corners of Eastern Europe! Poland has sent many mountaineering expeditions into the Himalayas, some in search of the yeti, but they would be more likely to see one in their own country, it seems. The search for yetis, sasquatch and hairy giants seemingly takes us around the world, from jungle islands like Borneo and Sumatra to the mountains of Russia, Armenia and Poland. Next stop: North America, where the tradition of bigfoot runs deep across the country—from the grasslands of Ohio to the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest.
PART THREE:
SASQUATCH
CHAPTER 7
BIGFOOT AND THE GRASSMAN
Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man,
And I am a smooth man.
—Genesis 27:11
Though most of my cryptozoological adventures have been searching for evidence of the yeti on various treks in Nepal starting in 1976, my early introduction to the subject was in Durango, Colorado in 1967. I was in junior high school at the time and a lecture was given one evening by the famous California bigfoot hunter Roger Patterson. This was a year or so before he was to make his now-famous 16mm film footage of a female sasquatch walking briefly across a field in northern California. He was promoting his new book, Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?16
I enjoyed his slides and lecture. He presented a slide of the sasquatch photo printed in the San Francisco Chronicle on December 7, 1965, and various other evidence that America did indeed have its own abominable snowman. Patterson even played a reel-to-reel tape recording that featured the rather frightening call of a bigfoot late at night in some remote mountain campground. It was a bit sensational, but it stuck in the memory, to say the least. I bought a copy of Patterson’s book, only $1.95 back in 1967, and my search for sasquatch and abominable snowmen had begun.
Over the years I bought other cryptozoology books, including Bernard Heuvelman’s classic On the Track of Unknown Animals32 and went on the occasional investigative trip in search of cryptids. I was surprised at how common bigfoot was across the United States. They say that coyotes are in every state in the USA (except Hawaii)—was it possible that bigfoot was also in every state? As we shall see, reports of hairy giant apemen originally came from the Midwest and Eastern portions of the country.
Earliest Reports of Hairy Apemen in the Eastern USA
One of the earliest bigfoot-grassman newspaper stories was reported in the Boston Daily Times on April 1, 1839. The article was sent to Cryptomundo by Scott McClean, who wondered if it was just a coincidence that the bizarre story was published on April Fool’s Day. Still, the story has a ring of authenticity to it. The story is of a lumber steamship that goes up the Mississippi to Prairie Du Chien in Wisconsin and then continue north to what is now known as the Minnesota River, but what was called the Saint Peters River back then. While spending time at this northerly timber camp the lumbermen encounter—and capture a bigfoot. The article was entitled, “When Will Wonders Cease?”
Said the article:
Robert Lincoln, Esq., Agent of the New York Western Lumber Company, has just returned from the Saint Peters river, near the head of steamship navigation, on the upper Mississippi, bringing with him a living American Ourang Outang, or Wild Man of the Woods, with two small cubs, supposed to be about three months old. Mr. Lincoln informs us that he went out to the north-west as Agent of the New York Lumber Company, in July last, with a view to establish extensive saw-mills, on the pine lands near the Falls of Saint Anthony; and he has given us a detail of the operations of the company, and the circumstances which lead to the capture of the extraordinary creatures mentioned above.
Those who are acquainted with the leading features of the Valley of the Mississippi, are aware that there is little or no pine timber throughout the States of Illinois and Missouri, or in the extensive territories of Wisconsin and Iowa. The inhabitants of that region are obliged to use oak and walnut for common building purposes, and the labor of working such materials is very great. The greatest portion of the pine timber that finds its way into the upper part of the Valley, is floated down the Ohio, and from thence carried up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers by steamboats. The most ordinary kind of pine timber is worth $60 per thousand, in any part of Illinois or the territories; in New England the same quality sells for about half that sum. There are some very extensive and immensely valuable pine lands near the Falls of Saint Anthony, on the Upper Mississippi; but until recently they have been in the possession of the Sac and Fox Indians. In the summer of 1838, a treaty was ratified with these Indians, by which they ceded the whole of their pine lands to the United States. The ceremonies of this treaty were performed at Fort Snelling, about the first of July last. Capt. Marryatt, the famous English novelist, was then on the Upper Mississippi, and was present to witness the war dances on this occasion, which, it is said, were conducted with unusual splendor. He also spent several days among the Indians, and by the assistance of the American officers at Fort Snelling, obtained a large collection of ornaments and
curiosities.
Some shrewd men at Albany and New York who knew what the treaty referred to, was about to be ratified, and who were aware, also, of the value of the timber, formed a company, with a substantial capital, and engaged a large number of enterprising mechanics and laborers to go out and establish saw-mills for cutting timber on the Saint Peters. They rightly supposed that the land would not “come into market,” as the phrase is, for several years, as it is worth but little except for timber. Those who wish to obtain land for cultivation, go into the more fertile parts of the territories. Companies may therefore “claim” land, establish mills, and cut off the timber where ever they can find it, without fee or license. The timber may then be floated down the Mississippi in rafts, for a mere trifle, and sold at the highest prices any where on the river.
The New York Company sent out their expedition in July last. The workmen and laborers with the principal part of the machinery went by way of New Orleans, and at that city they chartered a steamboat and proceeded up the Mississippi. The whole business was under the direction of Mr. Lincoln. They had on board all the necessary tools and saws, together with the apparatus for a grist mill, oxen, horses, cows, a good stock of provisions, arms, ammunition, &c. &c. They passed directly up the river, only stopping to take in wood and water, until they reached Prairie Du Chien, at the mouth of the Wisconsin. Here they put their animals on shore, and remained two days.
On the third day they reembarked and finally reached the Saint Peters in safety. Their enterprise proved highly successful. They found the timber of the first quality, and the facilities for building mills much greater than they anticipated. The work went on very prosperously, and in a few months Mr. Lincoln had the satisfaction of launching his rafts on the headwaters of the Mississippi! They continued to prosecute their labors vigorously, until winter set in, when a part of the workmen started for Saint Louis, and a part of them remained to superintend the cutting of timber.
During the winter, Mr. Lincoln and several of the workmen made frequent excursions in pursuit of game, which was very abundant, and their camp was one continued scene of festivity. The Indians brought in large quantities of furs, which Mr. Lincoln purchased for a mere trifle, and lined his cabins with them throughout, which rendered his rude huts very warm and comfortable. The whole party were as hearty as bucks, and appeared to enjoy themselves exceedingly.
About the 15th of January, two of the carpenters who had been out in pursuit of a gang of wolves that had proved very troublesome, came into the camp and reported that they had seen a huge monster in the forest, on a branch of the Mississippi, having the form of a man, but much taller and stouter, covered with long hair, and of a frightful aspect. They stated that when first seen, he was standing on a large log, looking directly at them and the moment they raised their muskets, he darted into the thicket and disappeared. They saw him again in about half an hour, apparently watching them, and when they turned towards him he again disappeared. Mr. Lincoln was at first disposed to think lightly of this matter, believing that the men might have been mistaken about the size and height of the object, or supposing it might have been a trick of the Indians to frighten them.
He was informed, however, by some of the natives, that such a being had often been seen on the St. Peters, and near the Falls of the Mississippi, and they proposed to guide a party of the workmen to a bluff where it was thought he might be found. The men were all ready for an adventure, and arming themselves with rifles and hunting-knives, they started for the bluff under the direction of Mr. Lincoln and the Indian guides. On the way they were joined by several of the natives, and the whole party numbered twenty-three.
The arrived at the bluff late on the afternoon of the 21st of January, and encamped in a cave or grotto, at the foot of the hill. Early the next morning, two of the Indians were sent out to reconnoiter, and in about an hour returned, and said they had seen the wild man, on the other side of the hill. The whole party immediately prepared for the pursuit. Mr. Lincoln gave positive orders to the men, not to fire upon him unless it should be necessary in self-defense, as he wished, if possible, to take him alive. The Indians stated that although a very powerful creature, he was believed to be perfectly harmless, as he always fled at the approach of men. While Mr. Lincoln was giving his men their instructions, the wild man appeared in sight. He ordered them to remain perfectly quiet, and taking out his pocket-glass surveyed him minutely. He appeared to be about eight or nine feet high, very athletic, and more like a beast standing erect than a man. After satisfying himself with regard to the character of the creature, Mr. Lincoln ordered his men to advance. The Indians had provided themselves with ropes, prepared to catch wild horses, with which they hoped to ensnare and bind the creature, without maiming him.
The instant the company moved towards the wild man, he sprung forward with a loud and frightful yell, which made the forest ring; the Indians followed close upon him, and Mr. Lincoln and his men brought up the rear. The pursuit was continued for nearly an hour, now gaining upon the object of their chase, and now almost losing sight of him. The trees, however, were quite open, and free from underbrush, which enabled them to make their way very rapidly. Whenever they came very near him, he started forward again with a yell, and appeared to increase his speed. He finally darted into a thicket, and although they followed close and made much search, they were unable to find him.
They then began to retrace their steps towards the place of encampment, and when within about a mile of the cavern, the wild man crossed their path, within twenty rods of the main body of the party. They immediately gave chase again, and accidentally drove the creature from the forest into an open field or prairie.
The monster appeared to be much frightened at his situation, and leaped forward, howling hideously. At length he suddenly stopped and turned upon his pursuers. Mr. Lincoln was then in the advance. Fearing that he might attack them, or return to the woods and escape, he fired upon him and lodged a charge of buck- shot in the calf of his leg. He fell immediately, and the Indians sprang forward and threw their ropes over his head, arms and legs, and with much effort succeeded in binding him fast. He struggled, however, most desperately, gnashed his teeth, and howled in a frightful manner. They then formed a sort of litter of branches and limbs of trees, and placing him upon it, carried him to the encampment.
A watch was then placed over him, and every effort made that could be devised to keep him quiet, but he continued to howl most piteously all night. Towards morning two cubs, about three-feet high, and very similar to the large monster, came into the camp, and were taken without resistance. As soon as the monster saw them he became very furious, gnashed his teeth, and howled, and thrashed about, until he burst several of the cords, and came very near effecting his escape. But he was bound anew, and after that was kept most carefully watched and guarded. The next day he was placed on the litter and carried down to the mills on the Saint Peters.
For two or three days, Mr. Lincoln says, he refused to eat or drink, or take any kind of food, but continued to howl at intervals for an hour at a time. At length, however, he began to eat, but from that time his howls ceased, and he has remained stupid and sullen ever since. The cubs took food very readily, and became quite active and playful. Mr. Lincoln is a native of Boston, and some of the workmen engaged at his mills are from this city. He arrived here [in Boston] Saturday afternoon in the brig St. Charles, Stewart, master, from New Orleans, with the wild man and the cubs, and they were all removed from the vessel that evening. By invitation of Mr. Lincoln, who is an old acquaintance, we went down to his rooms to examine this monster. He is a horrid looking creature, and reminds us very strongly of the fabled satyrs, as we have pictured them to our own mind. He is about eight feet three inches high, when standing erect, and his frame is of giant proportions in every part. His legs are not straight, but like those of the dog and other four-footed animals, and his whole body is covered with a hide very much like that of a cow. His arms are very large and long, a
nd ill-proportioned.
It does not appear from his manner that he has ever walked upon “all fours.” The fingers and toes are mere bunches, armed with stout claws. His head is covered with thick, coarse, black hair, like the mane of a horse. The appearance of his countenance, if such it may be called, is very disgusting nay, almost horrible.
It is covered with a thinner and lighter coat of hair than the rest of the body; there is no appearance of eye-brows or nose; the mouth is very large and wide, and similar to that of a baboon. His eyes are quite dull and heavy, and there is no indication of cunning or activity about them. Mr. Lincoln says he is beyond dispute carnivorous, as he universally rejects bread and vegetables, and eats flesh with great avidity. He thinks he is of the ourang outang species: but from what little we have seen, we are inclined to consider him a wild animal, somewhat resembling a man. He is, to say the least, one of the most extraordinary creatures that has ever been brought before the public, from any part of the earth, or the waters under the earth, and we believe will prove a difficult puzzle to the scientific. He lies down like a brute, and does not appear to possess more instinct than common domestic animals. He is now quite tame and quiet, and is only confined by a stout chain attached to his legs.
This is the first creature of the kind, we believe, ever found on this continent. It was to be expected, however, that in penetrating the remote recesses of the new world, monsters would be found, and great natural curiosities brought to light; and it has been a matter of surprise to many that so little of the marvelous has ever been discovered. But we cannot tell what the wilds of the far Northwest, the shores of Lake Superior, the regions of the Rocky Mountains, and the vast territory of the Oregon, may yet bring forth.
Yeti, Sasquatch & Hairy Giants Page 13