The word cryptozoology means "the study of hidden animals" or those not recognized by science. The evidence for existence of these creatures, known as cryptids, consists mostly of eyewitness descriptions and sometimes tracks, traces, photographs or videotapes. Well known cryptids include Bigfoot, Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster and El Chupacabras. But, cryptid can also mean an animal out-of-place such as large cats or reptiles found in areas where they shouldnt normally appear. Or, animals that are unusually large are reported such as giant snakes or birds. Even stories about animals assumed to be extinct, like dinosaurs, are collected and investigated by cryptozoologists.
Cryptozoology is not considered by the scientific community to be a legitimate branch of zoology. While many self-proclaimed cryptozoologists have a scientific background or claim to conduct their research scientifically, they must rely on another persons description of an encounter with an unknown creature or on rare and questionable physical or photographic evidence to support their theory. That does not suffice to conclude that such strange animals truly exist. In addition, the field of cryptozoology has been tarnished by its association with UFO encounters and psychic phenomenon. Too often, reports of strange creatures turn out to be mistaken identifications or hoaxes.
- Sharon Hill (Scientist) |
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