Let’s talk about the “Science of Cryptozoology" itself. Most people want to know what exactly is the “Science of Cryptozoology” all about? Well the term was coined first by a Belgian biologist named Bernard Heuvelmans. He formed the word by combining the Greek words Kryptos (Hidden), Zoon (Animal), and Logos (Discourse) or Logia (Study), thus the "Science of hidden animals." Heuvelmans preferred the term "hidden" to "unknown" because, as he said "Such animals are typically known to local populations - at least sufficiently so that we often indirectly know of their existence, and certain aspects of their appearance and behavior. It would be better to call them animals 'undescribed by science'." [1] Jerome Clark (1999). Unexplained. Farmington Hills, MI: Visible Ink. pp. 211.
The International Society of Cryptozoology, (Activities from 1982-1998, website until 2005) now defunct further refined the definition. Cryptozoology, it was agreed should include the possible existence of known animals in areas where they were not suspected to occur (either now or in the past), as well as the unknown persistence of presumed extinct animals to the present time or to the recent past. “What makes an animal of interest to cryptozoology” the society declared, “is that it is unexpected.” [2] When we refer to these animals we call them “Cryptids”. So a Tiger in Arizona or a Shark in Lake Powell would be considered a Cryptid.
The most popular of all Cryptids is Bigfoot or as he has been called in Arizona for many years the Mogollon Monster. Other popular Cryptids throughout history are The Loch Ness Monster, The Abominable Snowman or Yeti, The Giant Kraken, The Mothman, Chupacabra, The Jersey Devil, Black Panthers and other Giant Cats, Giant Birds and other lesser known flying creatures along with many others.
Here in Arizona we periodically hear of strange creatures like the previously mentioned Mogollon Monster. Other cryptids sometimes reported in Arizona are large cats like the Onza, Jaguar and Giant Mountain Lion or American Lion, including Large Black panthers. Giant Snakes, Giant Thunderbirds or Pterodactyls, Giant Reptiles including Alligators and Crocodiles along with the Chupacabra and even a Mothman type creature have also been reported in the past. Of course many of these sightings are written off as misidentifications of known animals. Often however the reports come from very educated people or avid outdoorsmen who know a great deal about the animals that are indigenous to the area. With vast areas of unforgiving and somewhat unexplored land Arizona is a cryptozoologist dream world. Follow along as we explore that world in future articles.
Comments