Bigfoot Could Be Official State Symbol

California is considering designating Bigfoot as its official state cryptid through Assembly Bill 666. Introduced by Assemblymember Chris Rogers, the bill expresses the legislature’s intent to recognize the elusive Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, as a state symbol.

Assembly Bill 666, introduced on Feb. 14, seeks to add Bigfoot to California’s list of official state symbols, which includes the golden poppy and the California redwood, among several other symbols. Rogers represents an assembly district in Northern California known for Bigfoot sightings.

Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, is described as a large, hairy, human-like creature said to inhabit the forests of the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The creature is often depicted as a 6 through 15-foot tall primate. The name “Sasquatch” comes from the Salish word se’sxac, meaning “wild men.”

Reported sightings are the most common in Washington, California and Pennsylvania, yet can range to any part of North America. The legend of Bigfoot has been a part of North American folklore for centuries.

The idea of wild men can be found across various parts of the world, including Australia’s Yowie and Indonesia’s Orang Pendek, as well as several other parts of the world with Bigfoot-like creatures. Tales of large, hairy creatures have been part of indigenous cultures for generations. The term “Bigfoot” gained prominence in 1958 when a Humboldt Times article reported on large, human-like footprints discovered by loggers in Bluff Creek, California.

California has a long history of Bigfoot sightings, particularly in Northern California. The region has various Bigfoot-themed attractions, such as the Bigfoot Museum, Bigfoot Motel and Bigfoot Steakhouse in Willow Creek. The state’s dense forests and rugged terrain provide an ideal environment for the creature to remain hidden, fueling the imagination of believers and skeptics alike.

In 1967, Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin captured footage of a purported Bigfoot creature in Bluff Creek, California. The Patterson-Gimlin film (PGF) remains one of Bigfoot history’s most debated pieces of evidence. The film depicts a prominent, hairy figure walking upright through the forest.

Despite numerous attempts to debunk it, the Patterson-Gimlin film fascinates researchers and enthusiasts. Some analyses suggest the creature’s characteristics are consistent with a human in a suit, such as having breasts covered in hair, whereas primates do not have this trait.

The terms “Bigfoot” and “Sasquatch” are often used interchangeably to describe the same creature. “Sasquatch” is considered the original term, derived from the Salish language, while “Bigfoot” originated from the 1958 media reports about large footprints. Some believe “Sasquatch” is the appropriate term in Canada, while “Bigfoot” is more common in the United States. Despite regional preferences, both names refer to the same elusive hominid.

Some sightings of Bigfoot may be attributed to bears walking upright or other large animals, while pareidolia – the tendency to see patterns in random stimuli – can also play a role. Additionally, many Bigfoot sightings have been proven to be hoaxes, often involving fabricated footprints or costumes. Some researchers suggest that Bigfoot could descend from Gigantopithecus, an extinct ape, although this theory remains controversial.

The scientific community largely dismisses Bigfoot as lacking credible evidence. Formal studies are few and most evidence consists of anecdotal sightings and questionable footprint evidence. Despite this, some researchers continue to investigate, using modern techniques to analyze purported Bigfoot DNA and footprints.

Bigfoot has become a pop culture icon, especially with the Patterson film, inspiring movies, books and television shows. The creature’s image is used in advertising and has become a symbol for various organizations and events. Commentators debate whether Bigfoot’s popularity trivializes serious scientific inquiry or stems from human interest in mystery and the paranormal.

Bigfoot-themed tourism is prevalent in areas with frequent sightings across North America. Festivals, museums and guided tours attract enthusiasts and generate revenue for local economies. It is likely the bill will be the catalyst for expanding Bigfoot-themed tourism.

Assembly Bill 666 could be heard in the committee on March 17.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Jose Cervantes at JoseC.Press@pm.me