Using EXIF Reader

While doing research, in particular, photo analysis, the importance of using an EXIF viewer on the photos is very critical, in that it reveals a lot of information that the researcher can use in that analysis.  The following slides are from the MABRC Training Facility and is used to train MABRC Researchers in this very important aspect of research.  ALWAYS!! use an EXIF viewer to look at the details on a photo, don't never take anything at face value, no matter who it is that provides you with a photo.

Download EXIF Reader here

Comparing Purported Bigfoot Vocalizations with both Non-human and Human primates.

Author Randy "Rebelistic" Savig, Missouri State Director, MABRC

Over the years of researching the elusive primate that we have come to call Bigfoot, there seems to be some consistently purported vocalizations in areas of activity.  Even though I suspect that that Bigfoot uses a much wider variety of vocalization, some of which it has probably never been recorded, the most common seem to be the long howls(calls), the whoop, knocks, and screams.  Others that have been reported are grunts, whistles, roars, as well as woohoo.


As we know all primates also use gestural communication also.  The most common of these is rock or stick throwing, thumping and stomping, branch breaking, and bluff charges.  One other thing that seems to be significant with researchers is the feeling of being watched. If you have ever been someplace and got the feeling you were stared at and looked around and found someone doing it you can understand this feeling.  It happen a lot with people.  Other primates such as a gorilla it seems to be for a fairly specific reason.

staring: This where the sender has its eyes fixed on the receiver, the eyebrows are lowered, the head is angled down, and the lips are parted and pursed (Estes, 1991). This communicates aggression or annoyance (Estes, 1991).

We all got that look from our parents and grandparents so we all know what this one means!

With the modern-day advances of the Internet, researching sounds and animals has become easier.  Facebook and YouTube has in a lot of ways made Bigfoot research even harder with all the hoaxing that goes on with YouTube videos, as well as all the fringe groups with their cult-like followings.  However, you can use both as a positive thing.  When looking up primate vocalizations YouTube is full of them.  In doing so it is easy to copy the file and put it on a spectrogram compared to the purported Bigfoot vocalizations.  Facebook is not a great place where you can compare vocalizations with other researchers as very few do the background work and think everything is bigfoot.  I have heard so many normal animal vocals like owls, foxes, even squirrels being said is bigfoot.  But if a person is diligent you can find good folks who are willing to share and compare.    

In doing this paper I find it much easier to post a video with primate vocalizations than it is to try to describe.  The YouTube videos that I am using here are for comparison and educational use only.  And by no means am I claiming ownership of the majority of them.  However I have done what I can to insure that what I have used is authentic to the primate being represented.  I have done a lot of reading of information available on the Internet and come up with this hypothesis.  A list of referenced material are shown at the bottom of the page.  But as a disclaimer goes, this is my opinion based on extensive fieldwork, hundreds and hundreds of hours of audio review, and talking with other researchers about the suspected Bigfoot vocalizations.  I would really like to see other researchers use some of this in their research areas to either help confirm that it is a correct hypothesis or a false one.

It seems like a lot of times in Bigfoot research.  We hit a spot where what we used to do just does not seem to be working anymore or were not getting the answers to the questions our research is brought about.  I have put a lot of time in thought into this project and I am hoping with using this as a template that may be some more interactions can be made and knowledge increased.  All the skeptics out there will look at this and say that it is a bunch of BS because Bigfoot is not been proven to exist.  However, with all the researchers that have had sightings and other interactions know that they exist.  This entire paper is been written from a researchers point of view.

When looking at the vocalizations and gestural communication of the known primates, there seems to be a pattern of the use of certain vocalization that all primates use.  I believe that if we use what is known in the primates, it could help in deciphering what the purported bigfoot vocalizations may mean, as well as how we can use them in the woods while researching these animals.  By no means am I saying that this is the only possibility for the purported bigfoot vocalizations.  Until such time where they can be monitored by science to where the vocals are seen in context we will not know.    

 Historically, the common view of animal communication was that each vocal utterance corresponded to a particular emotion; screams for fear, barks for aggression, and coos for comfort (Smith, 1977; reviewed in Cheney & Seyfarth, 1990a; Hauser, 1996)

There is an ongoing debate about whether and to what extent nonhuman primate vocalizations are intentional, voluntarily controlled communicative means (TomaselloandZuberbu¨hler 2002). Although vocalizations seem to be largely innate, with a limited number of vocalizations in an individual’s repertoire, there is flexibility in regard to the usage and comprehension of vocalizations, with some species even comprehending the calls of other species, which requires learning (Zuberbu¨hler 2000a). In addition, there is some variation in certain calls as a function of population-specific dialects (Mitani, Hunley, and Murdoch 1999) or affiliation to a particular matriline (Hauser 1992)

There the specific vocals seen by scientists in context are talked about.  When we compare that to the purported Bigfoot vocals, it may be useful in the woods while researching.  Here is a good site for comparing a lot of non-primate vocals.

http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/av/vocals/

The long call.

The long call in primate research doesn't just mean the length of the call but more with the distance that it can be heard.  Most of these are used to as a way to joining back up the troop for food or as a possible mating call.  This is even true for humans.  Years back before texting and cell phones your parents would stand on the porch and yell for the kids and family at dinner time.  Even though we couldn't hear the actual words we knew the call.  Even in areas where there were kids from different families everyone knew who's mom was calling.  

In Chimps:  pant-hoot: This is consists of a series of loud calls which are rising and falling in pitch and often end in a scream (Nishida and Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, 1987). This call is most often given by males, but females may also give it (Nishida and Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, 1987). This call is given at abundant feeding sites, after smaller groups have been reunited after a few days, a response to loud calls, and as a response to charging display (Nishida and Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, 1987).

In chimpanzees, the production of vocalizations varies with rank and social context: at Kibale,
high-ranking males call in all social contexts, whereas low-ranking males and females only call in mixed parties (Clark, 1993). At Gombe, all rank and sex classes also call in mixed parties at the provisioning site (Clark, 1993; Marler & Tenaza, 1977). Call production in chimpanzees also varies with ecological context. Captive studies show that production of loud calls (pant-hoots) in feeding contexts differed by the quantity and divisibility of the provisioned food (Hauser et al., 1993). Earlier work on wild chimpanzees at Gombe and Kibale (Ghiglieri, 1984; Wrangham, 1977) suggested that loud calls (arrival pant-hoots, APH) given upon arrival in food patches by male chimpanzees function to attract allies, mates, or both to abundant food sources.

In Orangutans:  loud call: This call is given by the adult male and consists of roars at first and then rises to bellows and is enhanced by the throat sac. This is used to demarcate territories and to attract a mate, and is important because the orang-utan lives in such dense forests that it is difficult to see other individuals.

( Parental Notice:  This one was only selected for the long call and does show mating so it should be watched by adults only)

Bonobo vocalizations have been studied in captivity (van Krunkelsven et al., 1996; deWaal, 1988) and the wild (Bermejo & Omedes, 1999; Hohmann & Fruth, 1994; Mori, 1983). It has been suggested that the long range vocalizations of this species, such as the high-hoot, are structurally better for localization of the source than for carrying over distances greater than 500 m (Hohmann & Fruth, 1994; deWaal, 1988). Male and female calls differ in pitch (Hohmann & Fruth, 1994). Krunkelsven et al. (1996) found that production of soft, “food peep” vocalizations was related to both social context and food quantity, but did not find sex differences in calling behavior in either context. De Waal (1988) described more than a dozen distinct types of loud and soft calls used by bonobos in captivity. During his study, most loud calls were used in exchanges between parties out of visual contact rather than being directed at individual conspecifics. Loud calls were also given during party movement and were associated with feeding (de Waal, 1988).  More recent captive studies have shown that bonobos change their foraging behavior in response to food-associated calls from others (Clay & Zuberbühler, 2009, 2011). Wild studies have found that bonobo loud calls vary through the day and were most frequent in late morning and late afternoon. The later peak was associated with travel to and construction of night nests. Observed parties’ most common response to calls of distant parties was to vocalize and/or travel (Hohmann & Fruth, 1994)

Using this information I think it is reasonable to suspect that vocals like the Missouri Scream and others have the same function. If one is to use call blasting as a way of trying to draw in possible bigfoot from a distance, this is one that I suspect will work.  

The biggest drawback for using call blasting is that with the equipment most researcher can afford can not get an adequate volume or sound quality of the original call.  However it is worth a try and there are those who have had success.  Just try and keep the volume mid-level to keep the mechanical sound to a minimum.

Here is some of the vocals purported to be bigfoot.  It seems to pretty much cover all the categories I've covered here.

Whoops, and other short abrupt calls.

One calls that Bigfoot is purported make is the Whoop.  In primates it would appear that these loud sharp and short vocals are used as an alert or mild aggression. From my personal experience while researching it does seem to be a alert call.  When we spotted what we took to be a juvenile and was mimicking what it was doing there was the vocals about 30* to our left that seemed to warn the juvenile that we had seen it.

Here is a compilation of some of the whoops I have recorded.

An example of the ways in which a communication system is not arbitrary is that across all known animals that make noise, a quick, high, sharp sound means danger. Conversely, a low, sustained sound is reassuring.

Wilson, Hauser, and Wrangham (2001) showed that, in response to the playback of the pant-hoot call of a single extragroup male, parties with three or more males consistently joined in a chorus of pant-hoots and approached the loudspeaker together, while parties with fewer adult males usually stayed silent and approached the loudspeaker less often.

In gorillas
wraaa: This call is given as a fear vocalization especially the fear of something strange (Estes, 1991).

wraagh: This call is also an outburst, but not deep as the roar, and is monosyllabic in nature (Estes, 1991). This call is mostly emitted by the silver-back male (Estes, 1991). This is emitted when the individual is experiencing sudden stress, and group members scatter when hearing this call (Estes, 1991).

pig grunts: This call consists of a series of short guttural noises (Estes, 1991). This call is given by adult males and females, and communicates mild aggression (Estes, 1991). This call is emitted when the adult wants access to preferred foods or right of way (Estes, 1991).

question bark: This call consists of a short series of three notes, the first and third being lower in pitch than the second (Estes, 1991). Mostly this is given by the silver-back male, and he emits this when he discovers someone that was concealed or another individual that is making noise but can not be seen (Estes, 1991).

chimpanzee -- Pan troglodytes

Tanzania, Kigoma 

http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/196297  ML 196297 © 2016 Cornell University (In the middle of the vocal sounds a lot like a whoop.)  

It would seem as if using whoops or other short abrupt call may not be of benefit to have Bigfoot approach.  With that in mind I would like to have others help to test this hypothesis.  I know it is hard for any of us to imagine that a researcher would want to take the chance of stopping an experience that may be bigfoot related, but if a person is getting spooked I would like them to try it to see what response they get before using white light.  Until more data is compiled I wouldn't suggest using this as a way of drawing them in.  


Screams:
Even though screams are a long distant call it appears to a single focus for primates.  

Gorillas scream: This call is loud and is a shrill sound repeated many times (Estes, 1991). This call is emitted by all gorillas, and is given when the individual is upset or fighting with other gorillas (Estes, 1991).

This video is covers pretty much all the known vocals of the Gorilla.

Chimpanzee screams

I highly suspect this to be true with the purported bigfoot screams to.  This has been reported in sightings reports and may also be the "Woman being murdered" vocal that we hear reported.  I have recorded screams in the woods that I have suspected to be related to bigfoot.  There was one time in particular where they seemed to respond to our granddaughters screams.  It even did appear as if whatever was screaming was moving closer.  However there were no possible sightings or suspected close activity so I'm not sure what was going on.  

This next one was recorded at an active research site in Oklahoma.

We do know that in human a scream is usually done when we are startled or scared.  Could on going screams mean that there is something to fear in the woods? In call blasting or mimicking this could be a way of drawing them in.  The researcher should be ready in case this is a scared or threatened bigfoot vocalization.  It could take make for a negative experience. 

Grunts, Knocks, Woohoo,(Woo) and Whistles

There is a unique way that primates keep track of one and another in the forests. Some of the ways are listed below.  I suspect the purported bigfoot knocks and other vocals are used for this purpose.  With the Silent Hill Project showing that knocks do NOT carry long distances, it can be assumed that it is a location type of call.  Each primate has a way of determining parent and offspring vocals through various vocalizations.  Although the differences may be subtle and only seen on the spectrogram each is individual.

Japanese Macaque coos

The coo is a common short-range vocalization between group members. It didn't seem to be restricted to any particular situation, but was just a noise that they made sometimes. He looked at spectrograms of the coos, divided them into different types, and realized that certain types happened during certain circumstances. This suggested that primate repertoires might be bigger than we had thought- and also that their calls were more context-specific than we had thought, which raised possibility that they might also be more representational than we had thought.

Here is what I suspect is the calls of the Woo, Woohoo vocals reported with possible Bigfoot activity.  These are some of what I have recorded during my research.

Knocks.

Knocks are the one of the most common sounds associated with suspected Bigfoot activity.  Even though we do not know the exact mechanism used, whether the wood on wood, rock on wood, or even could be a hand clap, chest beat.  The mechanism used is not known as it has not been observed. Recently we have started to respond when we hear what we suspect is knocks. 

Here is a few times where we did have success to that. 

Here is a real odd one.  A two tone double knock.

Even though we have had some success at getting responses to knocks, we always mimicked them and did not start the knocking sessions.  Again, these are not long distance sounds.  So if you are in the woods and hear one, I would suggest trying to reply.  It may extend the experience. 

Grunts.
This is one of the vocals that is reported and in my opinion is the least understood. As shown above gorillas can make a pig grunt type of vocal. 

pig grunts: This call consists of a series of short guttural noises (Estes, 1991). This call is given by adult males and females, and communicates mild aggression (Estes, 1991). This call is emitted when the adult wants access to preferred foods or right of way (Estes, 1991).

However the belch vocal that gorillas also use is a sign of contentment.

belch vocalizations: This call is given by all gorillas, generally when they are stationary, and generally communicates contentment (Estes, 1991). These noises consist of purring, humming, rumbling, crooning, moaning, and soft-grunting noises (Estes, 1991).

Table 1.
Overview of close call types and their contexts described for mountain gorillas (MG) and
western gorillas (WG).
Call type Species Context
Syllabled calls Grooming, in response to noise, by mothers to
infants, towards the end of resting periods
(Harcourt & Stewart, 1986; Harcourt et al., 1993;
Stewart & Harcourt, 1994)
Single grunt MG/WG Feeding, resting, travelling (Salmi et al., 2013)
Double grunt MG/WG Individually distinct (Seyfarth et al., 1994);
feeding, resting, travelling (Salmi et al., 2013)
2 subtypes MG Spontaneous and reply call (Seyfarth et al., 1994)
Triple grunt MG Unknown
Inverted grunt MG Unknown
Train grunt/whinny∗ MG/WG Mating (Harcourt et al., 1993; Salmi et al., 2013;
Watts et al., 1991; Sicotte, 1994)
Non-syllabled calls As chorus when individuals are feeding and
moving close together (Harcourt et al., 1993)
Grumble MG/WG More by low ranking as compared to high ranking
individuals (Harcourt et al., 1993); feeding, resting,
travelling (Salmi et al., 2013)
Hum MG/WG Mainly feeding, rarely resting and travelling (Salmi
et al., 2013)
High hum/sing MG/WG Feeding (Salmi et al., 2013)

Dog whine MG Unknown

In Chimps

pant-grunt: This consists of a series of soft, low grunts (Nishida and Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, 1987). This is given by subordinate individuals to dominate ones as a response to dominance displays, such as the charging display (Nishida and Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, 1987).

Here is where you can compare a lot of gorilla vocals with.  By listening to this the above vocals will make more sense.

Here is a site with some of the best Chimpanzee vocals I have been able to find for comparison purposes.  Do to high number of vocals that chimps do for the range of reasons there is a lot of stuff here.

http://gombechimpanzees.org/activities/vocal-communication/

Some of the grunts that are reported as possible bigfoot may have the same purpose as some of the grunts we hear could be like the Belch Vocals of the Gorillas and the pant-grunt in the Chimps, a relaxed vocal.  However some of the grunts seem aggressive like the Pig Grunt in Gorillas.  I do think that a seasoned researchers should try to mimic these types of vocalizations to see how they are responded to.  If they are a non threatening vocal it may help to extend the encounter and possibly add to it.  Until this type of vocal is studied more I would not suggest to be alone if you do it. 

Aggressive vocals, Roars, Charge Displays
Roars are I believe with every animal as sign of aggression.  Here is one of a gorilla roar.  Notice the way it charges the people behind the glass.  Because of the glass and it knowing it is there it is really unknown if this was a bluff charge or would have been a real one.  

Here is some of the possible roars that I have recorded over the years.  Even though I can not say definitely they are from a bigfoot they don't seem to match with the known animals in my area.  With primates known to use roars when aggravated it is not out of the realm to think that a bigfoot wouldn't.  Here is some of what I think are roars from my research area.

chest-beating: This behavior is done by all gorillas and the either one or two open-fist hands are clapped against the chest (Estes, 1991). Adult males produce a sound when doing this because of air sacs they have which are located on both sides of their throat (Estes, 1991). For the adult male this is a threat display (Estes, 1991).

http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/126334

In Chimps 
charging display: This is where an individual is running and/or throwing objects such as branches or stones and/or pant-hooting, drumming, slapping, stamping, and screaming (Estes, 1991). This display is performed by adult males and occurs when a dominant meets another individual after a long time or done by the alpha male to keep all others subordinate to him (Estes, 1991). This display also occurs by an adult male when there is a heavy rainstorm (Estes, 1991).

This type of thing may account for the for some of the broken branches and trees that some have attributed to bigfoot.  When other primates use these things to display dominance or as a way to show off to a possible mate it would not be a huge leap to suspect bigfoot could also do displays like this.  

We all know this happens in humans too.  All the behaviors we see such a bullying, trying to gain attention from the opposite sex, even the favorite line of "watch this" in childhood and adulthood is to try and show worthiness.  

Here is an audio clip that was recorded of what I suspect is bigfoot.  It shows all the characteristics of aggressive sounds that is used by primates.  It is unknown of why the vocals were made as it was recorded with a recorder left on the truck during a day hike.

(This is a long vocal event and has not been altered in time or quality)

(This is a shorten clip with comparisons to a gorilla and some of the audio cleaned up for better clarity)

And it is not a one time event.

This type of thing is also somewhat in the grunt category so as I said above using any type of grunt is a risk.  Only researchers that are ready for the possible results should attempt to use it either as a mimic, or in call blasting in the field. 

One other thing that is reported with bigfoot is smell.

There are numerous reports of a smell associated with Bigfoot.  Some primates have a smell at times.  If this holds true with bigfoot as it does in other primates it could also explain why it is not reported every time.  People also have more odor produced if they are nervous or excited.  

In Gorillas

fear smell: This is produced by the silver-back male, and comes from glands under his armpits (Estes, 1991). This signals excitement or an aggressive threat (Estes, 1991).

Information of the Author

Randy "Rebelistic" Savig
Missouri State Director for the MABRC
Investigator/Researcher for the MABRC
Member of the MABRC Evidence Review Board

(This is the link to my research thread on the MABRC forums)

http://www.mid-americabigfoot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=5477

(This is my personal YouTube channel as has the audio that I have collected over the years of possible bigfoot sounds.)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuv6YBrCjndC78609PtIr9g 

References. 
http://www.primates.com/welcome.htm
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1207/s15516709cog2403_5/pdf
http://primate.uchicago.edu/2008CA.pdf
https://sites.sas.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/seyfarth/files/seyfarthcheney-alb-97.pdf
http://bmcevolbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2148-11-362
http://www.britac.ac.uk/pubs/proc/files/88p059.pdf
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/av/vocals/
http://www.brockferguson.com/writeable/custom_uploads/52c29163b37ad0b2181b038322574418.pdf
http://www.iupui.edu/~mstd/a103/primate%20lecture%203.html
http://gombechimpanzees.org/activities/vocal-communication/
http://www.eva.mpg.de/documents/Brill/Hedwig_Acoustic_Behaviour_2014_2043808.pdf

Acoustic structure and variation in mountain and
western gorilla close calls: a syntactic approach

Daniela Hedwig a,∗, Kurt Hammerschmidt b, Roger Mundry a,
Martha M. Robbins a and Christophe Boesch a
a Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology,
Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
b German Primate Centre, Cognitive Ethology Lab, Kellerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
*Corresponding author’s e-mail address: hedwig@eva.mpg.de
Accepted 10 January 2014; published online 14 February 2014

Western Gorilla Vocal Repertoire and Contextual Use of
Vocalizations

Roberta Salmi*, Kurt Hammerschmidt† & Diane M. Doran-Sheehy‡
* Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
† Cognitive Ethology Laboratory, German Primate Center, G€ottingen, Germany
‡ Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA

OSSIE Database

Check it out at the MABRC Forums

In 2006, D.W. “Darkwing” Lee began working on a Bigfoot Researcher Database, that could be used by a researcher to record their research into, including pictures, video, reports, audio, etc.. When it was first mentioned on the Bigfoot Forums (BFF), several names were tossed about for the database, and eventually, Paul Vella came up with the Open Source, Sightings, Incidents and Encounters Database, or by the acronym, OSSIE.

The database was written in Microsoft Access 2003 format, and was released to the general Bigfoot Community in early 2007. A second version of the database was started on, incorporating more features, however, with the beginning of the MABRC Forums, the decision was made to create an OSSIE database area on the forum instead.

The online version of OSSIE, contains the following items.

* Cryptozoology Encyclopedia.
* 8 library wings with a combined 2400 articles, documents and papers contained in them.
* An audio section.
* A map room.
* The entire collection of the Track Record.
* The National Sightings Database, of sighting reports from all websites including the International Bigfoot Society, which closed it’s doors several years ago.
* Famous and Infamous Bigfoot incidents, from the PGF, Honobia Ridge Walker Video, Hoaxes and others.
* The Wide World of Cryptozoology, a section that contains other crypto mysteries, like Loch Ness and Mothman.
* The Movie Theater, where interesting videos related to Bigfoot are displayed.
* Archived Websites, a location where older websites that were archived in the past before they shut down are available for viewing.


You may have to join the forum as a forum member to be able to view the entire OSSIE database.  Forum membership does not mean MABRC Organizational Membership, just that you are able to view the forums as a member of the forum.

Planning and Executing a MABRC Expedition

D.W. "Darkwing" Lee has been asked by a lot of folks how he goes about planning expeditions for the MABRC, so that they can have an idea how to plan their own, for themselves or other groups.  This is the template that is used for planning each expedition the MABRC conducts.

The Mid-America Bigfoot Research Center has a long history of field expeditions throughout the country and has established protocols and procedures that must be observed for any MABRC-sponsored field expedition.

To begin with, the MABRC member who wants to hold the expedition must be aware that they will be the expedition leader unless they request specifically for someone else to assume that position. In this event, if they have not underwent the MABRC Leadership training course, they will need to complete this before leading the expedition.

Once the member decides they want to hold an expedition, they need to post in the MABRC Members area in the Expedition Planning section, This will be to see if there is enough general interest in other members who can attend the expedition.

Once this is established, the member must begin putting together the necessary Expedition Briefing Summary that will provide the following information for participants.

* Summary of the area

* Summary of the objective

* Sunrise/set data

* Moonrise/set data

* Moon phase data

* Weather outlook, must be updated starting 10 days prior to the expedition from weather.com and must be posted on the forum thread for the expedition planning.

* Site selection

* Background information for area, including any suspected Bigfoot activity.

* Topo maps/aerial photos of the target area.

* Primary objectives

* Secondary objectives

* Standby objectives

* Personnel requirements/skill sets needed along with role determinations for participants.

* Equipment requirements

* Expedition rules/land-owner rules.

Once this briefing is prepared, copies should be forwarded to the State Director (if the state has one) or the Regional Director (if there is one) or the Executive Director. This is to keep the Advisory Council in the loop.

The Advisory Council will then review the Expedition Briefing Summary and make recommendations if needed.

The thread will be maintained in the MABRC Members area for the planning and distribution of information for participants, and as the plans are finalized, contact information, meeting places and other detailed information will then be disseminated through to the members of the expedition through this thread. 

Weather updates should begin being posted a minimum of ten (10) days before the expedition start.

Costs such as camping fees, food fees, access fees, etc. should also be noted ahead of time so that attending members can be prepared to absorb any costs associated with the expedition.
During the expedition, two key positions must be assigned. The expedition leader and the assistant expedition leader. Both will be designated to speak to local authorities, local residents and the media should they present themselves onsite at the expedition location.

Once the expedition is in gear, the expedition leader needs to insure that members follow the expedition rules and procedures while in the field. The leader will also be responsible for the well being of his expedition team. The main creed for the MABRC during an expedition should always be “Never leave a man behind.”

Upon the completion of the MABRC Expedition, an Expedition Debriefing thread will be established in the MABRC Members area of the forum in which the participants can post their thoughts, experiences, evidence and other related information pertaining to the expedition. After this is completed, the information may be sanitized for location, and other relevant information and the report posted on the public side of the forum. This is to insure that the location is not given away to individuals who may attempt to disrupt further research in that area in the future.

All evidence collected by MABRC Researchers belong to them, however, it is requested that the MABRC Members as a whole have a chance to view the evidence too.

Protocol and Procedures for Hair, Scat, Bone, Blood/Tissue

Courtesy of the MABRC

This is an older set of protocols that the MABRC were using, they have some new updated protocols that are being wrote up by their Evidence Review Board, but they agreed to let us post these older ones.

MABRC is concerned in providing scientific data that will assist in proving the existence of a North American bipedal creature that is reported to inhabit rural and remote areas of the North American continent.

In having said that, the MABRC guide will provide guidance to members on how to collect various types of biological specimens that the researcher may encounter while in the field. Such specimens may include blood, hair, latent prints, and foot or handprint castings.

The primary concern in collecting samples will be to AVOID cross contamination of the sample when it is collected.
Researchers will take all possible precautions to prevent cross contamination, prior to attempting to collect the sample. 

This will include the use of powder free specimen gloves, (i.e. latex or Nitrile gloves), sterilized tweezers or forceps (as needed), some sort of hair net or ball cap to prevent human hair from falling into the specimen, and a garment which covers the arms if they are exposed.

The researcher should take either video or still photos of the sample before collection. Included in the photo should be some sort of scale (ruler, coin etc.) however ensure it does not contaminate the sample. Make a note in your research journal of the sample, and annotate a tag number that will be used for the specimen label, the specimen collection report, and your expedition log.

BLOOD SAMPLES 

The most common example of a blood sample that the researcher will come across will be the splashing of blood against the ground, or other similar biological material. If the researcher believes that the blood observed could well be a sample from a Sasquatch, the following procedure is to be used: 

1. The researcher will observe all cross contamination procedures. 

2. The researcher will either use a Q-Tip, or piece of filter paper (CLEAN paper coffee filter will work) and lightly dab the blood specimen. 

3. If using a Q-Tip, ensure that the entire tip is covered, but not soaked, so as to result in a dripping of blood from the tip. If using filter paper, place the edge of the filter paper against the sample, and allow it to absorb into the paper. A sample roughly the size of a quarter is needed. 

4. Once the specimen has been collected, allow it to air dry completely, and avoid any contact with the ground, or the researcher. DO NOT blow on the sample to aid in drying. 

5. Once the specimen has completely dried, place it into a paper envelope, which is then placed into a specimen envelope. 

6. Label the outside of the specimen envelope with a computer label that contains the tag number of the specimen. 

7. Fill out the specimen collection report now; do not wait till later. 

Should the researcher run into a blood sample that has dried and is believed to be that of a Sasquatch, the following procedure will be used. 

1. The researcher will follow all preventive cross contamination procedures and photographic documentation. 

2. If the object is small enough to fit into specimen collection envelope, then it should be left intact, ensuring the sample is completely dry, place it into the envelope.

3. The envelope should then be labeled and provided a tag number. 

4. The specimen collection report should then be filled out, to include the tag number, and appropriate entry into the researcher's journal.

If the sample is to large to place into a collection envelope, then after following all cross contamination and photographic procedures, the research should use a sterilized blade (knife, scalpel, etc.) and lightly scrape the sample onto a piece of clean filter paper. The researcher should attempt to collect as much of the sample as practical without jeopardizing the integrity of the sample. The researcher should then gently fold the filter paper, so that the specimen is contained inside the filter paper, such as a pouch. This specimen should then be placed into a collection envelope, then into the specimen envelope with appropriate, labeling, tagging, reporting, and journal entry.

HAIR SAMPLES

Hair samples are collected similarly to blood samples. The researcher should follow all photographic documentation and cross contamination procedures prior to collecting the sample.

Hair samples can be expected to be found in places such as tree breaks or twists, barbed wire fences, and possibly automobiles if the researcher is investigating a report of a vehicular strike against a Sasquatch.

In all of these possible collection locations, patience will be the watch word for the researcher. Evidence and reports have shown that it is extremely difficult to obtain DNA from a hair fiber, though it may be used for hair comparison against known hair types. DNA, or mDNA is most readily available in the hair follicle or skin tag at the base of hair, therefore, the researcher needs to act delicately in order to attempt to collect follicle with the hair strand if it exists.

In hair that is observed on barbed wire fences, a pair of heavy pliers can be the researchers best friend, as long hair as a tendency to wrapped between and around the barbs. The researcher should follow the following steps if hair is wrapped around barbed wire. 

1. Again, the researcher should use photographic documentation and cross contamination procedures. 

2. The researcher should then disinfect the head and jaws of the pliers, and the collection tweezers, or forceps. 

3. If the hair will not slip from the fencing when gently pulled, the researcher can use the pliers to loosen the barbs. 

4. The researcher should grasp the two opposing barbs and gently squeeze, which will cause the barb to open on the fence. The researcher may need to do the same on the second barb. 

5. The researcher should then be able to gently remove the hair. Again, diligence and delicacy are required to maximize success. 

6. The hair should then be placed in a collection envelope. 

7. The collection envelop should then be placed in a specimen envelope, tagged, report completed, and a journal entry made.

The same procedure should be followed if attempting to remove a hair follicle from a tree break or twist, however, due to the fibrous content of forest material, and the hair follicle cannot be removed from the tree, the researcher should give consideration to cutting the area of the hair, leaving it embedded in the tree. The sample hair should be left in place, and the tree should be cut down to the smallest possible collection in order to simplify it's collection in specimen envelopes, or bags.

The if the researcher is examining a vehicle which has been reported to have struck a vehicle, the collection procedure is much like that of barbed fence or tree twist collection, however the researcher needs to also pay particular attention to the presence of blood samples as well. The researcher should also observe the undercarriage of the vehicle for additional samples.

When collecting any type of sample, whether blood or hair, only one specimen shall be collected and recorded per tag number. For instance, the researcher comes upon five drops of blood that are fresh; this would be 5 separate specimens collected, five separate tag numbers, five separate specimen envelopes. This ensure no cross contamination between samples. The only exception to this would be if the researcher happened upon a tuft of hair, or multiple strands. As that all of this strands have already been touching, they should be collected as ONE specimen, and documented as such.

BONE/TEETH SAMPLES

If the researcher is to happen across a bone, or tooth of a suspected Sasquatch, it is imperative that the research follow all the documentation, photographic, and cross contamination procedures.

Collection of such sample will more than likely be tedious do to the amount of work that will be required for search the area, removal, and collection of the specimen.

If such a sample is found, the researcher will follow the following procedures:

1. STOP!

2. Look down at your feet and ensure that you are not standing on another sample. This sample could very well be hair, tissue, blood, bone, or many other things.

3. If you are sure you are not standing on anything, take photographs and video of the item, as well as the surrounding area. Do not approach the sample at this point. It is necessary that you thoroughly document the area around the sample.

4. Attempt to contact the Regional Director for your area if at all possible.

5. If you cannot contact anyone, the researcher's first step will be to set up a grid system covering the discovery site. If you do not have twine, rope, or other items, sticks will serve as to set up a makeshift grid. The grid should look something similar to a checkerboard square if viewed from above.

6. The researcher should start in the outer most grid quadrants, first observing, then slowly moving overgrowth, or ground debris for the presence of other samples. If a sample is observed, it should slowly be removed. If it is caked in mud, dirt, or similar material, the sample should be collected with this intact. It is best to allow the sample to dry before collection, however if the weather is not practical for this, collect it as is and bag it in paper. The sample should be tagged with the quadrant number and tag number. The specimen collection report should be filled out, and journal entry should be made. It is important that your journal, and the collection report both have a sketch of the over all grid, and the quadrant in which it was found.

7. The research should continue working towards the primary sample found, working from the outside of the quadrant inwards. All subsequent finds should follow this protocol.

8. If an item is partially buried, care and dedication must be used is removing it. DO NOT pull on the sample, twist, or otherwise manipulate while still in the ground. 

9. The researcher will carefully dig around the sample using small tools, and ensuring damage is not done to the sample. (Picture yourself as an archaeologist)

10. Immediately notify your Regional Coordinator if you have not already done so.

ALL SPECIMENS SHOULD BE RECORDED WITH GPS COORDINATES IF PRACTICAL

Camps

Courtesy of the MABRC

Campsites are common for expeditions and most research, and whenever appropriate, the camps should always be set up in favor of the Bigfoot being able to approach from several avenues that give them sufficient cover and concealment, yet still allow the researcher to view them without too much obstruction.

It’s well known to MABRC Senior Researchers that Bigfoot will keep cover between themselves and the people in the camp. They do this by approaching from behind tents, vehicles, low lying areas such as ravines and other objects to cover their movements.

During the second Honobia Bigfoot Conference in 2008, MABRC researchers watched as multiple sets of eye shine were spotted looking OVER the vehicles that were parked across the road from the base camp. Rocks were also thrown into the camp with great accuracy, the sound as the rocks sailed through the branches of the trees around the camp testified to the force behind the rock throws.

The point being, the Bigfoot were using the vehicles for cover, in order to get close enough to view the occupants of the camp.

MABRC Researchers have also experienced Bigfoot walking through and inspecting the camp after all the researchers have went to bed in their tents. Before the last researchers crawl into their tents, it’s necessary to throw extra wood on the campfire to give off enough light for a while for the Bigfoot observing the camp to see that no one is still up and moving around. Once the fire dies down enough, the Bigfoot will begin entering the camp and rummaging through anything of interest. This is when the audio recorders come into play as they record the movement.

Basic Field Pack/Evidence Collection Pack

Courtesy of the MABRC

The basic idea is to have a kit that allows you to collect evidence in the field made up of items that are purchased locally at a minimal cost.Ideal evidence kit is one that takes up a minimal amount of space, yet contains sufficient items to handle the majority of applications. To that end the list being proposed for this purpose is one that can be contained in a fanny pack. 

Note: heavy and bulky items can be stored in a vehicle or at base camp (if a pack in situation) until needed. Such as casting powder etc. . The exception would be if you are working in a team and the items can be split up among team members. 

Compact Camera: This is in addition to any other camera (s) you carry with you. A small digital with zoom capability are common place now. It should be placed in the evidence kit and used only to document any potential evidence you find. This does not mean that you do not take pictures with other cameras of evidence. All cameras have traits and by using more then one details that would normally be missed could be picked up. It allows for one camera to be dedicated to potential evidence. 

Small Flash Light: Besides allowing you to illuminate shadowed areas, a flash light held at different angles allows you to pick out details you might normally miss. This is especially important when examining tracks. Allowing you to concentrate photographing the area or taking extra care if you cast it.

Measure: Tape measures can be very useful, but only if properly used. In purchasing a tape measure it should be wide with large numbers. It is also a good idea to use a dulling agent on the tape measure prior to using. This allows for a better chance of reading any measurements on photos taken. A track caliper is a much better choice then a tape measure for measuring a track. (It can be easily constructed from inexpensive items.)

Sterilizing Agent: A small bottle or vial to be used to clean and disinfect any item that you will use repeatedly, such as tweezers.

Tweezers: Sterilize and dry after purchasing, then enclose in a safe environment such as a vial or zip lock. Use to pick up small objects. Do not handle with out clean non-powdered gloves. After use, sterilize and replace in container.

Q-Tips: Should be stored in zip lock bags or in individual containers. 

Gloves: Nitrile are the recommended, however any non-powdered "rubber" (using rubber as a generic term for lab type gloves not specifically rubber gloves) glove can be used. Do not handle potential evidence that you collect with your bare hands.

Knife: A disposable surgical knife or sterilized utility blade to be used in a utility knife. At times a sharp sterile knife is needed to remove a piece of potential evidence with out damaging it or to collect evidence. The blades can be sterilized and carried in a container separate from the knife. When needed, remove a blade (while wearing gloves) place it in the knife and use it. When done the blade may be resterilized or disposed of.

Containers: Envelopes from small coin size up to large manila should be in the kit, as well as a couple vials and some zip lock bags.

Note Book and Pencil: It should be small enough to fit in the kit. A small 4X6 ring binder with lined pages in front and unlined card stock in the back. When potential evidence if found, note it and the details in the lined section, then in the back draw a diagram of the item on the card stock. Including a rough site map, prominent features of the area and evidence.

Permanent Marker: 

3X5 Cards: These are used for documentation in photos, pertinent information such as time, date, location, name etc are written on the card and included in the photos by placing next to the potential evidence prior to photographing.

Spot Markers: These are extremely valuable when doing field research. A piece of bright cloth with a marble or rock tied in it. (If you take a photo of something, drop one of these directly between your feet to mark the spot you took the picture from. ) It allows for marking exact locations in an easy to find way. They may also be tied to near by brush or trees for photo referencing, trail marking etc.

Magnifying Glass: This one is pretty self explanatory, for examining items. Most sewing stores or departments also carry tweezers with a magnifying glass attached. While the magnifying glass may be a bit small and cause some eye strain if used to examine large surfaces, it is great for assisting in collection of small items and worth the space as a second tweezers and magnifying glass.

Tape Recorder: A mini or micro tape recorder dedicated to specific potential evidence. Other items recommended to have with that may be stored at base camp or in vehicle until needed.

* Lightweight tool box* Ruler or photo scale (these items should be in your carry kit if they fit)* Large surveyors tape for mapping* Pen/pencil* Evidence custody log* Tape recorder for recording impressions during investigation* Casting material* Reinforcing media I.e. plastic mesh bamboo kabob skewers* Two bottles of water* Gallon or larger bags to mix in* Border material* Multi tool* Evidence collection procedures manual* Large plastic sealable container* Duct tape* Ball of String or Twine* Garden hand spade* Paint Brush (at least 2 of differing sizes)* Trowel* Flagging Stakes 

Fixed Blade Knife: A heavy belt knife of good steel. Of all the items you can take with you, this is perhaps the most important. 

Basic First Aid Kit: Odds are you will not have to do any thing major, but you will have to treat, nicks, cuts, scrapes, and a varieties of other minor problems. So, a small basic kit should take care of them. (Note: Rule of thumb, the longer the trip/pack in or the larger the group the larger the first aid kit.)

Walking Stick: It does assist in walking in hilly or rough terrain. Can be used as a track stick (for measuring stride so you can find where the next track should be if you loss it). I have a tripod mount in the top of mine so I can mount a spotting scope or camera and use the walking stick like a mono pod. You can also take black tape and wrap around the stick at 1 foot intervals, this will enable the stick to be used as a method of measurement.

Don't Forgets: Extra batteries for every piece of equipment that takes batteries, Rolls of film of various speeds, extra memory cards for digital cameras, tapes that fit any tape recorders you have with, tapes or CD's for any video cameras you have with. Meds (even day tripping take your meds with, a hundred things can happen that may strand you in the woods for a day or two), Extra pair of glasses and at least 3 extra pair of socks. (trust me on the socks they have dozens of uses not the least of which is keeping your feet dry which can make the difference between a fantastic trip and a miserable one.)

Hydration Source: Water or a means of obtaining it.

Listening Post Suggested Protocols

Courtesy of the MABRC

Listening Post Protocols

During standard research trips to the field and on expeditions, the MABRC conducts listening posts in active areas. These protocols are placed here as guidelines to aid other researchers in setting up their own listening posts in the field.

* Always use 2 or more researchers for a listening post, this is for safety and credibility purposes. You can take along fold up chairs to sit on, or find a good place to sit down at.

* Always position the researchers so that they face each other, this goes along with the campfire tactic, as each researcher watches behind the one directly across from them. This allows the Bigfoot a level of comfort to approach the listening post, as they believe they are not being watched directly by the researchers.

* Always record the entire time you are in the listening post with a digital voice recorder, this will record all information, vocalizations and noises that are related to the listening post and what has occurred there.

* If using parabolic listening devices, position them in a way to not be viewed as a threat to any Bigfoot that may approach. Do this by hanging it on your chair or setting it on the ground by your feet, or even set it on a log. 

* Upon hearing a noise, do not jump up and begin shining your light into the surrounding area, wait until you are sure that the noise being made is close enough that you can successfully light up whatever is making it.

* Talking between the listening post participants can be conducted when there is a lack of ambient noise that would give the Bigfoot sufficient noise to cover their movements. This would usually occur in the colder months of the year.

* During an expedition, a briefing should be conducted of all members going out to conduct listening posts, this briefing should include, but no limited to: location of all listening posts, researchers in each listening post, radio channels, rally points should something happen, function of each member, and who should be in charge of the team in the listening post.

* If a researcher in a listening post becomes lost in the dark, they should stay where they are, do not wander around, as this will make it easier for search parties to find them in the dark.

* If able, the digital voice recorder should be left recording on the hike back to the base camp, that way, if anything occurs on the walk back, it will be recorded for review.

* Upon returning to the base camp area (expeditions) an immediate debriefing should be concluded in the event something occurs, this should also be done with the presence of a recording device for reference later.

* In some instances, if the location could be easily relocated the next day in the daylight, leaving a hidden digital voice recorder behind at the listening post location could obtain activity of Bigfoot, which would possibly come into that spot to check it out after the researchers leave.

* In some cases, parking in vehicles can be done at remote locations, in this case, recorders should still be used to record what is happening around the area. If you are trying to use the abandoned vehicle approach, avoid any activity that would produce unnecessary movement that would rock the vehicle and let the Bigfoot know you are in it. This could be from shifting in a seat, to stretching or even reaching into the back seat for something.

MABRC Zero Trace Policy

MABRC Zero Trace Policy

It is the goal of the Mid-America Bigfoot Research Center to establish a Zero Trace policy for it's researchers while in the field. The goal of this policy is to leave the wilderness areas that MABRC Researchers go to in search of Bigfoot in as natural and pristine condition as it was when they entered the area.

As the term suggests, the goal is for researchers to have as little impact as possible on the location he/she is researching. One of the mottos for Zero Trace is "Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints." It's simplest and most fundamental rule is: "You pack it in, you pack it out".

UnderstandA good way to protect the backcountry is to remember that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit a friend you are always careful to leave that person's home just as you found it. You would never think of dropping litter on the carpet, chopping down trees in the yard, putting soap in the drinking water, or marking your name on the living room wall. When you visit the backcountry, the same courtesies apply. Leave everything just as you found it.

Here is the recommended Zero Trace Procedures from the MABRC:

Plan ahead to avoid impact.
* Limit Group size (6 or fewer optimum, however in large expeditions, this number will increase)
* Repackage food to reduce containers
* Take along trash bags to carry out all refuse
* Carry a stove and use foods requiring little cooking.

Travel to avoid impact
* Never discard cigarette butts, candy or gum wrappers or any other litter.
* Walk softly. Don't kick up dirt and stones or trample vegetation.

Make Zero Trace Camps and Campsites
* Select a site invisible from the trail and any other camping parties.
* Camp at least 25 feet from natural water sources and away from "beauty spots".
* Avoid using existing campsites that are obviously over-camped.
* Never cut standing trees and vegetation or pull up plants.
* Never dig hip-holes or trenches.
* Wear lightweight, soft-soled shoes around camp.
* Avoid building campfires or make only small fires in safe places, if possible, dig small hole that can be covered up after the fire is out. Make sure to keep the sod so it can be placed back on the top. Drown campfire and erase all evidence of it.
* Never wash dirty dishes, clothes, or yourself directly in stream or spring.
* Use biodegradable soap and dispose of waste water at least 200 feet away from water supply.
* Bury human waste six inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trails and campsites, bury your used toilet paper or pack it out. Do not leave it on top of the ground.
* Stay as quiet as possible.
* Leave your pets at home.
* Pick up every trace of litter.
* Replace and scatter twigs and leaves cleared for a sleeping area.
* Pack out all garbage.
* Check for any evidence of your stay, it is your duty to leave zero trace.

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces

Damage to land occurs when visitors trample vegetation or communities of organisms beyond recovery. The resulting barren areas develop into undesirable trails, campsites, and soil erosion.

Concentrate Activity, or Spread Out?

In high-use areas, campers should concentrate their activities where vegetation is already absent. Minimize resource damage by using existing trails and selecting designated or existing campsites.

In more remote, less-traveled areas, campers should generally spread out. When hiking, take different paths to avoid creating new trails that cause erosion. When camping, disperse tents and cooking activities-and move camp daily to avoid creating permanent-looking campsites. Always choose the most durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. 

These guidelines apply to most alpine settings and may be different for other areas, such as deserts. Learn the Zero Trace techniques for your crew's specific activity or destination. Check with land managers to be sure of the proper technique.

Minimize Site Alterations

Do not dig tent trenches or build lean-tos, tables, or chairs. Never hammer nails into trees, hack at trees with hatchets or saws, or damage bark and roots by tying horses to trees for extended periods. Replace surface rocks or twigs that you cleared from the campsite. On high-impact sites, clean the area and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities such as multiple fire rings and log seats or tables.

Good campsites are found, not made. Avoid altering a site, digging trenches, or building structures.

Minimize Campfire Use

Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Yet the naturalness of many areas has been degraded by overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood.

Lightweight camp stoves make low-impact camping possible by encouraging a shift away from fires. Stoves are fast, eliminate the need for firewood, and make cleanup after meals easier. After dinner, enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire.

If you build a fire, the most important consideration is the potential for resource damage. Whenever possible, use an existing campfire ring in a well-placed campsite. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce-at higher elevations, in heavily used areas with a limited wood supply, or in desert settings.

True Zero Trace fires are small. Use dead and downed wood no larger than an adult's wrist. When possible, burn all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash and food from the fire ring. If a site has two or more fire rings, you may dismantle all but one and scatter the materials in the surrounding area. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is dead out.

Respect Wildlife

Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Considerate campers practice these safety methods:Observe wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing them. 

* Give animals a wide berth, especially during breeding, nesting, and birthing seasons. 
* Store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Help keep wildlife wild. 

You are too close if an animal alters its normal activities.