Capturing Bigfoot in Texas

Recently, evidence has been published indicating that large primates may inhabit the woodlands along the shores of lakes in North Texas. Expeditions have documented footprints on the shoreline, and activity that appears to be foraging for large freshwater clams in the lake shallows. Plans are now being discussed and developed to further document the presence of "Bigfoot" and possibly attempt the capture of a live specimen.

A humane, well-conceived strategy resulting in an actual capture could succeed in establishing governmental or private protection of the primates. A habitat could be reserved to ensure the survival of an exceedingly rare and endangered species. Significant scientific studies could be conducted in a compassionate and respectful manner, allowing maximum freedom to the primates in the wild.

The alternative may be hunters overrunning the habitat and needlessly killing a creature possibly closely related to humans. Even the presence of too many people could drive away the primates and disperse critical breeding populations.

A viable plan would also include provisions for the protection of the expedition members as well. The primates are large, physically powerful and potentially dangerous. They may also harbor infectious microbes that pose a serious health risk.

An expedition team should be comprised of carefully selected, experienced members. Volunteers should be considered, and paid professionals employed where possible. A back-up network should be ready for immediate action in the event of capture.

At the forefront of the team's efforts, the ideal candidates would have aquatic skills and training equivalent to that of special forces such as Navy SEALS. An approach from the lake is paramount to success for the following reasons:

1. A base camp should be set up as far as possible from the primate's habitat to avoid disturbing them. A distant shore of a large lake, miles from the habitat is practical and workable.

2. The primates generally have nocturnal foraging habits. A stealthy approach by hand-paddled craft in midday would be effective to set traps.

3. A successful capture would be accomplished by the use of submerged, spring-loaded snares, over which bait, such as an animal carcass, fish or clams are floated on tethers. The snares are commercially available in sizes capable of capturing grizzly bears. They can be secured to the lake bed by large augers (corkscrew-type anchoring units). Care should be taken to prevent the retention of human scent on bait or snares, by precautions such as handling with gloves and cleaning with hot-water immersion.

4. The trap site should be monitored 24/7 by use of standard video, infra-red and night-vision cameras mounted on poles in deeper water. Audio speakers can be used to warn any humans that chance across the area. In the event of a primate being snared, a two-man team would immediately be dispatched in a fast, light and quiet electric-motor powered skiff. A trained marksman with a tranquilizer-dart rifle would then render the primate unconscious. After a brief session to photograph, video and obtain small biological samples, the antidote would be administered and the primate released. The tranq team should use standard medical precautions such as masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, etc., to prevent cross-infections and sample contamination. A qualified biologist would be an ideal team member.

Electronic radio tagging should not be attached to the captured primate, to prevent others from homing in on the signal to hunt and kill the primate. A quick documentation, sampling and release would be sufficient to begin the process of engaging the scientific community for the oversight and protection that is ethically preferable and humane, with the best interest of the primates at heart.

This proposal is a succinct and brief summary of a plan that requires in-depth planning and rehearsal. The elements are based on trapping techniques observed in the Canadian North. It pre-supposes adequate financing. As an option, a non-profit corporation could possibly be set up to handle financial investments and/or donations from sponsors. The author welcomes questions, comments and suggestions.