The absence of the sasquatch from North American mammal field guides is a powerful statement affirming that the sasquatch (or bigfoot) is not an existing North American mammal.

As such, it is an omission in need of correction. Its absence from such field guides effectively but erroneously limits the options or choices available for sasquatch eyewitnesses trying to identify a mammal observed more frequently than is commonly assumed. This omission denies sasquatch observers the option—or opportunity—to follow-up a sasquatch “sighting” with a legitimate possibility to confirm—or disconfirm—what was observed.

I alluded to this deficiency in my first book in 1998 and included there a draft of what a sasquatch field guide entry might look like. I included it, with minor modifications, again in my 2010 book.

My sense that the absence of such images was important in limiting the options or choice of sasquatch observers has been confirmed by Cornell University sociologist Thomas Gilovitch. His definition of “seemingly-fulfilled prophecies” appears to apply to this situation, as discussed in this video.

Having discussed and illustrated this shortcoming in my two books, I have introduced here why a more complete field guide entry for the sasquatch is necessary for inclusion in authoritative mammal field guides.

In this presentation, I have briefly described and illustrated the most conspicuous sasquatch physical features, comparing them with those of an upright bear. I have also described and illustrated the most common sasquatch foot shapes as revealed in tracks. Several examples of eyewitness drawings are included to illustrate the basis for the proposed field guide entry.

A detailed treatment of the anatomical features of the sasquatch, as described in eyewitness descriptions and depicted in eyewitness drawings, is the subject of a research video currently in preparation. Similarly, a detailed treatment of the sasquatch foot, as depicted in track photographs and track casts, is the subject of another research video currently in preparation.

A detailed treatment of the sasquatch trackway has already been completed as a research video titled Sasquatch tracks and trackways in snow, one of a series on this website.

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