Survivor Man: Bigfoot
By Ray Doherty – April 2015
In the words of Survivor Man Les Stroud, he is not a “Bigfooter”, nor an enthusiast, nor a witness to a sighting. He is simply a man who has had some experiences and now wants answers — the truth.
That is the premise of the new episodes of Survivor Man Bigfoot, airing in the US this April, where Les heads into some of the deepest and most remote parts of Canada and the United States in his quest for Bigfoot — or at the very least, proof or signs that a large apex predator is living in North America.
For a self-described non-believer, we follow Stroud as he applies a balanced and disciplined scientific outlook to the subject. Over the course of the series, he is challenged by events that force him to question his long-held skepticism. His guide, Todd Standing, is present but barely seen in these new adventures, allowing Stroud’s own field craft to take centre stage.
In my view, this series is by far the most professionally produced documentary work on the subject that I have seen. Even earlier programs such as MonsterQuest and In Search Of were informative, but this series stands apart in terms of relevance — not only to the everyday viewer but also, importantly, to the serious field researcher.
Here we see men on the ground — searching, observing, setting up feeding stations, applying field craft methodically and professionally. This is how the subject needs to be handled if we are serious about progressing the conversation. Stroud appears genuinely serious.
Now, many will say, “Of course he’s doing it for money.” And yes, he is a documentarian — that is his profession. I have always maintained that I have no issue with people being paid for this work, provided the content is genuine, disciplined, follows scientific principles, and is well produced. This series meets that standard.
In contrast, the abundance of poorly produced US cable shows — for example Mountain Monsters — often make more of a mockery of the subject than provide any critical insight. That approach does nothing but tarnish the work of genuine researchers in the eyes of the broader public.
Field Craft and Practical Lessons
Stroud approaches his work methodically. One of the most impressive aspects of the series is his technical knowledge — particularly in photography and covert field equipment.
His understanding of camouflage, hidden cameras, and DNA collection methods is first rate. Concealed HD cameras hidden within natural objects, hard disk recorders buried nearby, scent masking — these are practical techniques that serious researchers everywhere should pay attention to.
The benefit of a professionally produced program is access to experienced technicians and specialised equipment that most of us simply cannot afford. However, many of the techniques demonstrated are adaptable at a smaller scale if one is willing to invest the time and thought.
Regardless of where we operate in the world — and regardless of our quarry — we must, at some level, become students of multiple disciplines. We must learn aspects of primatology, anthropology, biology, genetics, photography, bushcraft, tracking and botany. Hours must be invested if we are to be taken seriously.
The reality is that we are largely on our own.
If we were millionaires able to employ laboratories and teams of specialists, our work would look very different. Stroud demonstrates simple but effective techniques that many researchers could benefit from — particularly the importance of remaining objective in the field.
Arboreal Considerations
One point of mild disappointment for me was that the search remained strictly terrestrial. In Australia, our work and the testimony of others strongly suggest arboreal behaviour plays a role.
This possibility was indirectly highlighted when several US-based video bloggers identified objects in trees during one of the episodes. Some of those observations were compelling.
Broadening the scope beyond ground-level assumptions may be necessary in future work — both in North America and here.
Tree Breaks and Structures
After watching the series, I am more convinced than ever that tree breaks may hold significance. We are still a long way from understanding what they mean, but similar formations are found in both the US and Australia.
In many cases, breaks occur in lines or directional sequences, potentially serving as boundary markers.
In Australia, an important distinction must be noted: in 99% of the country, we do not have snowfall. Therefore, breaks here cannot be attributed to snow load. Rotting timber is a possibility, but it does not explain consistent sequencing or repeated structural similarities.
One critical point Stroud makes — and it is easy to forget — is the importance of establishing a baseline. We must know what is normal in an area before we can recognise what is not.
Understanding natural deadfalls, storm damage, and ordinary bush patterns allows us to identify anomalies more confidently.
Footprints — A Key Difference
One particularly strong point raised in the program relates to footprints.
My US colleagues have told me that for the untrained observer, it is easy to confuse bear tracks with Sasquatch prints — especially when a bear steps into the tracks of another bear, creating elongated impressions.
That confusion does not apply here.
We do not have bears in Australia.
There are virtually no natural explanations for large, isolated bipedal prints found in remote bushland. When a 40+ centimeter (or larger) footprint is found in such locations, the options are limited.
It is either human — as we understand humans — or it is not.
I believe we sometimes take this for granted.
In North America, researchers must contend with wolves, cougars, brown bears, black bears, wolverines and other large predators that can confuse or destroy evidence.
We do not.
Our equation is simpler.
That does not prove anything — but it removes a layer of ambiguity.
Final Thoughts
What this series ultimately demonstrates is the importance of professionalism.
We need more people in the bush with better equipment and better discipline. More individuals applying basic scientific principles. The more structured observation we conduct, the sooner we can move beyond searching and into genuine study.
Finding them, if they exist, is only part of the task.
Studying them is the greater challenge.
Les Stroud has produced a serious and thoughtful series on a subject that has often been ridiculed by mainstream media. He approaches it critically, professionally, and without theatrics — and he gets results.
That alone makes it worth watching.
– Ray Doherty
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