correlations between sasquatch & gorilla behavior

Photographers for a BBC Earth program captured rare footage of a dominant silverback gorilla who stood still in the middle of the road, blocking traffic to ensure the safe crossing of his family. The gorilla didn’t budge until every family member was on the other side. Could this be the case for Sasquatch road crossings? 

Sasquatch, when discovered, will likely be part of the ape family, sharing human-like characteristics with our own species. However, depending on how they evolved, they may also share behaviors with other great apes like gorillas. For instance, the nesting sites in the Olympics of Washington show structural similarities to gorilla nests. Perhaps by analyzing their behavior, we can gain insight to how Sasquatch lives. Gorillas build nests for several reasons, including keeping off the cold ground and prevention from slipping down slopes. Remember, the Olympic Project nests were found at the base of trees on Western-facing slopes. It seems that this behavior is lining up! Interestingly, gorilla nests are woven out of available materials, which presents another connection to Sasquatch nests. Aside from the OP nests made from Huckleberry, several other nests have been found by researchers like Peter Byrne, who describes what he saw as a nest made of moss. 

You may be wondering how these correlations can help us to find Sasquatch. The way I see it is that researching their origins is key in determining where they might be. In our last article, we explored the origin theory of A.sediba, the most complete hominin skeleton found in the fossil record. Not only does this species share striking physical similarities with Sasquatch, but their habitat lines up as well. Fossils of this hominin were found in African limestone caves, which preserved the fossils. This may be a clue for us to follow. Should we be searching for Bigfoot fossils in limestone caves across the U.S.? I think we’re onto something here. The same goes for the correlations we find between gorillas and Sasquatch behavior.

​These connections may be the key in finding this undiscovered species. If Sasquatch nests like gorillas and crosses roads for the same reasons, we may want to look at other gorilla behavior to find clues. For instance, Gorillas travel only about 0.3 to 0.6 miles per day when there is ample food supply. This is due to their slow pace and large body size which makes it difficult to travel extensively. If this is the case for Sasquatch, then it is vital to follow up ASAP on recent reports by spending time in sighting locations and searching within a mile’s radius for evidence. There is one more Sasquatch behavior that undoubtedly correlates with gorillas. The dominant silverback is responsible for the protection and safety of the troop. When faced with a threatening situation, the silverback will beat its chest, produce loud, horrific-sounding vocalizations and a pungent odor, which can be smelled by humans from over 25 yards away. This could explain why many people smell Sasquatch before having an encounter. In addition to the vocalizations and odor, gorillas may throw vegetation and charge their opponents. Researchers have concluded that 99% of their charges are bluffs. Sound familiar? 

By piecing together behavioral correlations from both our own species in its early stages and the great apes of the modern day, we may be able to better our field work and increase our chances of discovering and observing this incredible species. 

Bibliography: 
https://laughingsquid.com/silverback-gorilla-blocks-traffic/
https://seaworld.org/animals/all-about/gorilla/behavior/