So let’s explore what top Bigfoot researchers really think—and answer the most-asked questions people are searching for today. Legends spark curiosity, but science keeps the hunt alive.
Top Bigfoot Researchers: it isn’t just a creature from spooky campfire stories or blurry forest photos. He’s become a symbol of wilderness, mystery, and the unknown. But while skeptics scoff, a surprising number of respected scientists and researchers have taken Bigfoot seriously.
At Wildfoot Myths, I follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers. I’ve spent years digging into the research, legends, and personal stories. And the truth? The truth is louder than the silence we’ve been told to accept.
Hi there! I’m Shawn,
Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. You’ll find recommendations for Bigfoot gear, paranormal books, and helpful tools to fuel your curiosity about the unknown.
I only share what I genuinely trust, and you’re never obligated to buy. The links and all the great info on my site are free to explore.
Feel free to reach out with any questions. Thanks for being part of this journey!
Shawn Thomas
Owner of Paranormal Curiosities Realm & WildFoot Explores
Enjoy the blog, and happy exploring!
What the Experts Say
Dr. Jeff Meldrum – The Scientific Optimist
Professor of Anatomy & Anthropology, Idaho State University
Dr. Meldrum has become one of the most prominent defenders of Bigfoot research. With hundreds of footprint casts in his lab and years of study behind him, he doesn’t brush this off as a hoax. He treats it like what it might be—a real, undiscovered species.
“There is a biological entity behind the legend of Bigfoot… The footprint evidence is compelling and deserves scientific inquiry.”
Want to go deeper?
Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science (Paperback)
Paperback – Illustrated, Sept. 4, 2007
By Dr. Jeff Meldrum
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Jeff Meldrum, an anatomy and anthropology professor, explores the science behind the Sasquatch mystery. With over 150 illustrations and expert insights, Meldrum examines evidence from footprints to evolutionary clues, offering a serious scientific look at a subject often dismissed.
This is where legend meets real science.
Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science (Audiobook)
Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
By Dr. Jeff Meldrum | Narrated by Tom Perkins
In this compelling audiobook, Dr. Jeff Meldrum, a respected scientist, takes listeners on a deep dive into the evidence behind Bigfoot. From evolutionary insights to expert field analysis, Meldrum presents a balanced, scientific approach to one of the world’s most enduring mysteries.
Clear, credible, and thought-provoking—this is Bigfoot like you’ve never heard before.
Dr. Jane Goodall – Open to the Possibility
Goodall shocked interviewers when she admitted she’s open to the idea of Bigfoot. While she hasn’t researched it directly, she’s seen enough of the animal world to know that we haven’t discovered everything yet.
“You’ll be amazed when I tell you that I’m sure that they exist… Well, I’m not going to flat-out deny it.”
Dr. Grover Krantz – The Original Bigfoot Scholar
One of the first academics to put his career on the line for Bigfoot research. He argued that the creature may be a relic hominid, possibly even a surviving Gigantopithecus.
“This is a zoological discovery waiting to happen, not a mythological one.”
Cliff Barackman – Field Researcher & TV Star
From Finding Bigfoot to the forest floors of North America, Cliff has chased evidence in the field for years. He backs up stories with footprints, recordings, and research.
“We just haven’t captured it—yet.”
Field Research Essentials:
Dr. John Bindernagel – A Voice for the Evidence
A Canadian biologist who dared to believe. His research wasn’t based on stories—it was based on years of studying physical evidence and vocalizations.
“This is a biological mystery that’s been relegated to folklore… when it should be a subject of zoological investigation.”
Top Google FAQs About Bigfoot—Answered in My Own Voice
Do any scientists believe in Bigfoot?
Yes—and more than most people think.
There are actual scientists with PhDs who’ve studied Bigfoot seriously for decades. I stand behind these folks 1000%—people like Dr. Jeff Meldrum and the late Dr. John Bindernagel. These are not armchair researchers. These are respected professionals with university ties and scientific labs.
I might not have letters behind my name, but I’ve got something just as strong—a love for research, the wilderness, and the truth. So if you’re asking, “Do real scientists believe?” the answer is: Absolutely. And I do too.
What is the best evidence of Bigfoot?
Hands down—it’s the footprint casts and the Patterson-Gimlin Film. And no, not everyone believes it’s fake. In fact, the movement, muscle flex, and gait in that video still haven’t been duplicated.
Add to that:
- Dermal ridges found in tracks
- Long-distance vocalizations
- Hair samples that don’t match known species
To me, it’s the total collection of data, not one smoking gun, that points to something we haven’t named yet.
What percent of people believe in Bigfoot?
Surveys show that around 20–30% of Americans believe Bigfoot could be real. But that number’s likely higher—many folks believe, but just don’t say it out loud.
Here’s my take: Belief isn’t about numbers. It’s about curiosity, and being open to what we don’t fully understand yet. If even one encounter is true, then the whole story changes.
Has Bigfoot DNA been found?
Short answer: Not confirmed.
Hundreds of DNA tests have been conducted over the years. Some have returned as “unknown primate,” some as human, bear, or contaminated.
But here’s the thing—if we don’t have a recognized Bigfoot specimen, we can’t confirm DNA even if we had it. So we’re still waiting on that golden sample. But people are trying. And I believe one day, we’ll have it.
Until then, the mystery lives on.
Why I Built Wildfoot Explores
This is personal for me.
I built Wildfoot Explores because I love this journey—the mystery, the legends, the science, and the Indigenous folklore that connects us to something ancient and wild. But this journey also carries something even deeper…
It holds the memory of a great man—my cousin Nathan Dee—who loved the thought of Bigfoot just as much as I do. He wasn’t just family. He was a best friend, a brother in spirit, and someone who shared this wild curiosity with me.
Every step I take into the woods, every blog I write, every story I tell—he’s right there with me. This isn’t just about Bigfoot. It’s about honoring the bond we shared and keeping our passion alive.
I don’t do this for fame—I do it because it makes me feel alive. I’ve written books to help others explore Bigfoot, too—one about how to search, and another about why people believe.
Both of those books are just the beginning.
Because of the real journey?
It hasn’t even started yet.
Ready to Join the Hunt?
- Bigfoot Field Researcher Journal Kit
- Sasquatch Expedition Backpack
- Survival Kit 250pcs, Emergency Survival Gear
Start your own journey into the unknown. Gear up, dive into research, and walk where the wild things roam.
Final Thoughts: Truth, Belief, and the Road Ahead
When you look at what the top researchers have said—the scientists, the trackers, the thinkers—you start to realize something important: this mystery isn’t just alive… It’s being studied, tested, and taken seriously.
From academic labs to forest floors, people are chasing this truth not for fame, but because something is out there. And for me? This journey is more than just research. It’s about belief. It’s about legacy. It’s about honoring the memory of my cousin Nathan, who dreamed just as big as I do.
We might not have proof in a cage, or DNA locked in a lab freezer. But we’ve got stories that don’t go away, footprints that can’t be faked, and a growing number of people who are starting to listen.
Bigfoot isn’t just a cryptid—it’s a reminder:
That the world still holds a mystery.
That wonder still exists.
And that we haven’t discovered everything… not yet.
So, whether you’re here for curiosity, research, or the thrill of the unknown, thank you for being part of this journey.
Stay curious.
Stay grounded.
And never stop searching.
Because somewhere in the wild, the truth is still walking.
The Search for Truth Begins Here
Whether it’s the untold stories of Bigfoot, haunted places, or the mysteries of the unknown, our research is only just beginning.
Check out our latest blog or explore our growing collection of books that dive deep into the legends, science, and real-life encounters behind the world’s greatest mysteries.
The journey has only just begun, and you’re invited to be part of it.
My Author Page
Shawn Thomas is the author of books exploring Bigfoot, the paranormal, and the unknown. Blending research with storytelling, his work invites readers to uncover legends, follow mysterious trails, and dive into the unexplained.
The journey is just beginning—explore the books and discover what lies beyond.
READ BOOK HERE→
WildFoot Blog List
Welcome to a world where legends come alive and curiosity leads the way. This blog is your gateway to Bigfoot theories, paranormal research, ghostly encounters, and the journey of uncovering the unknown. Each post is packed with real investigations, deep questions, and a passion for truth.
The research is real. The journey has just begun. Dive in.
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This was such a fascinating read! I love how you balance scientific perspectives with the sense of wonder and mystery that keeps the Bigfoot legend alive. Dr. Meldrum’s footprint research and the Patterson-Gimlin Film are certainly compelling—do you think modern technology, like AI analysis or drone surveillance, could provide the breakthrough evidence needed?
Also, your personal connection to this journey is incredibly moving. It’s clear that this isn’t just about proving Bigfoot’s existence but about keeping a passion and legacy alive. What’s been the most unforgettable moment in your own research so far? Looking forward to reading more from Wildfoot Myths!
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Alice! It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the article and appreciate the balance we try to strike.
You raise a great point about modern technology. I absolutely think AI analysis of potential footage, audio recordings, and even environmental data could be a game-changer. Imagine AI trained to identify subtle anomalies or patterns that the human eye might miss in the Patterson-Gimlin film or in new footage. Drone surveillance, especially with advanced thermal imaging, also holds immense potential for observing remote areas. The challenge, of course, lies in deploying these technologies effectively in the right locations and interpreting the data accurately. It’s an exciting frontier!
As for my most unforgettable moment… that’s a tough one to narrow down! But if I had to choose, it would probably be the first time I found a set of very large, distinct footprints in a remote area that showed clear dermal ridges. Holding those plaster casts and seeing that level of detail firsthand was truly awe-inspiring and solidified my belief that there’s something significant out there. It wasn’t just a blurry photo or a secondhand account; it was tangible evidence that sparked a deep sense of wonder and connection to the possibility.
Thank you again for your engagement and for following Wildfoot Myths! We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing more of this journey with you
Shawn
This is a fascinating read! I’ve always been curious about what serious researchers think about Bigfoot. What’s the most compelling piece of evidence they’ve uncovered so far? Have there been any recent discoveries, like new footprint analyses or DNA testing, that have changed expert opinions? It would be interesting to see if technology, like AI or thermal imaging, is improving the search. I appreciate how this article dives into the scientific perspective rather than just myths—it makes for a more balanced discussion!
Hey Jacob, thank you so much for the thoughtful comment—really appreciate it!
I totally agree getting into the mindset of serious researchers opens up a whole new layer to the Bigfoot mystery. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence many still point to is the Patterson-Gimlin film, simply because of the biomechanics that haven’t been fully replicated even with modern tech. But what’s even more exciting are the recent footprint analyses showing dermal ridges (like fingerprints), which have impressed some primatologists.
As for technology, you’re spot on—tools like thermal imaging, drone surveillance, and even AI-powered audio analysis are starting to push things forward in a big way. Some teams are even experimenting with eDNA sampling in forest areas to detect any unknown primate markers in soil and water.
Appreciate you recognizing the balance of science and curiosity in the article. That’s exactly what I’m aiming for—keeping the wonder alive while still looking through a logical lens.
If you’re interested, I’ve got more breakdowns coming soon on thermal tools and AI use in field research,would love to hear your thoughts on those too!
Thanks again, Jacob,your comment made my day!
Shawn
Hello!
Bigfoot is such a fascinating topic, and I love how this article dives into what top researchers actually think about the mystery. It’s interesting to see the mix of skepticism and open-minded investigation—especially when considering the countless sightings and unexplained evidence over the years. Whether you’re a believer or not, there’s no denying that Bigfoot continues to capture people’s curiosity!
Did any of the researchers’ perspectives surprise you? I always find it intriguing when scientists take the possibility seriously, especially when new technology like DNA analysis is involved. It makes you wonder if we’re closer than ever to uncovering the truth!
Angela M 🙂
Hi Angela! Thanks so much for the kind words and awesome insight—I’m really glad the article resonated with you!
You nailed it,Bigfoot really does live in that fascinating space between mystery and science. What surprised me most from the researchers’ perspectives was how many of them, even skeptics, are open to the idea that there could be something out there we haven’t fully classified yet. Especially when physical evidence,like unexplained hair samples or large-scale footprint patterns,lines up with firsthand reports.
And yes, the role of technology like DNA analysis and AI-powered audio recognition is becoming a game changer. It’s exciting to see serious researchers use these tools to explore this mystery from a scientific standpoint rather than just brushing it off as folklore.
Like you said,believer or not, curiosity is powerful, and it keeps the search alive.
Thanks again, Angela! Appreciate your thoughtful comment and energy. Let’s keep wondering together!
Shawn