Bigfoot creatures have not been officially recognized as a species, much less proven to murder or main anyone.

This might need reexamining upon any scientific/governmental disclosure as some missing people cases have some bizarre links to this phenomenon.

In part 1 of this series we focused on human dangers found in bigfoot country. Now, we’re going to address key wildlife dangers.

Bears: Black bear numbers are rising, especially in the South, with Florida seeing large increases along with Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Black bears rarely attack but nearly all black bear attacks are predatory. Grizzlies will sometimes lash out because they just didn’t like the way you looked. Black bears who are fed by people, eat from their garbage and come into conflict with pets will be an increasing danger. Grizzly numbers are rising as well and are seen far more often outside of the national parks in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and I believe eventually they will find their way into several other states.

If you’re attacked by a black bear, fight back. Chances are they are trying to eat you.

If attacked by a grizzly, play dead. There’s a good chance they’re just trying to eliminate a perceived threat.

Good advice is to not go into grizzly country alone and in fact don’t venture too far out at all if you aren’t prepared to deal with one.

Feral Hogs: Feral hog populations are skyrocketing in the South, increasing in the West and Northeast and they are a real potential danger. We’ve seen it here in Texas with the aforementioned attacks. I hate to predict bad things but this is just the beginning.

Moose: These monstrous deer don’t play. Mess with a moose and you get smashed. They’re also not afraid to show up in someone’s yard or eat in the middle of a hiking trail. We usually don’t think of ungulates as a danger but moose are showing themselves to be one, especially in Colorado where there are a record number of issues with them in 2023.

Mountain lions, elk and wolves also pose dangers but that will require another look at animals that behave differently from the ones listed here. These guys can be pretty brazen and are in my opinion the most imminent wildlife dangers.

People have to be educated.

It’s great that more people are enjoying the outdoors. That’s more advocates to keep mountains from becoming ski lodges and plains from turning to park lots.

But all who enter the forest, even bigfoot researchers need to pay heed to the true dangers of the wild.

The Wildlife Journalist®

Bigfootsouth.com