Canis Latrans

I was hoping for Bigfoot but I got Canis Latrans instead. This late January trail camera photo is of one of our local coyotes. This fellow has come to dine on what is left of the deer carcass to the left.

In Latin, Canis Latran means "barking dog". Here in the East, coyotes are becoming more widespread. Most are hybrids, having mated with domesticated dogs and wolves. Hence the "Canis Soupus" label is applied. Biologists get a kick out of that joke. Some think eastern coyotes are hybridized western coyote/wolves since the original eastern coyotes may have been completely killed off. Some think the red wolf is a wolf/coyote and not a separate species.

These guys are out there roaming around at night. The camera recorded this at 2:06am. I've only seen one during the day. That was 3 years ago. It crossed the timber road I was on, had a rabbit in its mouth.

Bigfoot in the Uwharries

This weekend, our little National Forest hosted a film crew from Animal Planet on a search for Bigfoot. This was set in motion by a thermal image taken by a Salisbury fellow, Michael Greene, almost 2 years ago. Greene had set up a thermal image camera at night using bait (a zagnut candy bar) placed on a stump. If you visit his website Bushloper , pay $2 through PayPal, you can view this video, known as the "Squeaky Video". "Squeaky?" you ask. On a previous occasion, Bigfoot took a squeaky toy left on the stump as bait. If you search the internet you can find this same video posted but Mr. Greene's website states it is copyrighted and you'll face prosecution if you post it.

Based on this video and other sighting by Mr Greene, Animal Planet came here to film a search. First event was a Thursday evening gathering at a Troy fire station where you could tell of your own Bigfoot sighting(s) and offer tips on where to search. Saturday's search began with a rally of sorts at the Eldorado Outpost, a favorite local hangout and "all in one" type country store. There were cars parked everywhere, in their huge lot, in the field and along the road. A fellow, I guess you'd call him the producer, spoke to everyone using a bullhorn, telling folks where they were searching, what do to if Bigfoot is encountered etc. They had walkie talkies to communicate on Bigfoot's location. They even had a helicopter to spot the big guy from above. I'm sure Animal Planet will edit out all the incredulous snickering from the crowd.

Off to the woods! The search is underway. Did they find Bigfoot? No, but there were encouraging signs that only Bigfoot could have made. Just because Animal Planet didn't find Bigfoot doesn't mean it isn't out there. I have no doubt indisputable proof will surface. I have my trail camera set up with a peanut butter granola bar as bait. Check back, I'll post the photos as soon as I get the money shot.