Cryptozoology - The Quest for Hidden Creatures

The term “cryptozoology” stems from the Greek word kruptos, which means “hidden.” Thus, it literally means “the study of hidden animals.” Researchers in this field work to uncover proof that the creatures of legends and urban myths do in fact exist. Cryptozoology has been of interest since the late 19th century. The first official study of this nature is attributed to Anthonid Cornelis Oudemans, who composed his text The Great Sea Serpent in 1892. However, it is only in recent decades that cryptozoology has truly taken off as a field of research.

The animals studied by cryptozoologists are generally referred to as “cryptids.” Cryptids come in many forms. Perhaps most commonly studied are megafauna creatures. These are animals of incredible size such as the famed Bigfoot, Yeti, and Lock Ness Monster. Other cryptids are considered mythical. These are the creatures that exist commonly in legends or cultural tales, like dragons or werewolves. There are also ocean cryptids believed to occupy the unexplored depths of our waters. Some of these creatures, such as the giant squid and megamouth shark, have actually been proven to exist. This gives hope that other elusive cryptids may be out there.

Some cryptozoologists aim to prove the existence of animals generally believed to be extinct. Such animals can be documented as having once existed, but are believed to have died out long ago. For example, the coelacanth, an ancient type of fish, was believed to have disappeared more than 65 million years ago. However, a specimen of this creature turned up in a fishing net in 1938. Other cryptozoologists search for evidence of animals generally considered to be fictional. Most evidence for these creatures comes from anecdotal records and supposed eye witness accounts. However, documentation of supposed footprints, bones, and photographs have been cited.

Most of the modern scientific community rejects the work of cryptozoologists. Their biggest criticism is that if cryptids existed, they would have already been discovered. Skeptics say creatures such as the Yeti or Lock Ness Monster would require a big enough population to maintain a survivable breeding rate. With this many large creatures in the same habitat, it seems unlikely that humans have not yet found a dead body or natural den. Other critics point to the unreliable nature of eyewitness accounts and the numerous cases proven to be hoaxes. Consequently, cryptozoology has been popularly dubbed a “pseudoscience” or illegitimate field of study.

Despite criticism, most cryptozoologists do utilize scientific methods to obtain tangible proof that cryptids exist. They frequently travel out into the field to search for physical evidence on land and sea. Findings can range from footprint casts to dead animals believed to have been attacked by a cryptid to strange sonar readings in the water. Some researchers are even turning to DNA technology to help analyze fossil remains. Statistical analyses of reported sightings are also common. Cryptozoologists hope these can help identify a cryptid’s habitat and provide clues about its living habits. Researchers also frequently cite cases where animals considered fictional were proven to exist. These include the aforementioned giant squid as well as the platypus, okapi, and mountain gorilla.

Much of our planet, especially its oceans and rainforests, have yet to be thoroughly explored. Cryptozoologists believe these unturned corners are where most cryptids will be found. Although many accounts of legendary animals may be hoaxes or simple mistakes, others produce credible evidence, which needs to be more thoroughly analyzed. With time, it is possible that we may discover definitive proof that some cryptids do share our planet.