Bigfoot DNA evidence provokes much controversy in the world of cryptozoology. Pictures, videos, and sounds only go so far to prove the existence of the species. No matter how compelling a ten minute, high-resolution clip appears, only irrefutable Bigfoot DNA evidence or a specimen will satisfy the public.
Two researchers most strongly linked to the science of Bigfoot DNA are Dr. Melba Ketchum and Dr. Bryan Sykes.
Dr. Bryan Sykes
Dr. Bryan Sykes, © Huffington Post UK
Bryan Sykes is a renowned geneticist from the United Kingdom. Formerly a professor of Human Genetics at the University of Oxford, Sykes is one of the few academics that have researched the existence of Bigfoot in serious studies. In 2013 Sykes and Channel 4 in Britain collaborated on a docu-series called The Bigfoot Files. In the three episode special, Sykes analyzed Bigfoot DNA evidence from supposed hair, scat, and blood samples. These originated from not only North America’s Bigfoot, but also the Himalayan Yeti, and the Russian Almasty.
While failing to pair these DNA samples to an unknown species of primate, Sykes and his team instead discovered the existence of a polar bear/brown bear Himalayan hybrid. He also debunked the popular story of Zana, a feral woman found in the Russian Caucausus Mountains in 1870. Zana was thought to be a surviving Neanderthal due to her animalistic appearance, behavior and brute strength. Sykes determined her DNA to be human.
Dr. Melba Ketchum
Dr. Melba Ketchum, © The Daily Mail
Veterinarian Melba Ketchum of Nacogdoches, Texas led a five year DNA study of over 100 alleged Bigfoot hair samples. Due to convincing results from the Bigfoot DNA evidence, Dr. Ketchum has called upon public officials to recognize Bigfoot as true indigenous people.
Ketchum’s DNA sequencing proves the Bigfoot species are 15,000 year old hybrids of Homo sapiens and an undetermined primate species. Ketchum confirmed the sequencing of three nuclear Sasquatch genomes. The tests excluded Homo neanderthalis (Neanderthals).
Bigfoot DNA Controversy
Unfortunately, Ketchum’s report is met with heated controversy. Her formal paper, “Novel North American Hominins, Next Generation Sequencing of Three Whole Genomes and Associated Studies” was published in February, 2013. Since this is an often-debated topic, I have summarized why her release is highly criticized.
Firstly, she attempted to sell the research paper for $30 on a bare science enthusiast website, most likely created for the sole purpose of monetizing her paper.
Strangely, the formal release was also packaged with a low-resolution video of a “sleeping Bigfoot” (source of one of the hair samples). The subject bears too strong of a facial similarity to a Chewbacca mask to ignore.
‘Matilda’ or Chewbacca © The Sasquatch Genome Project
Many genomic and forensic specialists who acquired the report immediately found her paper to be incomprehensible.
Ketchum also negligently included an official reference to an April Fool’s day prank paper in her release. The prank suggested the Yeti is actually a hoofed ungulate, like an antelope. This misinformation was mined and actually included in her final release as fact. Buried in questions and inaccuracies, Ketchum lost credibility quickly.