Moving into the topic of the Big Bird, we find out how Ken got interested in that specific realm of cryptozoology, ultimately deciding to write a book about the subject. Bringing folks up to speed on just what the Big Bird is claimed to be, Ken gives us a thumbnail look at the witnesses' accounts of Big Bird sightings and how the creature is described. We then cover one of the more enigmatic details of some Big Bird witness descriptions: a monkey-like face. We then discuss the 1976 Texas Big Bird wave, which really put the phenomenon on the esoteric map.
We discuss one story from the 1976 Big Bird flap that is a bit of a heartbreaker: the discovery of a potential Big Bird print, filmed by a local TV station, who never bothered to archive the footage, which has since been lost forever. Ken details some of the international legends similar to the Big Bird, including Africa's Kongamato and New Guinea's Ropen. Ken theorizes on how such flying mystery animals, while conceivably still living in remote parts of the world, could end up flying over more populated areas of America.
Next we talk about one of the early, on-the-ground, Big Bird researchers who helped Ken find witnesses, Guadalupe Cantu III, who passed away this past Summer. We then discuss the lack of photo or video evidence for the Big Birds and Ken details what scant evidence of such kind exists: the infamous "Thunderbird photo" from the late 1800's and video footage shot in 1977 of a large flying creature. This segues into discussion on the surprising lack of footage of the Big Bird in modern times, especially in light of the proliferation of cameras. Following that, we ponder the notion that classic stories of dragons may be related to the Big Bird phenomenon.
We then look at the unique research challenge of the Big Bird phenomenon in that, unlike land and water based creatures, the flying cryptids are not bound by a set location. We also tackle the question of whether or not the Big Bird phenomenon could be more "paranormal" in nature ala interdimensional or some other non-natural phenomenon.
Ken tells us about any instances that he's heard of where someone shoots a Big Bird / Thunderbird. This segues into Ken also telling us about his conversations with Bob Gimlin (of the infamous Patterson/Gimlin film) about the famous incident and how/why Gimlin didn't shoot at the Bigfoot. Heading towards the close of our Big Bird discussion, we talk about Ken's case for the creature and why the arguments of mainstream science and skeptics just don't hold up to witness reports. We then get Ken's big picture thoughts on just what is going on with Big Birds / Thunderbirds.
Ken also tells us about any reports he's heard of Big Bird sightings by people who are flying in planes. Wrapping up the Big Bird discussion, we find out where folks can get a copy of Big Bird: Modern Sightings of Flying Monsters.
In the latter half of the interview, we discuss Ken's other cryptozoological work, starting with his research into Bigfoot. He details his amazing discovery of a potential "Bigfoot Nest" while on expedition in Texas. He also talks about his work with Chester Moore Jr., noted Texas cryptozoologist, including Ken's observance of potential Bigfoot "vocalizations" and a bizarre cache of ripped open turtle shells discovered on a beach.
Following that, we talk about theories surrounding government knowledge of the Bigfoot and speculate on why, if they knew, they would keep the creature's existence a secret. We discuss the kill v. no-kill philosophical debate surrounding Bigfoot and Ken explains why he is pro-kill. He also explains why tranquelizers, tazers, nets, and other proposed ideas of taking a Bigfoot alive probably won't work. We also get Ken's take on the "Dianne Fossey concept" as a means of getting close to and proving the Bigfoot. Ken recounts to us the speculation that Bigfoot may bury their dead and passes along some interesting information regarding that speculation.
Speculating ahead to the future, we ponder whether or not the discovery of Bigfoot would help or hurt cryptozoology in both the short and long term future. Ken puts forth two big changes to the field which might place, should the Bigfoot be discovered and proven.
Leaving Bigfoot behind, we then talk about Ken's trips to Belize to hunt for two relatively unknown mystery creatures: the Sisemite, a Bigfoot-like animal, and the Dwendi, a smaller, gnome-like being. He shares some remarkable Diwendi reports from the Belize natives, who describe the creature much like many other small "trickster" type entities. This segues into some discussion on how there don't seem to be as many legends in North America of Dwendi-esque creatures, despite there seeming to be many such legends from around the world.
Heading towards the close, we discuss Ken's in-depth research into the Texas Chupacabras flap that has been going on over the last few years. Ken explains how the present Texas creature ended up being dubbed the "Chupacabra." He also shares information gleaned from his examination of the dead "Chupacabras" that have turned out in Texas recently.
Wrapping things up, we find out what's next for Ken Gerhard, including some future book projects and TV appearances. We also find out which Monster Quest episodes have featured Ken so far, so folks can catch them on their DVR and see Ken in action.
Ken Gerhard grew up in Minnesota and Texas, where he developed a love of animals and the outdoors; especially natural mysteries. While growing up, Ken's travels included exotic places like Australia's Outback, Thailand, Tunisia, and the Galapagos Islands. He always wanted to learn about the monsters and legendary beasts wherever he went. In 1982, at age 15, Ken attemped his first field research, patrolling the shores of Scotland's Loch Ness with a Super-8 movie camera. In all, he has traveled to over twenty-five countries on six of the continents and forty-four US states.
In 1998, Gerhard actively began to investigate North American monsters including the Beast of Bray Road, Igopogo, the Loveland Frog and giant turtles in Indiana.In September of 2002, he discovered the first of several suspected Bigfoot "nests" in the Big Thicket of East Texas. He has also found tracks and other evidence while searching for Bigfoot in seven different states, and has worked with many of the top researchers in the field. Gerhard has also been very active in the search for South Texas' legendary Big Bird and has uncovered unpublished sightings of that winged monster. He's also traveled to Belize to investigate two unknown hominids known as the Sisemite and the Dwendi.
He's been featured on the History Channel's Monster Hunters: Bigfoot & Science Meets Legend series. He's also appeared on Discovery Channel's Monsterquest featuring his research into both the Big Bird and the Texas Chupacabra.
His website is tonezone.com/ken
