Cryptozoology vs. Zooform Phenomena
Posted by: Craig Woolheater on April 13th, 2015
From Neil Arnold, author of Monster!: The A-Z of Zooform Phenomena:
‘Zooform phenomena’ is an often complex and difficult to explain phenomena. The term can be used to collate a number of apparitions ranging from mere folkloric entities created as bogeymen; apparitions experienced on an ethereal/astral level; ‘monsters’ created as panics, or as the result of misidentification; or possibly even what we term as ghostly’ animals. Either way, in each case such manifestations and entities will boast animal characteristics; whether the are mere hoaxes, alleged demons or product of hysteria.
People often ask what is the difference between such creatures and those referenced in cryptozoology. For me; the term ‘cryptid’ is used to describe creatures which could well exist on a zoological level but which have not been discovered; or are sighting in places where they do not originate. The term also covers reports of animals thought extinct but which are allegedly still sighted. At times ‘zooforms’ may well veer into cryptozoological circles but for me ‘zooforms’ are manifestations which have no evidence to support them whatsoever in a zoological sense. I can only suggest those who wish to know more read my book on the subject or remain patient and read the posts I am about to create. I am often asked if the so-called Loch Ness Monster’ is a zooform; or if Bigfoot is – I’d certainly suggest that the former is a manifestation based only upon eye-witness sightings and no other evidence. I don’t personally think there is any ‘monster’ in Loch Ness but a series of varying solutions ranging from hoaxes, and misinterpretations, legends. As for Bigfoot, I’d expect scat and hair to turn up – but to suggest Bigfoot is merely a cultural phenomenon I’m not so sure.
There are certain places in the world; especially in the deepest, darkest oceans where there may still yet be large, undiscovered creatures. However, when people start seeing red-eyed flying humanoids, giant hellhounds which burst in to flame, hairy humanoids roaming the wilds of Britain; centaurs, satyrs, Owlmen, Mothmen, vampyric bedroom invaders, Monkey Men, horses with human heads, we must look at such entities on a more complex, psychological level – this does not mean by dismissing them; but realising that the power of the mind can somehow project and manifest such things and hopefully my posts will outline a few of these things. Thanks to all of you who have joined and I apologise I’ve if added anyone who does not wish to belong. Stay tuned for some monstrous weirdness…
Monster!: The A-Z of Zooform Phenomena Facebook group
See also:
A Novel Case of Red Eye-Glow Potentially Relevant to Cryptozoology and the Paranormal
Strange Creatures of the UK
More on Outer Edge Creatures
Chupacabras: Zooform or Cryptozoology?
Tulpas
Nick Redfern Further Expounds on Monsters and Proof
Nick Redfern on Monsters and Proof
Co-founder of Cryptomundo in 2005.
I have appeared in or contributed to the following TV programs, documentaries and films:
OLN's Mysterious Encounters: "Caddo Critter", Southern Fried Bigfoot, Travel Channel's Weird Travels: "Bigfoot", History Channel's MonsterQuest: "Swamp Stalker", The Wild Man of the Navidad, Destination America's Monsters and Mysteries in America: Texas Terror - Lake Worth Monster, Animal Planet's Finding Bigfoot: Return to Boggy Creek and Beast of the Bayou.
I’m willing to entertain that idea as an explanation for some of the things people see. If you read through the lists, there are some really bizarre . . . things people are reporting, as mentioned above.
I will take you to task on Nessie. There have been over a thousand reports spanning decades, and by people who spend their days on the loch
(meaning I’m ruling out misidentification of waves and other nonsense). In addition, there is that pesky latitude line across the earth where there are many lakes/lochs and bodies of water that have similar dimensions in terms of depth and characteristics where critters are being seen.
Aside from that, I think a myriad of things people see . . . or think they see–it could very well be like chimeras. People don’t fully comprehend or understand what they are seeing because of lighting, distance, non-familiarity with the landscape, etc. and start ascribing attributes to a creature. Horse head or dog’s head (Nessie for example), elephant skin, etc. It’s a great example of people trying to come to terms with something outside their reference point and they try to find parallels to things they are familiar with to make sense of it.
It’s just that sometimes it still comes off just weird.
Okay, so, for example, let’s talk the wolf/dog men of Wisconsin. People are seeing BF like creatures but attributing canine characteristics to them: dog ears, wolf like appearance. And it seems to be consistent to that area. WTH (What the heck?)??? Would you consider that a zooform, misidentification (based on what–a mutation, deformity???), or something else?