Spotting Bigfoot in Vermont

Do you remember Bigfoot aka Sasquatch? They have been spotted in the Green Mountain State. Hearing about this legendary American cryptid made me think of a question. If Bigfoot bought a pair of Darn Tough socks, which ones would they choose?

Note: I am calling Bigfoot “they” because some cryptozoologists theorize that there are families of Bigfeet (is that plural for Bigfoot or is it like moose, where the same word is plural and singular?).

Origin of the Bigfoot Name

Do you know where the name Bigfoot originated? In the pages of the Humboldt Times, a local county newspaper in California. A journalist wrote a column about loggers discovering mysterious large footprints and in following up articles dubbed them as belonging to “Bigfoot.”

The origin of the name Sasquatch is older. It is debated if Sasquatch is a mispronunciation of “Sasq’ets,” a Salish name for “wild man” or “hairy man. JW Burns, a Canadian government agent, is the man that coined the term in the 1930s in his article based on stories from the Sts'ailes community.

Bigfoot’s Appearance

Let’s refresh your memory on how Bigfoot looks (we think): They are a large bipedal, muscular, hairy human or ape-like creature. Their hair or fur has a range of earthly colors, and they are described as smelly.

Many of the sightings have occurred around nighttime, with witnesses saying their eyes have eyeshine, indicating they could be nocturnal.

Behaviorally they are described as shy but territorial. Mostly communicating through howls, screams, moans and grunts, they are also known to knock wood together and throw rocks. Bigfoot is primarily found in the Pacific Northwest. It is speculated that the creatures prefer wooded mountainous areas.

Sasquatch Sightings

Vermont has the fifth lowest amount of sightings in the U.S. on the Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) website, which is discouraging since Vermont has the ideal habitat for Bigfoot. Here are some key Vermont sightings that I want to share with you, grouped by the type of sighting.

Visuals

When: August 2019

Where: Eden, VT – Daytime sighting on edge of property.

A retired RN and former private pilot saw a black humanoid shape walk past her driveway. She described the creature having long, swinging arms, a short neck, and round head. She was alerted to the creature’s approach by her Chihuahua barking. It disappeared when it crossed her driveway.

Later that day she scouted the area with an air horn in one hand and a trembling dog in the other. She observed that her dog feared this creature in a way it had not feared a bear that had approached a couple weeks before. She found some signs of its trail; she believed it crossed the road to the wood on the other side.

When the researcher from BFRO came by for a follow-up, she had more encounters to tell. You should check out the full BFRO report, it is quite interesting.

Noises

When: November 2015

Where: Northfield, VT

In Cabot Hosiery Mills’ hometown, a hunter heard screams and whoops. The hunter heard these vocalizations on two separate mornings, before sunrise, while deer hunting.

They described themselves as a seasoned hunter, Vermont native and outdoor enthusiast. They were in a remote location and the vocals started right after the hunter had shut off their lights to wait for first light.

Footprints

When: May 2015

Where: Windsor, VT

A mountain lion researcher found footprints on a leisurely hike while caring for a family member. The location was near Mt. Ascutney Parkway next to a power line.

In the report, she describes how she carries a camera and measuring tape wherever she goes, even when not doing research. She described the footprints as 15 inches long, 3-4 inches deep, and the toes went out and away from each other. She did try to take castings of the prints a day later, but they came out with too many leaves and broken toes.

The person that did the follow up confirmed much of what she described, including her encounter with a park ranger, who expressed “keeping it on the down low,” and was more concerned about mountain lions (when she mentioned she researches them).

Hoaxes

When: Dec 2022 to July 2023

Where Lyndonville, VT

Some Bigfoot sightings aren’t truly sightings at all. This hoax comes from a TikTok user reposting footage and calling it genuine. However, the footage is from a YouTube video titled “Sasquatch, Bigfoot or a Bear? Not Real.” (Though I will give the TikTok user credit for acknowledging the creator of the video, Ken’s Karpentry.)

There are also other videos depicting Bigfoot, my favorite is a man in a Sasquatch outfit handing tools to a Ken’s carpenter. This shows how easy it is to believe a hoax if it is reposted enough and if the content isn’t credited. Luckily there are people who value the truth.

Media

When: April 2024

Where: Rutland, VT

Bigfoot is recognized worldwide, with Animal Planet getting involved. They started a show called “Finding Bigfoot.” On their third season, they came to Rutland, Vermont in the second episode, titled “Mother Bigfoot.”

The investigators travelled to Vermont because of a photograph by Frank Siecienski. The photo contains a creature reaching down in Siecienski’s orchard. They believe that there was a baby clinging to the leaning over creature, citing the practice of cradling a child to the chest by great apes and humans.

I will leave the rest for you to find out by watching the episode. (Something unrelated interesting that I noticed while the team introduced the episode was that they claimed Vermont is known for jams. Which might have some merit, my father got out of dairy farming and planted an orchard 13 years ago).

Comparison to Other Vermont Cryptids

In Vermont there are two local cryptids that have some similarities. These local legends are the Northfield Pigman and the Northeast Kingdom Slipperyskin. They are also described as large bestial elusive bipedal creatures living in the forested mountains of Vermont (we've got a lake monster, too).

What separates Bigfoot from these locals is the perceived temperament. Google "Pigman" or "Slipperyskin" and you will find images of viciousness (you've been warned). The stories surrounding them are also steeped in antagonistic activities, a far cry from Bigfoot’s passive demeanor. Oh, I heard of some sightings being aggressive, but even in those accounts it is believed to be territorial in nature, not malicious.

Why Bigfoot?

Why do so many people have a fascination about finding Bigfoot? I set aside personal theories to consider what three experts had to say, namely:

• Krissy Eliot, a senior associate editor for the California Magazine
• Lynne McNeill, Cal grad and folklore professor
• Robert Pyle, a journalist who immersed himself in the lives of scientist, hunters and others.

These three individuals have some interesting theories on the subject:

Honesty. “They think they saw Sasquatch and they want to prove to themselves and the world that they’re not crazy,” theorizes Krissy.

Family. Krissy believes that for some individuals, it’s about supporting their family and community. “Their community believes in Sasquatch, so it would be weird if they didn’t.”

Sustainability. Sound odd? Consider this thought from Krissy: “Believing in Sasquatch keeps hope alive that people can be self-sustaining – and that humans haven’t destroyed the environment beyond repair.”

A Call to the Outdoors. Robert Pyle observes that “to hunt for Sasquatch, you must live like one. It requires spending countless days in the wilderness either alone or with a few, disconnected from modern technology and instead, connected to nature.”

Similarly, Lynne McNeill speculates, “it’s both exciting and comforting for people to think that a somewhat intelligent, bipedal hominid could live undetected and free in the wilderness and people like to entertain the idea of doing that themselves.”

Socks for Bigfoot

To the most important question: What socks should Bigfoot where?

I asked the experienced Darn Tough customer service team what their recommendations for Bigfoot would be. They gave me two good choices (along with their reasoning why):

1. T4033 Boot Heavyweight Tactical Sock with Full Cushion
   
2. Men’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock

Why the T4033 Boot Socks

• Color options to keep him hidden (we’d recommend the Coyote Brown or Foliage Green)
• Full cushion is adding the best coverage for walking barefoot
• Natural odor resistance…he’s probably not even going to recognize them as his socks!
• Full size range up to XXL – great options for the perfect fit
• Weight is great for cold climates, as they will hold in the heat on those confusingly warm days but COLD nights

Why the Men’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks

• Micro Crew cuff still allows for coverage in the wilderness
• Lighter weight and mesh paneling for breathability when he’s putting a sweat on
• Cushion for additional comfort on the long trudges through the wilderness
• Super flexibility and range of motion when they are doing a little extra like climbing
• Same great moisture wicking Merino Wool feature that is perfect for fishing

In closing, I have two questions to ask you:

1. What Darn Tough sock would you recommend Bigfoot to wear?
2. Do you wear Darn Tough socks while hunting for Bigfoot?

Let us know on social media @darntoughvermont.

And you're just looking for Bigfoot socks for you to wear, check out the Close Encounters. 

About the Author

AJ Ferguson is a Material Handler at Darn Tough. He’s been with the company since 2012. He likes to unite others by their shared experiences through the employee newsletter that he helms.