Bigfoot expert to speak at Greensburg Decatur County Library

May 20—GREENSBURG — Renowned Bigfoot investigator, producer and New Jersey native Mike Familant will be making an appearance at the Greensburg Decatur County Public Library at 6 p.m. today (Tuesday, May 21) to share his experiences researching and tracking down the truth behind the legend of Bigfoot.

Whether you know the creature as "Bigfoot," "Sasquatch," "Grassman," "Skunk Ape," or "Big Red Eye," Familant, has probably tried to track it down.

Bigfoot, also commonly referred to as Sasquatch, is a large and hairy human-like mythical creature alleged by some to inhabit forests in North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

According to Wikipedia, Bigfoot is featured in both American and Canadian folklore, and since the mid-20th century has grown into a cultural icon, permeating popular culture and becoming the subject of its own distinct subculture.

Enthusiasts have offered various forms of evidence to prove Bigfoot's existence, including anecdotal claims of sightings as well as alleged photographs, video and audio recordings, hair samples, and casts of large footprints. However, the scientific consensus is that Bigfoot, and the alleged evidence, is a combination of folklore, misidentification, and hoax rather than a living animal.

Folklorists have traced the phenomenon of Bigfoot to the European wild man figure, folk tales, and the lore of indigenous cultures.

Examples of similar folk tales of wild, hair-covered humanoids exist throughout the world, such as the Bigfoot of the southeastern United States, the Yeti in Asia, and the Australian Yowie.

Familant has been researching the creature for more than 13 years, and has gathered some impressive evidence along the way.

From the Florida swamps to the North Country of Maine and everywhere in between, Mike is the full-time, lead investigator and producer of the show, "In the Shadow of Big Red Eye."

Familant will exhibit evidence which he and his team have collected throughout his journey, along with some of the unfortunate experiences which come along with Bigfooting.

A Q&A will be held after the presentation and Mike will be available after for photographs and autographs.

The event is free, but registration is necessary because seating is limited. Register at www.greensburglibrary.org/library-services/events/calendar.

For more information on the legend of Bigfoot and Mike Familant, go to his website at www.shadowofredeye.com.

Contact Bill Rethlake at 812-651-0876 or email [email protected].