Cryptozoology - The Study of Hypothetical Creatures
Ranked #1,288 in Pets & Animals, #34,676 overall
I Love Cryptozoology!
Cryptozoology is the study of animals that are presumed to exist, but for which conclusive proof is missing; the term also includes the study of animals generally considered extinct, but which are still occasionally reported. Those who study or search for such animals are called cryptozoologists, while the hypothetical creatures involved are referred to by some as "cryptids", a term coined by John Wall in 1983.
I am a big fan of cryptozoology. I hold a degree in Environmental Biology, and have done a lot of studying in the area of cryptids on my own. Taken simply, cryptozoology is the study of biological forms which we have not yet scientifically identified. New species are being "found" every day by scientists all over the world. The coelocanth was once thought to be extinct, but eventually living samples were found. Earlier in the 20th century, the panda was only rumored to exist. Now, folks flock to zoos to see them.
I believe that nature has many wonders yet to be discovered by us, and I look forward to following along as new creatures are found. Why don't you follow, too!
(Photo Source: Cryptozoology.com)
I am a big fan of cryptozoology. I hold a degree in Environmental Biology, and have done a lot of studying in the area of cryptids on my own. Taken simply, cryptozoology is the study of biological forms which we have not yet scientifically identified. New species are being "found" every day by scientists all over the world. The coelocanth was once thought to be extinct, but eventually living samples were found. Earlier in the 20th century, the panda was only rumored to exist. Now, folks flock to zoos to see them.
I believe that nature has many wonders yet to be discovered by us, and I look forward to following along as new creatures are found. Why don't you follow, too!
(Photo Source: Cryptozoology.com)
Panda - Once Only a Mythical Beast
Introduction to Cryptozoology
Do You Believe?
Cryptozoology (from Greek kryptos, "hidden" + zoology; literally, "study of hidden animals") refers to the search for animals which are considered to be legendary or otherwise nonexistent by mainstream biology. This includes looking for living examples of animals that are considered extinct, such as dinosaurs; animals whose existence lacks physical support but which appear in myths, legends, or are reported, such as Bigfoot and Chupacabra and wild animals dramatically outside their normal geographic ranges, such as phantom cats or "ABCs" (an initialism commonly used by cryptozoologists that stands for Alien Big Cats).
Those involved in cryptozoological study are known as cryptozoologists. The animals they study are often referred to as cryptids.Cryptozoology is not a recognized branch of the science of zoology. Its status as a science has been questioned since it relies heavily upon anecdotal evidence, stories and alleged sightings, and has been referred to as a pseudoscience.
The coining of the word cryptozoology is often attributed to zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans, though Heuvelmans attributes coinage of the term to the late Scottish explorer and adventurer Ivan T. Sanderson. Heuvelmans' 1955 book On the Track of Unknown Animals traces the scholarly origins of the discipline to Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans and his 1892 study, The Great Sea Serpent.
Heuvelmans argued that cryptozoology should be undertaken with scientific rigor, but with an open-minded, interdisciplinary approach. He also stressed that attention should be given to local, urban and folkloric sources regarding such creatures, arguing that while often layered in unlikely and fantastic elements, folktales can have small grains of truth and important information regarding undiscovered organisms. Phantom cats (an example of living animals found outside of their normal range) and their counterparts are a common subject of cryptozoological interest, largely due to the relative likelihood of existence in comparison to fantastical cryptids lacking any rigorous evidence of existence, such as Mothman.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Those involved in cryptozoological study are known as cryptozoologists. The animals they study are often referred to as cryptids.Cryptozoology is not a recognized branch of the science of zoology. Its status as a science has been questioned since it relies heavily upon anecdotal evidence, stories and alleged sightings, and has been referred to as a pseudoscience.
The coining of the word cryptozoology is often attributed to zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans, though Heuvelmans attributes coinage of the term to the late Scottish explorer and adventurer Ivan T. Sanderson. Heuvelmans' 1955 book On the Track of Unknown Animals traces the scholarly origins of the discipline to Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans and his 1892 study, The Great Sea Serpent.
Heuvelmans argued that cryptozoology should be undertaken with scientific rigor, but with an open-minded, interdisciplinary approach. He also stressed that attention should be given to local, urban and folkloric sources regarding such creatures, arguing that while often layered in unlikely and fantastic elements, folktales can have small grains of truth and important information regarding undiscovered organisms. Phantom cats (an example of living animals found outside of their normal range) and their counterparts are a common subject of cryptozoological interest, largely due to the relative likelihood of existence in comparison to fantastical cryptids lacking any rigorous evidence of existence, such as Mothman.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Cryptozoology Reading
Awesome Books about an Intriguing Subject
Thylacine
Tweetin' 'bout New Species
Wear Your Love for Cryptozoology
Cryptozoology University Kids Light T-Shirt
Price: $16.99 
Cryptozoology University - Baseball Jersey
Price: $19.99
Coelacanth Ringer T
Price: $20.99
I Heart Cryptozoology Light T-Shirt
Price: $18.99
Cryptozoo Blocks Dark T-Shirt
Price: $25.99
Bloggin' 'bout Cryptozoology
- Tug Gettling: Bigfoot's DNA
- Cryptozoology is the study of "hidden" animals. It usually refers to the search for and compilation of evidence to support the existence of some unknown or legendary creature such as the Loch Ness monster, the Mothman, the Jersey Devil and of course ...
- Bigfoot and Yeti DNA Study Gets Serious
- Scientists have requested that cryptozoologists send them material supposedly from cryptic species. They plan to conduct genetic analysis of the material. The call is a challenge to those who claim that science simply rejects such claims.
- Cryptozoologist explains his studies of mysterious creatures — like the Loch ...
- Loren Coleman, one of the world's leading cryptozoologists, explores the mysterious sea creatures seen in Loch Ness. (Photo courtesy of Riccardo Speziari via Wikimedia Commons.) The first reported sighting of the Loch Ness Monster made the local news ...
- Get on board the "Cryptotrip"
- Now Maloney embarks on a new type of documentary, dealing with America's fascination with cryptozoology. The film is called "Cryptotrip" and in it Christopher Maloney travels across America to interview eye witnesses of cryptid animals such as Bigfoot, ...
Coelocanth
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Cryptozoology Twitter Talk
What Are They Saying About Cryptozoology
Cryptozoology Swag Here
Cryptozoology Links
Cryptozoology Everywhere
- Cryptozoology.Com
- The first big site on Cryptozoology!
- Pibbums Cryptozoology Info
- Pib's Collection of Cryptozoology Resources
- Cryptozoology - Wikipedia
- Cryptozoology From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Welcome to GUST - Global Underwater Search Team
- GUST is the leading edge in cryptozoology world wide
- The Cryptozoologist:
- This site overviews cryptozoology, discusses some unknown creatures encountered around the world, and details the passionate pursuit of these species by Loren Coleman, author and editor of THE CRYPTOZOOLOGIST. Books and artifacts are listed for sale, and news in the field is changed routinely.
- Institut Virtuel de Cryptozoologie
- A great crypto site from France, but many of the resources are in English and/or can be translated using Babelfish.
- Loch Ness Investigation
- Analysing Nessie pictures, searching for evidence, separating fakes from facts.
- The Bigfoot Chronicles
- A site devoted to the unexplained phenomenon that is Bigfoot, the content of which may be of interest to believers and sceptics alike!
- The Legend of Nessie, the Ultimate Loch Ness Monster Site
- The Legend of Nessie the Ultimate Loch Ness Monster Site, with up-to-date information and photographs of new and past sightings. A must for all Nessie enthusiasts.
- Dale Cozort's Cryptozoology Page
- Dale Cozort's Cryptozoology Page
- The Washington State Sasquatch Search Group
- The Washington State Sasquatch Search Group
- The UnMuseum - Cryptozoology
- Small but interesting crypto site
- Nguoi Rung, Vietnamese Forest People
- Nguoi Rung, Vietnamese Forest People, Wildman: mythical or missing ape?
- Strange Science
- A collection of misguided attempts to explain natural history, including honest and dishonest mistakes about dinosaurs, mammals, sea monsters and prehistoric beasts. Includes a timeline of important events, biographies of early scientists and artists, and references.
- Taking a Hard Look at Cryptozoology
- A site with a critical/analytical approach to subject of cryptozoolgy.
- The Cryptid Zoo: A Menagerie of Cryptozoology
- A guide to the science of cryptozoology and the creatures it studies, from Bigfoot to the giant vampire bat.
- CFZ (Centre for Fortean Zoology) - cryptozoology, mystery animals
- Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ) news / features on cryptozoology, mystery animals, zooform phenomena, related fortean or cryptozoology stories.
- Reptoid Research Center
- The World's First Communications Site Dedicated To The Study Of The Reptilian Image Within The UFO Phenomena.
- British Big Cats - British Big Cats Society, Prove and Protect, Big Cat Sightings, Official Website
- The British Big Cats Society was set up to scientifically identify, quantify, catalogue and protect the Big Cats that freely roam the British countryside.
- American Monsters
- Welcome To AMERICANMONSTERS.COM, Your complete guide to cryptozoological phenomenon.
- Alamat
- (ALAMAT)A journey of discovery into the world of Philippine mythology, legend, and culture.
- Cryptomundo.com
- It's always a cryptid world at Cryptomundo!
- The Anomalist
- The Anomalist is a print and web journal exploring the mysteries of science, history, and nature, including UFOs and the paranormal. Features The Anomalist Newsline.
- The Cryptodominion
- A site devoted to informing the public about the members of the animal kingdom which remain unclassified.
- The Enigma Cryptozoo
- Welcome, animal lovers, to the ParaScope Cryptozoo! It's a sanctuary for strange species located in the land of the lost... a museum of mad menageries that Linnaean taxonomy forgot... Bigfoots and Nessies and Chupas, oh my!
- Illinois Cryptozoology
- Your #1 source for Illinois related cryptozoology information.
- Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
- Founded in 1995 - The scientific research organization exploring the bigfoot / asquatch mystery.
- Florida Skunk Ape
- The goal of this site is to collect as much data as possible about the Florida Skunk Ape.
- Native American Sasquatch Names
- Native American Sasquatch Names List provided by Kyle Mizokami, Henry Franzoni, Jeff Glickman.
- Bigfoot -- Tracks Unveiled
- Bigfoot tracks demystified by a wildlife biologist.
- Texas Bigfoot Research Center
- Bigfoot research in the State of Texas
- Sasquatch Watch- Intermountain Research Center
- Sasquatch Watch Headquarters
- GCBRO Main Page
- The Gulf Coast BigFoot Research Organization is leading the search in the quest for answers to the greatest mystery of all, Bigfoot!
- HeraldNet - The search for Bigfoot
- Snohomish County has become a hotbed for Bigfoot believers. This site compiles recent news reports from The Herald.
- Home - International Bigfoot Society
- Welcome to the International Bigfoot Society website. We are a subsidiary of the Western Bigfoot Society.
- Nessie on the Net! The Ultimate Loch Ness Monster Live Cam, Scotland
- Loch Ness Monster live top award winning camera site - Nessie on the Net. Loads of Lock Ness monster information, fun and webcam boatcam cam live from Loch Ness.
- Loch Ness Monster, Nessie, Monster Evidence and Loch Ness Information Site
- No Nonsense Loch Ness Information. Evidence, Expeditions, Research, Monsters, Fakes. Accurate and factual presentation
- Ogopogo - the Ledgendary Lake Monster
- The Ledgendary Lake Monster - Ogopogo
- Stories of Ogopogo
- Unpublished Stories of Ogopogo
- The Shadowlands Sea Serpent page
- Sea Serpents and Lake Monsters: Legends and Myths, or Reality
- The Thylacine Museum - A Natural History of the Tasmanian Tiger
- An online museum dedicated to furthering public knowledge and interest in the thylacine or Tasmanian tiger, a carnivorous marsupial of Australia.
- Cameron's Cryptozoology Page
- CRYPTOZOOLOGYA: Critical Approachby Cameron McCormick
- Crypto Dimensions
- Regular updates of cryptozoological news from around the world.
- The Monster of Weatherford, Texas ( TX )
- Texas legend of Weatherford's lake monster the fire breathing bull
- The Mysterious Thunderbird Photo Investigation
- One of the great mysteries of modern times has its roots in Arizona. This mystery involves a photograph of a so-called "Thunderbird" and a mysterious creature that was said to have been captured near the town of Tombstone.
- Cryptozoology Personalities
- This is a list (with short bios) of many of the cryptozoology personalities, dead and alive, who have fundamentally changed the direction cryptozoology has headed over the years.
- Cryptozoology - Unknown Creatures and Hidden Animals
- An introduction to cryptozoology - the study of hidden animals and unknown creatures, otherwise known as cryptids
YOUR Thoughts on Crypozoology?
Do You Believe...
-
-
billsolano
Feb 21, 2012 @ 12:19 am | delete
- This reminds so much of my youth, I remember back in the early 1970's there was always something going around about the skunk-ape. Keep up the work on this one.!!
-
-
-
ideadesigns
Feb 20, 2012 @ 11:00 am | delete
- Amazing stories, I visited a couple of your links, great lens!
-
-
-
FreakyVulture
Dec 11, 2011 @ 7:39 am | delete
- Great link list!!!
-
-
-
SquidooPower
Nov 30, 2011 @ 5:11 pm | delete
- Please do a lens on the Australian bunyip
-
-
-
WriterJanis
Nov 26, 2011 @ 6:47 pm | delete
- I think the subject is quite fasinating.
-
-
-
KarenCookieJar
Oct 25, 2011 @ 7:52 am | delete
- I don't think I believe in it, but it's sure fun to read about.
-
-
-
LindaJM Oct 8, 2011 @ 9:25 pm | delete
- Great lens! I'm a Bigfoot researcher in Northern CA, living about fifty miles from the Patterson Gimlin film site.
-
-
-
wheresthekarma
Oct 7, 2011 @ 7:23 pm | delete
- Great lens, i want to do one too on this subject. Its awesome you went to school and studied this. If i had to do things over I would too. Such an interesting subject!
-
-
-
PopArtGirl
Oct 6, 2011 @ 10:02 am | delete
- Great lens - a really fun read on a fantastic topic! And yep, I believe in cryptozoology. I think there are a lot of supposedly extinct or undiscovered animals out there in the world.
-
-
-
AnthonyAltorenna
Oct 5, 2011 @ 7:42 pm | delete
- I've always been fascinated by what might be 'out there'. At one time, Giant Squids were thought to be a myth. There are still so many unexplored places in the world, with all kinds of creatures just waiting to be found. Nicely done!
-
- Load More
About Me - 23Squidoo
Immersed in Cryptozoology
by 23squidoo
I love all things internet - especially Squidoo! As of January 6 2011, I am a very proud Giant Squid!
A freelance writer from the foothills of Northern...
more »
- 98 featured lenses
- Winner of 30 trophies!
- Top lens » Female Explorers
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Bigfoot Sightings Bigfoot Sightings
- Mystery Big Cats of Australia Mystery Big Cats of Australia
- Tribal Bigfoot Tribal Bigfoot
- Cryptids - Monsters or Paranormal Creatures? Cryptids - Monsters or Paranormal Creatures?
- Memoirs Of A Monster Hunter Memoirs Of A Monster Hunter
- Legendary Monsters Legendary Monsters
Cryptozoology A To Z: The Encyclopedia of Loch Monsters, Sasquatch, Chupacabras, and Other Authentic Mysteries of Nature
Amazon Price: $8.51 (as of 05/30/2012)
A Cryptozoology Must-Have!. Cryptozoology A to Z, the first encyclopedia of its kind, contains nearly two hundred entries, including cryptids (the name given to these unusual beasts), new animal finds, and the explorers and scientists who search for them. Loren Coleman, one of the world's leading cryptozoologists, teams up with Jerome Clark, editor and author of several encyclopedias, to provide these definitive descriptions and many never-before-published drawings and photographs from eyewitnesses' detailed accounts. Full of insights into the methods of these scientists, exciting tales of discovery, and the history and evolution of this field, Cryptozoology A to Z is the most complete reference ever of the newest zoological science.
Featured Cryptozoology Lenses
Monsterquest: Complete Season 1 (History Channel) (Steelbook Packaging)
Amazon Price: $20.20 (as of 05/30/2012)
Each episode of MONSTERQUEST is a mini-expedition to a remote, far-flung corner of the world. Science and technology come together to give viewers a greater understanding of these mysterious monsters bones and key pieces of proof are analyzed and submitted to a battery of tests. Instead of relying on the cliché grainy archival footage usually associated with these monsters, the series goes on-location with high-tech gadgetry (special cameras, listening posts, even underwater lures) to further the quest for answers. While the monsters may not necessarily be real, each episode does feature real scientists.
The 13 50-minute episodes cover: Kraken: the Real Leviathon, Night of the Monkey Man, Stalin s Planet of the Apes, Creature of Snellgrove Lake, China s Lake Beast, Werewolf of Bray Road, Jurassic Fish Monsters, Creatures from the Fourth Dimension, America s Loch Ness Monster, Man-Eating Birds, Giganto II, Bigfoot and the Hounds of Baskervilles.
Bonus: Short-Form Featurettes
