Hunting Monsters: Cryptozoology and the Reality Behind the Myths

by Darren Naish

popularity of these mystery creatures – often termed cryptids – is obvious from the huge number of books, magazine articles, TV shows and movies devoted to them. These superstar cryptids are so popular, so familiar, that a major portion of interest in world mysteries, in the paranormal and the unexplained is driven specifically by the curiosity that surrounds them. In other words, it’s partly thanks to an interest in the Loch Ness monster, bigfoot and so on that such subjects as UFOs, ghosts, reincarnation and telekinesis get the widespread coverage that they do. Cryptids

an enormous amount of money has been generated from Nessie-based tourism, books, toys, merchandise, movies and TV shows. This image shows the famous ‘Surgeon’s photo’ or ‘Wilson photo’. On the other hand, the idea that these creatures might really exist inspires many people to think about the reliability of eyewitness evidence as a source of information, and to consider seriously how cryptids might make sense as living, breeding, breathing creatures. The Loch Ness monster, the yeti and so on can introduce people to a broader interest in critical thinking, a scientific view of the world and a curiosity about the natural world and