Nick Redfern on Monster Files and More

Researcher, journalist and lecturer Nick Redfern was born in Pelsall, West Midlands, England, in 1964. He is the author of numerous books on the subject of UFO's, government conspiracies, strange animals and mysterious places.  His previous books include: A Covert Agenda, Cosmic Crashes, Three Men Seeking Monsters, The Real Men In Black and The World's Weirdest Places , to name a few.  Nick is also a regular contributor to UFO magazine, Fate and Fortean times along with Mysterious Universe. Currently, Nick resides in Dallas, Texas.

Nick's most recent book Monster Files was just released. If you, like me, have ever wondered what knowledge certain government sectors possess concerning Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabra's and giant sea serpents - this is the book for you! 

Recently, I had the opportunity to do a Q&A interview with Nick about Monster Files, his thoughts on, and work pertaining to,  Cryptozoology, and the future of this important field of study.  I'd like to take a moment to say a huge thank you to Nick Redfern for putting aside time from his busy schedule to answer my questions. I also want to extend my thanks to Simon over at Warwick Associates for this opportunity. 

Aura: What is your definition of Cryptozoology?

Nick: My definition of Cryptozoology is probably very different to the definitions of many of those who share similar interests. Whereas Cryptozoology is basically the study of unknown animals, I’m not at all sure that the things I go looking for are just animals. Some of them definitely are, such as Orang-Pendek, which I’m absolutely convinced is a real, flesh and blood animal. And I’m pretty sure we’ll have proof of its existence in the near future. But, others, I’m convinced, have paranormal aspects to them, and I include Bigfoot in that latter group. It’s something that sets me apart from a lot of people in Cryptozoology. But, that’s okay: I tell it as I see it. The important thing to stress is that I am a believer. I’m just not sure if we’re dealing with unknown animals or something stranger.

Aura: How did you become involved in the study of these mysterious, elusive creatures?

Nick: When I was about 6, my parents took me to Loch Ness, Scotland. I still have a few memories of my dad telling me the story of the monster of the loch, as we looked out at its waters. Even at that age it got me excited! In the years afterwards, I started reading kids’ books on monsters, then got into books by Brad Steiger and John Keel, and it went from there.

Aura: Growing up, did you ever have any unusual experiences?

Nick: No, I never did. At least not paranormal, but definitely sometimes after leaving the pub late on a Friday night in England!

Aura: Whose work in Cryptozoology has influenced you the most?

Nick: I would definitely say John Keel. He took the approach, as I do, that Bigfoot, lake monsters, the Yeti, etc, all exist. But, Keel came to believe that there was a crossover between these crypto-creatures and other phenomena, such as paranormal activity, magical beings from folklore, etc. Keel’s work really resonated with me, and I found myself uncovering further things that – as far as I’m concerned – supported his angles and theories. His work is probably, more than anyone else’s, the work I can relate to the most.

Aura: What were some of the challenges you faced when writing this book?

Nick: Well, Monster Files is about what government agencies know about strange creatures. When you’re using the Freedom of Information Act, it can sometimes be a challenge to get files declassified and into the public domain. But, I didn’t have many challenges, it was pretty much smooth sailing, and the agencies that held the files were very good about sharing them and releasing them.

Aura: Of all the strange and mysterious creatures you researched for this book, which fascinated you the most?

Nick: Probably the Houston Batman, which was a Mothman-type creature seen in Houston, Texas back in the 1950s, and periodically in and around the city since then. It’s a creepy, flying, humanoid type thing that sounds like part-gargoyle, part-flying man, and part-demon. It’s a cool story like something straight out of H.P. Lovecraft.

Aura: Which elements of your investigations, while out in the field, are most challenging?

Nick: The weather! LOL. I don’t do good, at all, in hot temperatures, which is a bit ironic given that I live in Dallas, Texas! But it’s all okay, you just have to push on and deal with it. I hate whiners and moaners and negativity. Just get on with it. I also realize that one of the biggest challenges is being in the right place at the right time, which unfortunately doesn’t occur that often. So, the challenge is to have patience, which I find difficult. I have zero patience, particularly when things go off schedule and then it gets me mad. But investigations can be unpredictable, and so I always go on them knowing that the challenges will be not just looking for this or that creature, but the things that can occur of a very down to earth nature in an expedition too.

Aura: Which of your investigations over the years has impacted you the most?

Nick: Without doubt my various expeditions to Puerto Rico looking for the Chupacabras. As well as being a cool place to hang out, Puerto Rico is filled with tales of the Chupacabras. Collectively, I’ve spoken to dozens of people – police, farmers, veterinarians, civil-defense workers and more – who have left me in no doubt that the Chupacabras is a very real, and very strange, creature. I have no idea what it is, only that it’s definitely something!

Aura: What is your position on a connection between the UFO phenomenon and sightings of these creatures?

Nick: Well, this goes back to what I was saying about the Keel stuff. Although the vast majority of reports of Bigfoot and so on are of what appear to be unknown animals of just a flesh and blood nature, there’s probably not a monster-hunter out there that doesn’t have in their files a few “rogue” cases. I’m talking about where Bigfoot has been seen at the same time, and place, as UFOs or strange lights in the sky. Or where the creature vanishes in the flash of light. I always say that the most important people in the paranormal field are not the authors, the lecturers or the radio-show hosts. Rather, it’s the witnesses who are most important, because without them we have nothing to go on. So, when someone says they have seen Bigfoot in conjunction with UFO activity, we should not ignore these cases. The responsibility is on us to show the witnesses respect, listen to them, and try and figure out what the hell is going on, even if it drives us away from the flesh and blood scenario.

Aura: There are numerous theories regarding the origins of these mysterious beasts. What is your belief?

Nick: I take the view that there is more than just one thing going on. As I said, I absolutely believe that Orang-Pendek is a real animal and that one day soon we’ll be able to prove it. I’m sure that sea-serpents represent real creatures, and maybe ones unknown to zoology, or that have survived extinction from eras long gone. Others, however, like Bigfoot, Mothman, and Britain’s Owlman, I’m sure, exhibit evidence of strange phenomena, paranormal activity, and issues which lead me to believe they may not be animals as we understand the term. Maybe they’re not even from our reality – just passing through. I also think some monsters are Tulpas, that’s to say collective, subconscious monstrous imagery conjured up from deep in the mind that we can externalize. In other words, the creatures of our nightmares can manifest in the real world, as temporary, semi-physical ‘thought-forms” that have some degree of brief, independent existence. Controversial stuff, but I like controversy!

Aura: If you could make only one discovery, which would it be and why?

Nick: That’s easy: Megalania. This is a huge monitor lizard that roamed Australia tens of thousands of years ago. Imagine a 25-foot-long Komodo Dragon, and that’s a fair idea of what this monster lizard looked like. Even though Megalania is supposed to be long gone, there are still occasional reports suggesting they might still lurk in some of the very densely forested areas of Australia. If there was one expedition I could go on, it would be to find Megalania. That would be great.

Aura: Which current cryptid has the highest probability in gaining mainstream, scientific recognition?

Nick: Again, I would definitely say, without doubt, Orang-Pendek.

Aura: What do you feel the impact of modern technology will have on future discoveries?

Nick: Well, that depends on the nature of the creatures. I’m utterly sick and tired of seeing nothing but night-vision crap on paranormal TV over and over again. Okay, we know it’s a useful technology, but we don’t need it shoved down our throats on every damn TV show on weird stuff! Give it a break – like forever - and try looking for them in the daytime instead. TV producers don’t like daytime though, as it’s not atmospheric enough for them. Pathetic. Of course, if some of these creatures have paranormal – maybe even occult – origins, as I believe they do, then technology might not play any role in determining what they are.

Aura: Where do you think the next major discovery will come from?

Nick: Again, definitely with Orang-Pendek!

Aura: What's your next project?

Nick: Well, I’ve always got a few books on the go, and I’m working on a few UFO things, a couple of conspiracy titles, stuff like that. And I have a few ideas for further books on strange creatures, but they may be further down the line.

Aura: A good friend of mine, and huge fan of yours, would like to know if you've ever had an encounter with the infamous MIB?

Nick: Actually, no! I’ve written a couple of books about them, and easily have enough material for at least two more books. There’s no doubt in my mind that they are very real, very weird, and very ominous. The real MIB have nothing to do with the world of government. I’m convinced they have occult origins. But they have never knocked on my door. At least, not yet they haven’t…

To see what Nick is up to, head on over to Nick Redfern's World Of Whatever blog.  Monster Files can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes&Noble and Indie Bound. Available as an eBook through Nook and Kindle.

Monster Files by Nick Redfern

Author Nick Redfern has left no stone unturned in his recent book Monster Files: A Look Inside Government Secrets and Classified Documents on Bizarre Creatures and Extraordinary Animals. Monster Files exposes various governments' unpublicized cases of these strange creatures and their classified interest into these animals. Their clandestine involvement following these bizarre sightings is evidence that these creatures are more than just a myth.

In this book, Nick's all-encompassing investigative and writing style captivates readers by plunging them into the suppressed corridors of their childhood fears; taking them to the real places on this earth where terrifying creatures, beasts and monsters lurk! As with all Redfern books, the final page turn will leave readers wonder struck and wanting more.

What I appreciate most about Nick's work is his adamant dedication to, and love for, a science which is often mocked and dismissed by mainstream scientists. His extensive research in the field and impressive findings are always presented in an informative and entertaining way.

This book can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes&Noble and Indie Bound. Available as an eBook through Nook and Kindle. 

Stay tuned for my Q&A interview with the author. 

Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Footage Anniversary

October 20th: Patterson-Gimlin Footage Anniversary

Backyard Photo of Bigfoot?

Could this image be an authentic photograph of Bigfoot? In my opinion, the image is another to add to the extensive collection of photos that can prove little, if anything.

Vancouver Island Sasquatch

Recent sightings of an ape-like creature on Vancouver Island has brought a team from MonsterQuest to the island for further investigation into these reports. Their findings will air this week on The History Channel.

Most Sasquatch sightings are considered hoaxes and eyewitnesses are considered delusional by skeptics. Until a body is found, the majority of scientists will not accept that a bipedal ape-like creature exists. Plaster casts of footprints and inconclusive DNA of hair samples found at locations following a sighting, for many, are not proof enough.

For the believers, there is enough evidence supporting that these illusive creatures are real and living among us.

Using Google Maps to Locate Yeti

"The authorities of the Russian town of Kemerovo arranged a special expedition to find the yeti habitat which was discovered by Google maps."

Read Full Article

Nuevo Laredo Chupacabra

The legendary creature known as Chupacabra has made news again. A family from Laredo, Texas, believes that they have captured evidence that this creature is real and exists. Could this video footage be the real thing or another hoax?

While doing some digging for this post, I came across a site containing the same image from above. It apparently made its way around the net in 2004 with claims of it being the Jersey Devil. Also while doing an image search in Google, I was able to find the same photo with stories of it being the Jersey Devil from previous years.

Many believers would be fooled by this, I feel that it is important to expose the fakes when I see them.

The Abominable Snowman

The Abominable Snowman, also known as Yeti, has made news again. In a recent interview with BBC TV, naturalist Sir David Attenborough said that there is "convincing" evidence that the Yeti exists.

Sir David Attenborough was referring to mysterious footprints found at 19,000 feet during an Everest expedition in 1951. Photographic evidence of the footprints was recorded by Eric Shipton. The photos sparked much debate and promted a series of expeditions back to the area- no conclusive evidence was ever found. "Some argue they are the best evidence of Yeti's existence, while others contend the prints are those of a mundane creature that have been distorted by the melting snow." (wiki)

Bigfoot Sighting in Siberia

"Kemerovo (Russia), Feb 19 (RIA Novosti) A group of people led by the Russian Orthodox Bishop of Kemerovo and a regional official set out Thursday in search of a bigfoot sighted by hunters in Tashtagol area in Russia, a regional spokesman said.

Earlier this week, the Kemerovo regional administration released a report that local hunters had spotted 'some hairy humanoid creatures with a height of 1.5-2 metres near the Azass Cave on Mount Shoriya. The report was illustrated with a photograph from inside the cave showing the track of an unidentified creature." Read Full Article

Strange Creature: Argentina

Sightings of strange creatures have been reported all over the world, leaving witnesses shaken and disturbed by what they saw. Are these sightings genuine and of unknown creatures able to momentarily enter our dimension? Or could these be ordinary insects and animals misidentified by witnesses?

I recently came across an image that was taken by a photographer in Argentina. There has been a lot of speculation about the true identity of the "being" captured by Fabián Romano. Check out Phantoms and Monsters to see the photograph and article from this sighting. What do you think?

Latest Bigfoot Sighting

"MORE people have come forward claiming to have seen a Bigfoot-like creature in the Wanstead and Woodford area."

Documentary Films: Unexplained Phenomena

Here's my pick of the top 5 documentary films to watch this Halloween.

1) Children Of The Grave- Documentary film by the Booth Brothers exposing viewers to the reality of ghost children, shadow people and haunted orphanages. Will air on SciFi 10/29/2008 at 3 am-bit late so you might want to record this.

2) Fastwalkers- The documentary film about E.T and UFO disclosure with Steven Greer, Rob Simone, Jim Marrs and more.

3) Out Of The Blue- another well done UFO documentary with excellent footage and information on the phenomenon.

4) Ancient Mysteries: Bigfoot- Nicely done documentary on Bigfoot.

5) 14 Degrees - "Embark on a journey of discovery and delve into the fascinating, mysterious and, at times, controversial world of paranormal investigation. Based mainly in New England, New Gravity Media touches base with some of the regions most respected paranormal researchers, mediums, scientists, skeptics, and of course... ghosts to bring you an in depth "behind the scenes" look at the subject that has the world afraid to sleep alone."

Yowie Video

The Yowie, similar to Bigfoot, is also a bipedal hominid that is believed to be lurking in Australia's wilderness. In a recent post, Rand from Paranormal Activities posted a YouTube video about this elusive creature that is worth watching.

The first reported sighting of a Yowie dates back to the late 1800's. Do you think that it is possible for a creature like this remain undiscovered for so long? Have all the eyewitnesses over the years misinterpreted what they have seen?

Orang Pendek

Orang Pendek is a bipedal primate said to inhabit the remote, mountainous forests on the island of Sumatra. Researcher Debbie Martyr spent fifteen years searching for the creature and claims to have seen it on several occasions.

"...usually no more than 85 or 90cm in height — although occasionally as large as 1m 20cm. The body is covered in a coat of dark grey or black flecked with grey hair. But it is the sheer physical power of the orang pendek that most impresses the Kerinci villagers. They speak in awe, of its broad shoulders, huge chest and upper abdomen and powerful aims [sic]. The animal is so strong, the villagers would whisper that it can uproot small trees and even break rattan vines. The legs, in comparison, are short and slim, the feet neat and small, usually turned out at an angle of up to 45 degrees. The head slopes back to a distinct crest — similar to the gorilla — and there appears to be a bony ridge above the eyes. But the mouth is small and neat, the eyes are set wide apart and the nose is distinctly humanoid. When frightened, the animal exposes its teeth — revealing oddly broad incisors and prominent, long canine teeth." Debbie Martyr- The Other Orang

New species are being discovered all the time. It is highly possible that a bipedal primate inhabits the remote, dense forests in Sumatra and elsewhere in the world.

Bigfoot Foot Prints Found?

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- A retired Cookeville builder has discovered a mysterious set of large footprints on his property.

From the photos provided, one can see what appears to be a heal and toes print in the stone. Some are saying Bigfoot- others are leaning towards man. Until further testing / observation can be done, we can only speculate the origins of the fossil.

Video ------ Sasquatch: Dr. Jeff Meldrum

Bigfoot Hoax

The alleged Bigfoot discovery is being dismissed by many skeptics as a hoax. For starters, Rick Dyer runs a company offering Bigfoot tours in the area. This is not sitting easy with many in the Bigfoot research community as it raises suspicions about the find being nothing more than a marketing stunt.

Jefrey Meldrum, who is considered to be among the world's foremost experts on Bigfoot, recently stated to Scientific American - "I’ve had interactions with Tom Biscardi in the past, and based on that history, I would say that anything he is involved in is suspect."

We are all asking why Mr. Meldrum, who has studied extensivley in the field, was not contacted. Seems fishy to me.

And last, perhaps most hurtful to thier credibility is this: A video was posted on YouTube by Mr. Dyer and Mr. Whitton in which a man identified as scientist Dr. Paul van Buren endorses their Bigfoot discovery. He has been revealed as Mr. Whitton's brother, and has no scientific qualifications.

Check out Bigfoot Sightings blog for more.

In the meantime we wait for information on the press conference.

Search For Bigfoot, Over?

Has the elusive bipedal creature known as Bigfoot been found? Is the search over? Rick Dyer, a former correctional officer and police officer Matthew Whitton believe so.

"Bigfoot found!" Fox News Reports- Tom Biscardi



Some say this is nothing more than the media diverting our attention from something else. Others are calling this a misidentification, and Friday's news conference is going to confirm that.

I myself am skeptical. Could be a PR stunt. Could be the real deal.

Bigfoot Found!!!

Bigfoot found!?!

"Two Bigfoot hunters claim they have the body of one and plan to release a photo and what they claim is DNA evidence at a news conference in Palo Alto on Friday. The Bigfoot is claimed to have been found in the woods of northern Georgia by Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer, and the claim is being supported by a Bay Area Bigfoot researcher Tom Biscardi, a multiple local Democratic candidate. "(The Inquisitr)

DNA evidence and photo evidence of the creature will be presented in a press conference on Friday, August 15th from 12 Noon to 1:00pm at the Cabana Hotel-Palo Alto at 4290 El Camino Real in Palo Alto, California, 94306. The press conference will not be open to the public. It will only be open to credentialed members of the press.
Here are some of the vital statistics on the “Bigfoot” body:
*The creature is seven feet seven inches tall.
*It weighs over five hundred pounds.
*The creature looks like it is part human and part ape-like.
*It is male.
*It has reddish hair and blackish-grey eyes.
*It has two arms and two legs, and five fingers on each hand and
five toes on each foot.
*The feet are flat and similar to human feet.
*Its footprint is sixteen and three-quarters inches long and five and three-quarters inches wide at the heel.
*From the palm of the hand to the tip of the middle finger, its hands are
eleven and three-quarters inches long and six and one-quarter inches wide.
*The creatures walk upright. (Several of them were sighted on the same day that the body was found.)
*The teeth are more human-like than ape-like.
*DNA tests are currently being done and the current DNA and photo evidence will be presented at the press conference on Friday, August 15th.

Does Yeti Exist?

Recently news broke that strands of hair found snagged on a rock near the India-Bangladesh border could be that of a Yeti. Interestingly hours before the hairs were discovered, a forester claimed he saw a large ape-like creature in the area breaking branches off of nearby trees.

Yeti is believed by some to inhabit the Himalaya region of Nepal and Tibet and can be compared to Bigfoot/Sasquatch here in North America.

So what's your take?

The Search For Bigfoot

For many the idea of a tall, hairy, foul smelling, bipedal creature living in the wilderness is pure fiction-hogwash! Skeptics will argue that the fact no such creature has ever been captured, dead or alive, proves in its nonexistence. However, regardless of this fact, there are documented cases where evidence collected mustn't be ignored and should be paid more attention to by main stream scientists.

Purported Bigfoot audio recordings have been made by a number of people, which have proven to be of an unknown animal. When sent to laboratories for analysis the recordings were found to be inconsistent with any known animal/human vocalizations.

Hair samples have been found and the results show they are from a "non-human, but unknown primate"- (based on similarities in DNA base sequences) . Unfortunately without a body to provide a comparison, these will remain unknown.

Casts have been made showing incredible footprints/tracks with the end result being made by "an unknown animal to science". Dr. W. Henner Farenbach is among one of the scientists actively researching these such finds. His findings are highly regarded amongst those dedicated to Bigfoot research.

Sightings/video recordings- perhaps the best is the hotly debated Patterson/Gimlin footage. 40 years have passed and the footage cannot be recreated by the best of the best or be proven a fake.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Finley