By Skyler Zahn

Last updated October 30, 2024

“Squatching” is the act of tracking and looking for Sasquatch. Tyler Bounds, who is a self-proclaimed Bigfoot expert, describes it as camping with a purpose. “You go out and you pitch your tent, you do your thing, but now you’re paying attention to other things besides what you usually pay attention to.” It is about seeing the world differently. Not only is it about spotting a Sasquatch, it is about the journey it takes you on. Even if your scavenging results in no discoveries, you will still walk away with great memories.

Where to Go

The legends and stories of Sasquatch go back to the late 1800s. These sightings are typically documented in North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest. Because of this, we can narrow down where the best chances of catching a glimpse of Bigfoot are. The following data is based on a 2019 report from Travel Channel.

8. Texas

With 806 sightings, Texas is the 8th most common place for sasquatch sightings. More specifically, East Texas, along the borders of Oklahoma and Louisiana. A frightening encounter occurred while a man was hog hunting in Panola County when he reportedly saw a sasquatch snatch a hog before making “whooping” noises that were followed by more howls off in the distance. The man then stated that the cryptid then stared at him and growled.

7. Oregon

The 7th best place to search for a sasquatch is Oregon. This state has 1,009 sightings so far. One of the sightings occurred when a family visiting Oregon Caves National Monument. As the family was walking out of the caves, they began hearing “whooping” sounds coming out of the woods. Not long after, the family watched as a sasquatch ran through the trees.

6. Ohio

Sasquatch was spotted 1,042 times in Ohio. In this state, people call it “the grassman.” These sightings occur in the eastern half of the state and Ohio’s Appalachian Plateau. One of the most memorable sightings from this state is of the famous “Ohio Howl.” It is a chilling recording of a deep voice screaming and howling. Years after this recording, more strange noises could be heard. The sounds are believed to be from a sasquatch.

5. New York

The second eastern state that made the list was New York. With 1,068 sightings, Whitehall, NY, is known as the Bigfoot capital of the east coast. The town has had so many Bigfoot sightings that they named Bigfoot their official town animal. The Abair Road incident is one of the most credible sightings from the area because of the amount of people that saw the creature that night. A group of teens claimed a giant hairy creature charged at them. When they ran back to town to get the police, the police state they saw the animal as well.

4. Michigan

Michigan has a total 1,131 sightings, though it is more well-known for the other cryptid legend, “Dogman.” Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the state’s Upper Peninsula is one of the known destinations for highest number of sightings. One of these reports cane from a mother driving her infant. After she pulled into a picnic area for the night, she woke to a terrible smell. Terrifyingly, she saw a large, hairy creature staring at her child through the windshield.

3. Pennsylvania

Making the top three is Pennsylvania with 1,340 sightings as of 2019 because of its vast forests. Among these encounters was a mountain biker that believed he was watching a bear as it rummaged through a fallen tree. That was until it stood up to be a 7-foot giant creature.

2. California

Coming in second place for the most sasquatch sightings is California. With 1,697 sightings, one of those sightings is where the creature got its name, Bigfoot. In 1958, Jerry Crew, a construction worker, happened upon massive footprints. Using some of his construction equipment, he made casts of the evidence. The story then reached the newspaper, where the creature was referred to as Bigfoot.

1. Washington

Finally, the state with the most sasquatch sightings was Washington with 2,032 sightings. The most popular areas to see the cryptid are Blue Mountains, Okanogan County, and Ape Canyon, where one of the most aggressive encounters occurred. In 1924, a group of miners reported being attacked by multiple sasquatches as they threw rocks at their cabin, trying to break in. Years later, an experienced skier vanished near the same spot.

What to Bring with You

Other than your typical camping gear, you will need to bring some sasquatch searching essentials. Bounds states that it is best to do what normal campers do: talk, laugh, sing, cook, and have fun. First, you should study and bring a guidebook about the local wildlife. It can be easy to mistake coyote noise for a sasquatch or a bear footprint for Bigfoot's. 

You’ll also want to bring something to take note of your observations. A notebook or voice recorder will work for this. 

Next, you should pack a tape measure. When you find a footprint, it is a good idea to have it to provide scale when photographing your evidence. 

You’ll probably be spending a lot of your time scavenging through the dark, so night vision could be helpful for moments like those, but given the price, it is not a necessity. 

Lastly, and most importantly, you need tools to document your findings. A camera and audio recorder, or even a simple smartphone, can help prove the sasquatch sighting. No one’s going to believe you saw Bigfoot if you don’t have any proof of it.

What to Look Out For

When you get to the area you will be searching, it is crucial to evaluate the food supply and water availability, as well as shelter. You need to determine if the area is fit for omnivorous mammals to survive there. You will also want to keep an eye out for signs of animal life, such as footprints and scat.

During the night, it is best to listen for animal communications, like hoots, screams, and whistles. You can also listen for knocks on wood. This is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the area you are searching in so that you recognize the common sounds and then what might sound unusual.

Happy Squatching

With that, you are prepared to find a Sasquatch! As you embark on your "squatching" adventure, remember it is about more than the hunt. It’s about seeing the world from a new perspective and appreciating the journey. Whether or not you find evidence of a Sasquatch, the experience of being out in nature and making memories is what makes this journey worthwhile. And who knows, you may be the next one to contribute to the legend of Bigfoot. Happy squatching!

References

• "The 8 Best Places to See Bigfoot Right Now," Keith Langston, Travel Channel, accessed October 24, 2024.

• "Welcome to Squatchin' Country," Squatchin' Country, accessed October 24, 2024.

• "How to: Find Bigfoot," Annie Agnone, National Geographic, September 20, 2013.