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Everything you need to know about hunting cryptids for a living
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Cryptozoology is the study of animals that have been rumored, but not proven, to exist. These animals are called cryptids. [1] X Research source There’s no qualification or certification to become a cryptozoologist, but it’s a field filled with passionate and enthusiastic experts. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about cryptozoology, what a cryptozoologist does, how to become one, and what sort of careers you might pursue if you’re passionate about the mysterious world of hidden creatures.
Things You Should Know
- Cryptozoologists study animals and creatures that haven’t been proven to exist to help us enhance our understanding of the world around us.
- Become a cryptozoologist by conducting research into your favorite cryptid online, at a library, or by conducting your own investigation and cryptid hunt.
- Make a career in cryptozoology by writing about your experiences with cryptids, or study biology, zoology, or anthropology to put your skills to use.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
What is cryptozoology?
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Cryptozoology is the study of undiscovered or mythical creatures. Cryptozoologists study creatures that aren’t proven to exist, and which aren’t recognized by traditional science. That includes creatures like the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, Mothman, and other mythical beings or animals of folklore. These creatures are often called “cryptids.” [2] X Research source
- Cryptozoologists often attempt to prove the existence of these creatures, or study how they might live and function if they did happen to be real.
- Many people regard Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans, who researched various sea monsters, as the first true cryptid scholar. But it was Bernard Heuvelmans, a Belgian-French scientist, who coined the term “cryptozoology” in 1995, and argued for its value as a real scientific field. [3] X Research source
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Cryptozoology is more of a passion or a hobby than a career. Unlike more traditional careers like zoologists or biologists, you probably won’t find a job listing or “help wanted” ad for a cryptozoologist. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue your passions! Just because “traditional science” doesn’t pay much attention to cryptids doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of our time. [4] X Research source By investigating the unknown, cryptozoologists help to make many other discoveries that might not have been made otherwise.
- Many animals that are well-known today were only rumors until they were investigated by scientists, like the komodo dragon, platypus, and the okapi. [5] X Research source
- Often, cryptozoology overlaps with more traditional fields, like biology and zoology, and also history, anthropology, archeology, and others. In this way, cryptozoology can be a powerful gateway to other career paths.
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Section 2 of 4:
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Research your favorite cryptids at home. Being a cryptozoologist doesn’t require any sort of degree or special license. It’s mostly a field of self-taught enthusiasts, so you can dive right in at home. To start, pick a cryptid that really fascinates you. Then, conduct research into that cryptid to find out what people might already know about it. Head to your library and ask the librarian if they have any books on the cryptid, or head to a site like Western Washington University Cryptids to find a starting point. [6] X Research source
- You might also listen to cryptozoology podcasts like Camp Monsters , or watch cryptozoology YouTube channels like Crash Course Cryptozoology .
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Earn a degree in a related field to learn more about animals. It makes sense the cryptozoology is related to zoology—it’s right there in the word! So if you want to level up your cryptozoology know-how, consider becoming a biologist or zoologist. Plenty of educated biologists investigate animals that aren’t proven to exist. [7] X Research source Their knowledge of everyday animals helps them to imagine how an undiscovered animal might act, which is a big help in cryptozoology.
- If you’re interested in an aquatic cryptid like the Loch Ness monster, you might study marine biology. Interested in a cryptid that flies through the air like Mothman? Ornithology, or the study of birds, could help deepen your understanding.
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Study anthropology or folklore to learn about cultural beliefs. Many cryptids are rooted in the mythology and folktales of cultures all across the world, like the vampiric Chupacabra of Puerto Rico. [8] X Research source In order to study these kinds of cryptids rooted in folklore, it helps to learn about the cultures they came from, which in turn helps explain where and how those stories got started. Studying anthropology, mythology, history, or similar fields helps you get a more cultural view of cryptozoology.
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Study practical survival skills for when you hunt for cryptids. Many cryptozoologists spend most of their time in the books, but others prefer to get their hands dirty by going out into the field. If that second one sounds like you, it’s a good idea to learn how to survive in the wild . If you’re going to be hunting cryptids in person, you’ll need to know how to perform first aid , find water, and, of course, how to track animals.
- To get more hands-on experience, contact your local community college, learning center, or outdoors group and ask if they have any outdoors classes available.
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Section 3 of 4:
Researching & Hunting for Cryptids
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Read about local folklore and field reports by other cryptozoologists. Once you have decided to focus on a particular cryptid, do as much research as you can on the creature, since other cryptozoologists have most likely already done work on the subject. Start by reading field reports, books, and studies done on the cryptid. Find books in your local library about the cryptid, or search for information online. A site like the USC Libraries Cryptids page is a great place to start. [9] X Research source
- Look into any local folklore surrounding the cryptid, so be sure to study up on any local myths or legends that might offer clues, like where it lives, what it eats, what time of day it appears, and so on.
- Also, pay attention to what scientists say about the cryptid. Listening to and considering the perspectives of both skeptics and believers is key to being a good cryptozoologist.
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Study the geography and culture of the area. If you’re going to find Bigfoot, you’ll need some good hiking boots. Many cryptids are said to adapt to their environments, so look up the geography of the area to learn more about the cryptid’s surroundings and get a good idea for how to prepare. Then, look up any nearby towns. Many towns offer plenty of information about local cryptids to tourists, like Whitehall, New York, which advertises its numerous bigfoot sightings. [10] X Research source
- For example, if you are going after the Loch Ness Monster, look into the geographical features of the Loch Ness area, such as the Great Glen Fault and the River Ness. [11] X Research source
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Plan your travel and pack for the expedition. If your cryptid lives in another part of the world, you’ll have to plan a trip to that area in order to hunt for it. And if you plan to look for it yourself, you’ll need to pack basic expedition gear , like a tent, sleeping bag, and food. [12] X Research source What you need may vary based on where you’re traveling and which cryptid you are looking for. In general, you will typically need:
- Camera and recording equipment
- Audio recorder
- Sterile collecting bottles, vials, and bags
- Markers to label samples
- Ruler and/or measuring tape
- Magnifying glass
- Logbook or journal
- Travel can be expensive. If you’re a novice, consider traveling somewhere nearby to hunt for local cryptids, rather than globetrotting.
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Talk to locals and possible witnesses about their experiences. If you’re heading somewhere known for cryptid activity, chances are there are plenty of people with lots of experience and opinions on the cryptid in nearby towns. [13] X Research source Ask local librarians, park rangers, police officers, town officials, and historians. These eyewitness accounts can give you clues about how to find the cryptid.
- Some questions you might want to ask include: “What can you tell me about the local cryptid sightings?”; “Have you seen a cryptid yourself? If so, where?”; and, “How does one find a cryptid?”
- If you are about to head out into the wilderness or if you are in an unfamiliar part of the world, consider hiring a local guide.
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Collect evidence in the field like photographs or audio samples. The goal of every good cryptozoologist is to perform fieldwork and collect evidence of a cryptid. Fieldwork is the process of collecting evidence while out in the areas where the cryptid lives, and includes taking samples, recording audio and video, and tracking footprints. If you’re lucky, you may just catch your cryptid on camera!
- Take pictures of everything. If the creature is shy, set up a camera with an automatic timer and leave the area for a while.
- If you find feces, bone, or hair, use tweezers to place the sample in a bag. Label each bag with what it is, when you collected it, and where you found it.
- If you find a footprint, measure it with a ruler or tape measure. Take a picture of the footprint with the ruler beside it.
- Write everything down. Keep a log book of everything that you do, see, hear, and find. Be as detailed as possible.
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Share your work online, or in a book or a journal. Some cryptozoologists write books detailing their travels, investigations, and findings. [14] X Research source You might also start a blog where you write and publish your experience, or share your work in vlog form on platforms like YouTube. Or, for a more personal experience, post your findings to discussion boards like Reddit or other cryptozoology forums to share your work with a dedicated community.
- If your work is especially thorough and scientific, type up a research paper with your evidence and submit it to the Journal of Cryptozoology to publish your work in a more academic setting.
- Search online to see if there is a cryptozoological association in your local area. If there is not, you might try starting one yourself.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat colleges offer programs for this course of study?SnapplebabyCommunity AnswerThere is a list of colleges that offer courses or degrees in cryptozoology here: http://cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/cz-courses/
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QuestionWhat if I am not American?Ivy VentersCommunity AnswerYou don't need to be American to be a cryptozoologist. Allegedly there are cryptids all over the world.
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QuestionI know we can study Bigfoot and all, but can I study other well-known creatures, like mermaids?Community AnswerYou can study any cryptid you want.
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Warnings
- Spending time in the wilderness can be dangerous. Be sure you’re trained in wilderness survival, and that someone knows where you’re headed before you embark on an investigation.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/is-cryptozoology-good-or-bad-for-science/
- ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/c.php?g=1277406&p=9373496
- ↑ https://blogs.iu.edu/sciu/2021/01/23/the-beginnings-of-cryptozoology/
- ↑ https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/is-cryptozoology-good-or-bad-for-science/
- ↑ https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/What-Is-Cryptozoology
- ↑ https://libguides.wwu.edu/cryptozoology
- ↑ https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/inaugural-issue-of-journal-of-cryptozoology/
- ↑ https://skepticalinquirer.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/01/SI-JF-16-50.pdf
- ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/c.php?g=1277406&p=9373496
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7bvj4/jw-ocker-cryptid-tracking-bigfoot-sentient-pants
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/place/Loch-Ness-lake-Scotland-United-Kingdom
- ↑ https://www.anspblog.org/packing-for-an-expedition/
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7bvj4/jw-ocker-cryptid-tracking-bigfoot-sentient-pants
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7bvj4/jw-ocker-cryptid-tracking-bigfoot-sentient-pants
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7bvj4/jw-ocker-cryptid-tracking-bigfoot-sentient-pants
- ↑ https://cryptozoologymuseum.com/about-icm/
- ↑ https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/wildlife-biologist
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1209/what-is-cultural-anthropology.htm
- ↑ https://americananthro.org/learn-teach/higher-education-resources/
- ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm
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