FBI Releases Results of 1977 Investigation into Bigfoot Evidence

The FBI has recently released its files on the cryptid Bigfoot, also known as sasquatch. The official investigation delves into a curious episode from the late 1970s, where the Bureau was asked to examine a biological sample purported to be from the elusive creature known as Bigfoot. What began as an inquiry into a past publication’s claim evolved into a direct examination of physical evidence submitted by a dedicated Bigfoot research organization. The case, now a matter of public record through declassified FBI files, highlights a moment when the seemingly impossible intersected with the meticulous world of forensic science.

The initial spark for the FBI’s involvement came in August 1976, when Peter C. Byrne, Director of The Bigfoot Information Center and Exhibition, penned a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Byrne sought to “set the record straight” regarding an assertion made in the 1975 “Washington Environmental Atlas.” This atlas reportedly stated that an FBI Laboratory analysis of alleged Sasquatch hair had concluded it could not be identified with any known animal. Byrne, emphasizing the seriousness of his organization’s research, inquired if the FBI had ever conducted such an examination and what the findings were.

The FBI’s response, dated September 10, 1976, from FBI assistant director Jay Cochran, Jr., indicated that the claim in the atlas had indeed generated numerous inquiries. However, the Bureau stated they were “unable to locate any reference to such examinations in our files.” This response suggested that the atlas’s assertion might be unfounded or based on a misinterpretation.

Undeterred, Byrne followed up in November 1976 with a more specific request. He informed the FBI that his organization had obtained a new sample, described as “about 15 hairs attached to a tiny piece of skin,” which they considered potentially significant. This was reportedly the first such sample they had acquired in six years that they were unable to identify themselves. Byrne enclosed an article to provide context for their work and formally requested a “comparative analysis” of this new submission.

An internal FBI memorandum from December 1976 reviewed the situation. It acknowledged the prior rumor stemming from the environmental atlas and Byrne’s subsequent request for an examination of the hair and tissue sample. The memo recommended that Byrne’s request be granted, signaling the Bureau’s willingness to engage with the inquiry. Consequently, on December 15, 1976, Jay Cochran, Jr., formally communicated the FBI’s agreement to conduct the examination. Cochran explained that while the FBI Laboratory’s primary function was to analyze law enforcement evidence, they occasionally made exceptions for research and scientific inquiry on a case-by-case basis. He confirmed that the submitted hairs and tissue would be analyzed.

The laboratory examination commenced, employing methods to study morphological characteristics such as root structure, medullary structure, and cuticle thickness. These analyses were conducted using transmitted and incident light microscopy. Furthermore, the hairs were compared directly with known hair samples from various animals under a comparison microscope to identify potential matches.

The FBI Laboratory’s definitive conclusion was delivered on February 24, 1977, in a registered letter from Jay Cochran, Jr., to Mr. Howard S. Curtis, Executive Vice President of the Academy of Applied Science, the organization sponsoring Byrne’s research. The scientific analysis concluded unequivocally that “the hairs are of deer family origin.” The letter also confirmed that the hair sample was being returned along with the findings. Thus, the unidentified sample submitted by The Bigfoot Information Center and Exhibition, which had eluded identification by its proponents, was scientifically determined to be from a member of the deer family. The FBI files offer no further information regarding the significance or subsequent use of these findings by Mr. Byrne or the Academy of Applied Science.

So while the FBI investigation determined the hair in question came from a deer, it does not disprove the existence of the bigfoot creature.

Associated documents for this story are available in our Public Information Archive.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon official case files from the FBI

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