What is the BFRO?

While the International Society of Cryptozoology was headed toward extinction, the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization was just taking off. The organization, started by Matt Moneymaker, is focused exclusively on bigfoot-type creatures, and its members approach the topic scientifically by collecting physical evidence from suspected bigfoot habitats and doing their best to understand what the evidence can reveal.

They also aim to do no harm to bigfoot, so, unlike certain hunters, would not kill a bigfoot to prove the creature exists.

Unlike earlier groups, the BFRO was born in a time of sophisticated technology. A centerpiece is their database of bigfoot sightings. It's a great place to figure out where you should start your own search for bigfoot (see Chapter 6 for more information on that). You can search for sightings by region, and you can also look for the most recent reports. If you're into even more technology, you can install Google Earth and zoom in on sightings, viewing the actual topography from above.

You can also join the BFRO yourself, but it's not easy. The first thing you have to do is join one of their four-day expeditions, which are scheduled around the United States and Canada. There is a $300 to $500 fee, and you have to be over twenty-one or traveling with someone at least that old. You also have to be an experienced camper (although you can in some cases get a motel room). After you've successfully completed one of their expeditions, a member has to recommend you.

If this sounds like too much, you can report sightings to their database. Be warned that they don't look kindly on hoaxers. But if you did go camping and saw tracks, gathered other evidence such as hair, or encountered a bigfoot, you can visit the site to report what you saw or found, when you saw it, where you were, and whether there was anyone else with you. They'll also ask you for your contact information in case one of their volunteer researchers needs to get in touch with you for more information.

We interviewed a BFRO researcher and you can check it out here.

Source: Finding Bigfoot: Everything You Need to Know