In the Shadows – Dangers in the field - Article 51

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Category: Democrat-Journal Articles
Published: Wednesday, 30 March 2022 19:27
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With just a few short months away from the Oklahoma Bigfoot Symposium being held at CC Camp south of Stilwell on March 12th-13th, I thought I would go over some of the dangers in the field for people who think that going out looking for Bigfoot has no dangers.  I’ve taken my grandson Izzy out with me since he was 4 months old, and he had learned from an early age what to look out for in the woods, even to this day when he goes deer hunting, he watches for those dangers.

Now folks may be like, what dangers, D.W.?  During my time in the woods, I’ve encountered bear, wild hogs, wild dogs, mountain lions and even a bobcat or two.  For the most part, these animals will do what they can to avoid human contact, but if they are hungry enough, they will lose that fear of humans or they get cornered, that is when they become dangerous. 

One night while on a night hike back from a listening post, my grandson was about 7 at the time and he was walking in the middle of the group, when several members heard something on the trail behind them and turned to see a full-grown mountain lion stalking the group.  It was looking for a meal and so I put my grandson between myself and another male member of the group, and continued watching the mountain lion as it darted back and forth across the trail.  It followed us all the way back to camp before it decided the fire was too big and it left to search for other prey.

Another incident occurred on K Trail down near Honobia, Oklahoma when a group of researchers were traveling down it, a large bear crossed the road in front of the lead 4-wheeler.  An hour later, near that same spot as they were returning to camp, a 4-wheeler crashed and pinned the researcher underneath it.  The researcher knew that the bear was in the area and would enjoy such an easy meal, luckily though, the bear didn’t take advantage of it.

Just remember folks, that when you are in the woods, take note of your surroundings, especially if you have small children with you.  It’s best to have bear spray with you for those animals that get too close and always, always, keep your kids within arm reach of you.  And more than anything, give animals a wide berth, you are in their domain, and that cute little baby bear or puppy, won’t be so cute when their mama comes barreling out of the underbrush at you trying to protect their cub.  So, protect your cubs at all times yourself.

And keep in mind folks, two short months away, the Oklahoma Bigfoot Symposium is happening again in 2022.