NY Dept of Environmental Conservation: Bigfoot is a Myth

At one point it seemed that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation
 was protecting Bigfoot, now it is shattered

“This mythical animal (bigfoot) does not exist in nature or otherwise" -- Chief Wildlife Biologist, Gordon R. Batcheller

In October 2012 we posted an article titled, "NY Dept of Environmental Conservation: Do Not Harm Bigfoot", in that article we announced how the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC) used loose language to "protect" Bigfoot. Essentially shielding any harm to Bigfoot in New York State. Apparently that loose language was too loose for Peter Wiemer of the Chautauqua Lake Bigfoot Expo.

Upon the announcement of the $10 million dollar Bigfoot bounty and unsatisfied with his first correspondence with the NY DEC, Mr. Wiemer, on October 26th, 2012 wrote a second letter requesting explicit language to protect Bigfoots from being harmed.

This forced NY DEC's hand, they gave Mr. Wiemer explicit language, although not in the direction he requested. In the response dated November 6th, 2012 by Chief Wildlife Biologist, Gordon R. Batcheller, stated, “This mythical animal does not exist in nature or otherwise... However, the simple truth of the matter is that there is no such animal anywhere in the World. I am sorry to disappoint you. However, no program or action in relation to mythical animals is warranted”. 

So now we have gone from NY DEC using loose language to, perhaps, protect Bigfoot, to using explicit language to marginalize Bigfoot. See visual aide below.

From this to that

If you want to read the reply letter from the NY DEC calling Bigfoot a myth, it is directly below.

Dear Mr. Weimer,

    Commissioner Martens asked me to reply to your letter concerning the protection of an animal known to some as “Bigfoot” or “Sasquatch.”

   This mythical animal does not exist in nature or otherwise. I understand, however, that some well organized hoaxes or pranks have occurred, leading some people to believe that such an animal does live.

   However, the simple truth of the matter is that there is no such animal anywhere in the World.

   I am sorry to disappoint you.  However, no program or action in relation to mythical animals is warranted.

   On the other hand, New York State has a great richness of naturally occurring wildlife, and we work hard to ensure that these species are managed appropriately, including highly regulated hunting and trapping opportunities.  We also work hard to restore and protect rare species.  I wish you the best as you enjoy New York’s abundant wildlife resources.

   Thank you for writing us.

Sincerely,

Gordon R. Batcheller

Chief Wildlife Biologist