Washington state authorities say two men were found dead in a remote forest while searching for Sasquatch.
Two men from Portland, Oregon, were found dead after a three-day search began on Christmas Day after their families reported that they had traveled to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in search of Sasquatch, as it is commonly known, and had not returned. Like Bigfoot.
More than 60 volunteers conducted the search using aircraft and dogs in forested terrain and cold weather, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
“Both deaths appear to have been due to exposure given the weather conditions and lack of preparation,” the statement said.
The sheriff’s office found a vehicle belonging to the victim near the village of Willard and the search again focused on that area, the statement said. Drones were also used and a Coast Guard helicopter team was called in to assist in the search.
Authorities have not released the names of the two victims, ages 37 and 59.
Weather conditions in the Cascade Mountains were extremely cold before and during the search, including snow, sub-zero rain, and sub-zero temperatures.
Rescue workers also had to contend with high water levels in rivers and downed trees.
Hundreds of Sasquatch sightings have been reported in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and western Canada. Along with the Loch Ness Monster, this creature is one of the world’s most famous cryptids.
Sightings have been so numerous that some communities have taken steps to protect the furry mythical creatures.
Damage to Sasquatch in Skamania County carry fines $1,000 (£797) and one year in prison. The law, first passed in 1969, was specifically intended to protect both bigbeard sasquatch and elk hunters, according to the Skamania Chamber of Commerce.
