Cryptozoology for Survivalists: Myths, Legends, and Practical Wisdom

By Tim Gamble
     Between Shadows and Light.

In the vast prepper and survivalist community, there's an overlooked field that intertwines the thrill of the unknown with the necessities of survival: Cryptozoology. (No, I haven't lost my mind. Just read the entire article, then tell me what you think in the comments section below.)

While mainstream science might dismiss the study of cryptids - those legendary creatures whose existence remains unproven or disputed - there's a surprising wisdom in the myths and stories of creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti, or the Chupacabra. Here's how cryptozoology can play many interesting roles in the survivalist's toolkit.

Understanding Ecosystems

Every culture and location has its tales of mysterious beasts, which often serve as cautionary tales or explanations for natural phenomena. For survivalists, these stories can act as a guide to understanding local ecosystems. Some examples:

• Bigfoot and the Pacific Northwest: Tales of Bigfoot or Sasquatch are deeply ingrained in the folklore of the Pacific Northwest, dating back to ancient times. These stories warn of the dense, often treacherous forests where you might encounter not just a mythical beast but also real dangers like bears, wolves, cougars, dangerous and rugged terrain, and harsh weather conditions. Understanding these tales can prepare you for the kind of terrain, wildlife, and challenges you might face in these areas.
• The Loch Ness Monster and Water Safety: Stories of Nessie highlight the mysteries and potential dangers of deep, dark waters. For a survivalist, this folklore can underscore the importance of water safety, from knowing how to navigate or avoid large bodies of water to understanding the myths of creatures that might represent actual threats like currents or unseen wildlife.

  
  

Psychological Readiness and Moral Tales

Cryptozoological stories often carry moral or psychological lessons applicable to survival situations:

• The Chupacabra and Livestock Protection: The legend of the Chupacabra, a creature said to prey on livestock in Latin America (and spread in more recent decades to the US), teaches us about protecting resources. In a survival scenario, this translates to safeguarding your food supplies or livestock from both known and unknown threats, emphasizing vigilance and protective measures.
• Yowie and Respect for the Unknown: Stories of Australia's Yowie (a Bigfoot-like creature) encourages respect for the unknown and the wild. Survivalists should approach unfamiliar environments with caution, acknowledging that what we don't know or can't see can still impact our survival strategies.

Practical Skills from Cryptozoology

While searching for cryptids might seem like a far-fetched endeavor (but it is a great excuse to run around in the forest or swamp), the methodologies of cryptid research can sharpen practical survival skills:

• Tracking and Observation: Cryptozoologists rely on tracking, observation, and the collection of anecdotal evidence. These skills are directly applicable to survivalists who must track game, identify signs of danger, or navigate through unknown territories without modern tools.
• Documentation for Learning: The meticulous documentation of sightings, environments, and behaviors by cryptozoologists can inspire survivalists to keep detailed journals of their experiences, which can be invaluable for future reference and for teaching others.
• Outdoorsmanship: The search for the truth behind unknown creatures naturally takes place outdoors, where they supposedly live. Search often involve hiking, climbing, camping and other activities that foster both fitness and skills that are easily transferable to survival situations.,
• Community and Sharing Knowledge: The cryptozoology community thrives on sharing stories and evidence, much like survivalists benefit from a network of like-minded individuals. This exchange can lead to better preparation, shared resources, and collective knowledge on dealing with the unknown.

Ecological Awareness

The pursuit of cryptids often leads enthusiasts into some of the most remote and ecologically sensitive areas, fostering knowledge and respect for nature:

• Conservation Through Curiosity: While cryptozoologists might be searching for mythical creatures, they inadvertently support conservation efforts by highlighting areas that remain wild and need protection or study. Survivalists can take from this the lesson of living harmoniously with nature, understanding that preserving ecosystems is part of long-term survival planning.

Cryptozoology is ultimately about the human fascination with the unknown, blending science with folklore in a quest to understand our world. The lessons from these tales and activities extend beyond mere entertainment; they teach us to be observant, respectful of nature, prepared for the unexpected, and wise to the ancient wisdom found in myths and folklore. Whether or not one believes in the physical existence of cryptids (me personally: many are simply misidentifications or outright hoaxes, but some are possibly real and a handful are downright likely), their stories serve as a metaphor for the mysteries we face in survival situations, reminding us that sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from the shadows of legend.

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Ad: Two books by Dr. Russell Jones that I own and recommend to those interested in the mysterious world of unknown beasts: The Appalachian Bigfoot (Amazon link) and Tracking the Stone Man: West Virginia’s Bigfoot (Amazon link). "The Appalachians are an ancient and mysterious mountain range, whose peaks at one time rivaled the Himalayans. The mysteries of these mountains have been cataloged by Native American tribes and settlers alike. One of these mysteries is that Bigfoot inhabits these parts."