After receiving reports of a possible Bigfoot sighting at The Ridges, a small group of professional hunters gathered Tuesday to continue the search.
According to the hunters, signs of Bigfoot have appeared throughout the area over the past month. Reports have included claw marks, footprints and feces that supposedly belong to the creature.
John Grassman, an Athens resident, spotted a claw mark in early March and kicked off the search.
“All it took was a post to the local Bigfoot (Facebook) page,” Grassman said. “The next day, I ran into four other hunters out here.”
Grassman inherited his father’s gear as a middle schooler. The kit, which includes binoculars, a shovel and emergency drinking water, among other things, has been in his family for four generations.
“Sasquatch hunting is a family tradition,” Grassman said. “As a kid, I struggled to believe it. Now, I’m hoping for my first official sighting.”
Several non-believers were also present at the site to watch the spectacle. Among them was Carey Faith, a senior studying anthropology, who said the entire thing is a hoax.
“Until I see Bigfoot, this whole thing is just for fun,” Faith said. “It’s probably a guy in a costume.”
The last Bigfoot sighting in Athens occurred in October 2019. Sean Nessie graduated in 2020 with a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Education. He spotted Bigfoot while hiking alone in Sells Park.
“I remember hearing a rustling behind me, and when I turned, a large figure was running in the woods,” Nessie said. “No one believed me. If this sighting is confirmed, I can finally sleep at night.”
Tensions were high as the sun began to set; most sightings occur at dusk, and the quiet that fell amongst the hunters could be cut only by a rumble of the creature they were searching for. Even Faith fell still.
After a few minutes of silent anticipation, Grassman took off toward the treeline. Shouts from the hunters indicated there was a sighting.
Across the hilly terrain and through the barren trees, a dark figure moved gracefully through the mud. Birds ceased chirping. Hunters froze mid-sprint. No one wanted to disturb the mythological creature.
The Post captured a few photos before the Sasquatch disappeared out of sight.
“I can barely believe it myself,” Grassman said.
As the sun set, crowds began to disperse with the knowledge that Bigfoot was out there, roaming the Athens woods we call home.
The Post would like to wish everyone a happy April Fools’ Day.
