By Basant El-Faramawy
A group of Sasquatch hunters is investigating dozens of reported Bigfoot sightings across New Jersey, challenging the creature's typical association with the Pacific Northwest.
Hotspots identified in northern forests
Researcher Mike Familant, who documents his work in the online series "In the Shadow of Big Red Eye," points to High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and the Delaware Water Gap as key areas. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization lists 79 reported sightings in the state, with concentrations in Sussex, Burlington, and Ocean counties.
Unexplained audio recording analyzed
In 2022, Familant's team recorded a strange sound after mimicking a barred owl call at High Point. A military linguist concluded the vocalization was outside human range and did not match any known animal from northwestern New Jersey.
Skeptic turned investigator
Outdoorsman Jacob Korbel, an investigator for the research organization, initially doubted Bigfoot's existence. During a 2021 expedition in the Pine Barrens, he heard a distinctive "whoop" response that approached his team, an experience he says was unlike any owl, coyote, or fox.
Public belief persists
Despite a lack of physical evidence, a 2012 Angus Reid Public Opinion survey found 29 percent of Americans believe Bigfoot is "definitely" or "probably" real.
