Capturing Bigfoot in Texas

Recently, evidence has been published indicating that large primates may inhabit the woodlands along the shores of lakes in North Texas. Expeditions have documented footprints on the shoreline, and activity that appears to be foraging for large freshwater clams in the lake shallows. Plans are now being discussed and developed to further document the presence of "Bigfoot" and possibly attempt the capture of a live specimen.

A humane, well-conceived strategy resulting in an actual capture could succeed in establishing governmental or private protection of the primates. A habitat could be reserved to ensure the survival of an exceedingly rare and endangered species. Significant scientific studies could be conducted in a compassionate and respectful manner, allowing maximum freedom to the primates in the wild.

The alternative may be hunters overrunning the habitat and needlessly killing a creature possibly closely related to humans. Even the presence of too many people could drive away the primates and disperse critical breeding populations.

A viable plan would also include provisions for the protection of the expedition members as well. The primates are large, physically powerful and potentially dangerous. They may also harbor infectious microbes that pose a serious health risk.

An expedition team should be comprised of carefully selected, experienced members. Volunteers should be considered, and paid professionals employed where possible. A back-up network should be ready for immediate action in the event of capture.

At the forefront of the team's efforts, the ideal candidates would have aquatic skills and training equivalent to that of special forces such as Navy SEALS. An approach from the lake is paramount to success for the following reasons:

1. A base camp should be set up as far as possible from the primate's habitat to avoid disturbing them. A distant shore of a large lake, miles from the habitat is practical and workable.

2. The primates generally have nocturnal foraging habits. A stealthy approach by hand-paddled craft in midday would be effective to set traps.