Bigfoot hunters have been offered a $1 million reward for evidence that proves the fabled creature exists, in a new campaign launched by alcoholic drinks brand Hard Mountain Dew.
The competition is open to adults aged over 21, who must submit “compelling evidence” relating to Bigfoot. Entries can include photographs, footprints, handprints, hair samples, audio or visual footage, thermal imaging and environmental evidence such as tracks.
To qualify for the jackpot, an entry must contain at least four types of supporting evidence. Submissions will be reviewed by Bryce Johnson, the producer of a Bigfoot docuseries.
Erica Taylor, the brand’s senior director, said: “Hard Mountain Dew has always been about chasing bold experiences, and Bigfoot Bounty takes that mindset to the next level.”
She added: “Every fall, someone’s got a story of a shape in the trees or a sound they can’t explain. Whether you catch Bigfoot or just catch a good story trying, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold Hard Mountain Dew at the end of the hunt.”
Even those who fail to win the main prize could receive a cash award. One hundred people judged to have submitted convincing evidence will each receive $20, described as enough to buy a 12-pack of Hard Mountain Dew.
Bigfoot sightings continue to be reported
The offer comes amid continued reports of sightings of the creature, also known as Sasquatch. Three incidents were reported within three days in April in the rural Chatham-Kent region of Ontario, Canada.
Josh Redstone, a philosophy professor at Carleton University, said people were drawn to the possibility of discovering something unknown. He also cautioned that Indigenous accounts of Sasquatch were often interpreted through the newer idea of an undiscovered ape or primate.
“Over millions of years, our brains have become very, very good at identifying what’s alive in our environment,” he said. “But they also have the tendency to see life where there is none. Because from a survival perspective, it’s better to assume something is alive than the opposite.”
Mr Redstone said he did not expect the legendary creature to be found, but encouraged people to spend more time outdoors.
“I’m of the belief that we probably won’t ever find Sasquatch, but we should all go outside and encounter nature a little bit more,” he said.
