Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch or Yeti, is a legendary creature said to inhabit the forests of North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Described as a large, hairy, human-like being, Bigfoot is often reported to stand between 6 to 15 feet tall. The legend of Bigfoot has persisted since the early 19th century, with notable incidents such as the Patterson-Gimlin film in 1967, which purportedly captured footage of the creature, further fueling public interest and speculation about its existence.
Here is a list of sixteen American states with Bigfoot sightings, according to a report by Satellite Internet.com based on the research of The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization.
Washington
Washington has the most Bigfoot sightings among all states in the U.S. There were 676 Bigfoot sightings reported in the state. The Evergreen State has a population of 7,614,893; this translates to 8.9 sightings per 100K people. The Bigfoot sightings are so famous that the state has a law prohibiting harassing, hunting, or killing the Bigfoot or other species that are yet to be discovered, and the fine for such a crime is a $100,000 fine or ten years of jail time.
California
California has the second most Bigfoot sightings in the U.S. after California. There were 445 sightings reported in the state. The Golden State has a population of 39,512,223; this translates to just 1.1 sightings per 100K people. Most of these sightings are seen in the town of Willow Creek, Humboldt County. The town is also dubbed the “Bigfoot Capital of the World.”
Florida
328 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Florida. The Sunshine State has a population of 21,477,737; this translates to 1.5 sightings per 100K people. Majority of sightings were reported in Marion (19) and Collier (21) counties. Notable incidents include a 2002 sighting in Crestview, where two women reported a close encounter with a muscular creature that quickly vanished into the woods.
Ohio
Ohio ranks fourth in the United States for Bigfoot sightings, with a total of 302 reported encounters. The Buckeye state has a population of 11,689,100; this translates to 2.6 sightings per 100K people. The state’s history with Bigfoot dates back to the 1830s, and it has become a hotspot for enthusiasts, particularly in regions like the Ohio/West Virginia border and areas such as Salt Fork State Park, which alone has recorded over 36 sightings since the mid-1980s.
Illinois
296 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Illinois. The Prairie state has a population of 12,671,821; this translates to 2.3 sightings per 100K people. One notable incident involved a sighting along Illinois Route 78 near Chandlerville, where a driver reported a brief but striking encounter with a large creature that quickly vanished into the woods.
Oregon
254 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Oregon. The Beaver state has a population of 4,217,737; this translates to 6 sightings per 100K people. The state has recorded numerous sightings, particularly in the Mount Hood Territory. Additionally, the town of Boring is home to the North American Bigfoot Center, where visitors can explore evidence and witness accounts from across the state.
Texas
246 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Texas. The Lone Star state has a population of 28,995,881; this translates to 0.8 sightings per 100K people. One notable encounter occurred in 2015 when Bigfoot hunters encountered a Bigfoot outside Houston, where they were almost attacked by the creature.
Michigan
Michigan has a rich history of reported Bigfoot sightings, with the Upper Peninsula emerging as a prime location for encounters. Nearly 220 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Michigan. The Great Lake state has a population of 9,986,857; this translates to 2.2 sightings per 100K people.
Missouri
Missouri has recorded a significant number of Bigfoot sightings, with 154 sightings reported in the state. The Show-Me state has a population of 6,137,428; this translates to 2.5 sightings per 100K people.
Arkansas
Bigfoot sightings in Arkansas have a rich history, with numerous reports spanning back to the 1900s. The town of Fouke is particularly notable, often referred to as the “Bigfoot Capital of Arkansas,” where sightings have sparked considerable interest and folklore, including the infamous Fouke Monster.
108 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Arkansas. The Natural state has a population of 3,017,825; this translates to 3.6 sightings per 100K people.
West Virginia
West Virginia has a notable history of Bigfoot sightings, mainly concentrated in the southern regions, such as the New River Gorge area. One significant sighting occurred in October 2019 when a couple, Billy and Sheena Humphrey, claimed to have encountered a large creature near their home.
104 Bigfoot sightings were reported in West Virginia. The Mountain state has a population of 1,787,147; this translates to 5.8 sightings per 100K people.
Oklahoma
Bigfoot sightings are so common in Oklahoma that the state holds an annual Bigfoot festival in Honobia that attracts thousands of enthusiasts. 104 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Oklahoma. The Sooner state has a population of 3,956,971; this translates to 2.6 sightings per 100K people.
Idaho
93 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Idaho. The Gem state has a population of 1,792,065; this translates to 5.2 sightings per 100K people. Many accounts of sightings have been collected by enthusiasts, including a notable incident where a woman claimed to have been distracted by a Bigfoot while driving, resulting in a collision with a deer. Additionally, a viral drone video captured what some believe to be Bigfoot in Idaho, further fueling public interest.
Montana
52 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Montana. The Treasure State has a population of 1,068,778; this translates to 4.9 sightings per 100K people. Missoula County is a hotspot, accounting for 17 of these reports. One compelling sighting occurred in 2006 when a driver on Decker Highway encountered an 8-foot tall creature crossing the road, which he later described as having well-groomed hair.
Wyoming
28 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Wyoming. The Equality state has a population of 1,792,065; this translates to 4.8 sightings per 100K people. Most of Wyoming’s Bigfoot sightings are concentrated in the Shoshone National Forest area between Cody and Yellowstone. There were six sightings recorded in the area.
Alaska
Alaska has reported several intriguing Bigfoot sightings, particularly in the Kenai Peninsula and Southeast regions, where the dense forests and remote wilderness create an ideal environment for such elusive creatures.
22 Bigfoot sightings were reported in Alaska. Nicknamed The Last Frontier, Alaska has a population of 731,545; this translates to 3 sightings per 100K people.