Cryptozoologists Discuss Bigfoot Research Ahead of Ottawa Sasquatch Conference

If you're anything like me, you've probably been counting down the days until the Gatineau Ottawa Sasquatch Conference rolls around again. And after stumbling across this gem of a conversation on YouTube, the excitement just hit a whole new level. The Paranormal Heart Podcast, hosted by Cat Ward, recently sat down with two absolute powerhouses in the world of Sasquatch research: Ann Selene and Ken Gerhard. These two are heading to the conference happening August 15th and 16th in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, and the chat they had is one every researcher and witness needs to hear. Ken Gerhard needs little introduction for anyone who's spent time in this field. He's been researching Sasquatch, Dogmen, lake monsters, and other legendary creatures for over four decades. His journey started back in 1975 when he was just eight or nine years old, sparked by a TV show or news article that lit a fire that's never gone out. Growing up with a forestry professor for a father and a travel agent mother who took him all over the world, Ken had the perfect background to dive deep into the unknown. By the time he was 15, he was already at Loch Ness with his dad, interviewing witnesses and filming around the lake with a little movie camera. The man has been chasing cryptids ever since. Ann Selene brings her own incredible perspective as a paranormal researcher, investigator, and experiencer. Originally from Michigan with Canadian immigrant parents, she's lived in Minnesota, Texas, and now calls upstate New York home. Her passion for exploring the unknown adds a fascinating layer to the conversation. One of the most interesting parts of the discussion was Ken's point about the history of Sasquatch conferences. He mentioned that the whole idea of a Sasquatch conference actually started in Canada, not the United States. Back in the late 1970s, the University of British Columbia's anthropology department hosted a scientific conference featuring pioneers of the field like John Green, Rene Dahinden, and Peter Byrne. There were more conferences in the 80s and 90s, likely again in British Columbia. And of course, the name "Sasquatch" itself is Canadian, derived from the Halkomelem word "sasq'ets." So it's only fitting that a major conference would be held in Canada. Cat Ward also shared something fascinating she learned at last year's conference. In the Gatineau area, Sasquatch is referred to as "Sab" by the indigenous peoples. That kind of cultural connection to these beings is something that often gets overlooked, and it's worth paying attention to. The conversation also touched on some lighter moments, like Ken's hilarious TSA experience at the San Antonio airport. He was carrying a Bigfoot footprint cast in his carry-on, and the TSA agent stopped the belt and yelled out, "We got Bigfoot!" The security team all came over to check it out and asked if it was real. That's the kind of moment that reminds you how much public curiosity surrounds this subject. Cat also mentioned her own excitement about holding a Bigfoot footprint cast for the first time at last year's conference. The nervousness of holding something like that, hoping you don't drop it, is something any researcher can relate to. These casts are precious pieces of evidence, and getting to hold one is a real privilege. The Gatineau Ottawa Sasquatch Conference is shaping up to be something special. With Ken Gerhard, Ann Selene, Cat Ward, and so many other researchers and witnesses gathering together, it's the kind of event that can push the conversation forward in meaningful ways. If you're anywhere near Quebec in August, this is one you won't want to miss. The full conversation is worth checking out for yourself. There's plenty more where this came from, and these three have a chemistry that makes the whole thing a joy to listen to.