Bet on Bigfoot
Idaho has been scientifically ranked as the eighth most likely place in North America to encounter Bigfoot, giving residents and visitors a 2.1 percent chance of spotting the legendary cryptid.
The findings come from a comprehensive study analyzing Bigfoot sightings per population, recency of encounters, forest coverage and climate conditions across North America by Canada Sports Betting. The research was released in honor of National Sasquatch Day on Oct. 20.
Idaho earned its spot on the prestigious list with 105 total Bigfoot sightings and 5.17 sightings per 100,000 people. With 40.55% forest coverage and an average temperature of 45.4 degrees, the state offers ideal conditions for a large, hairy creature that may or may not exist.
The most recent recorded Idaho Bigfoot sighting occurred in May near Boise, when a backpacker at Upper Dry Creek reported an encounter.
Washington state claimed the top spot with a 3.0% probability, followed by West Virginia at 2.9% and Oregon at 2.7%. British Columbia ranked fourth at 2.6 percent, with Michigan, Maine, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Ohio and Massachusetts rounding out the top 10.
For context, Idahoans have a better chance of spotting Bigfoot than of winning most lottery jackpots.
Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is described as a large, hairy mythical creature said to inhabit forests in North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. The legend has roots in both American and Canadian folklore and has evolved since the mid-20th century into a cultural icon with its own distinct subculture.
Enthusiasts have presented various forms of evidence to support the creature’s existence, including anecdotal sighting claims, photographs, video and audio recordings, hair samples and casts of large footprints. The scientific community has responded with what can best be described as polite skepticism.
Folklorists attribute the Bigfoot phenomenon to a combination of factors, including the European wild man figure, folk tales and indigenous cultures.
Idaho’s wild landscapes, especially around Priest Lake, have become popular destinations for Bigfoot seekers.
The study’s methodology compared reported sightings with population density, evaluated the recency of encounters, analyzed forest coverage percentages and factored in average temperatures.
For those keeping score at home, a 2.1% probability translates to American odds of plus-4,662, which any gambler will tell you means you should probably spend your money on something else.
Despite the long odds, Bigfoot believers remain undeterred. The creature continues to captivate imaginations and inspire weekend expeditions into Idaho’s forests, where participants enjoy fresh air, exercise and the shared human experience of staring at trees for hours.
Whether Bigfoot roams Idaho’s wilderness or exists only in the realm of mythology and wishful thinking, one thing remains certain: the legend is alive.
