Sasquatch
Washington, USA: the Final Frontier
The Search for Bigfoot*
*Sasquatch and Bigfoot will be used interchangeably throughout this presentation.
Join the Team
We are a group of Sasquatch researchers (the Squatchateers) who have dedicated our lives to finding indisputable evidence of Bigfoot. Moreover, we aim to protect this magnificent creature and its habitat. With totally real funding from the GIS department at the College of William & Mary, we will travel to the wilderness of Washington, and we will find Bigfoot.
Where can we find Bigfoot, and what policy recommendations can be made to protect the species?
*Not an Accurate Depiction of the Squatchateers
What is a Sasquatch?
"The sasquatch is a large, hairy, bipedal non-human primate" (BFRO 2019)
The Average Sasquatch
- Approx. 7-8 feet tall and 650 lbs
- Footprint is 15.6 x 7.1 inches
- Strong and unpleasant odor
- Relative to the Orangutan
- Prefers solitude
- Is shy, yet curious
Based on Orangutan data from the National Institute of Health, we estimate an average population density of 1.3 Sasquatches per square kilometer.
Nonbeliever?
Despite various sightings, there has been "little" conclusive evidence of the existence of the Sasquatch. Thus, despite its unique and large appearance, many claim that it is a myth.
The truth of Bigfoot's existence has been shrouded by fame-hungry hoaxers and the whims of a 1984 government. But it is time for the truth to come out.
We have pored over the research and interrogated the evidence. It is our belief, and the finally-admitted belief of the US Forest Service, that Bigfoot exists. Especially in Washington.
Why Washington?
- Washington has the largest number of Bigfoot sightings by far, which optimizes the probability of finding the Sasquatch. These sightings will also be useful to validate our model.
Washington's government is very adamant about protecting the Sasquatch. We are choosing a state that is open to policy recommendations.
The Plan
Using ArcGIS software, we will identify important parameters for optimal Sasquatch habitation.
We will then combine the parameter data for the state of Washington, weighing certain factors more heavily to account for their importance in habitat choice.
We will thus create a weighted suitability model that details locations in the state where the Sasquatch is more likely to live.
The Majesty of The Squatch
Model Parameters
Environmental Preferences
Tree Canopy
This map depicts tree canopy cover across the state of Washington. We classified it as follows:
Tree Canopy Cover Classification Chart
We chose to include tree canopy cover as it is key to providing adequate shelter and the isolation that the Sasquatch loves.
Elevation
Here, one can see how elevation changes across the state. We identified 1000-4000m above sea level as being the most ideal for the Sasquatch.
Elevation Classification Chart
Because the Sasquatch tends to favor higher elevations, this is a factor in an optimal habitat.
Freshwater
Because potable water is necessary for any mammal's survival, a suitable habitat will remain close to freshwater sources.
Distance to Freshwater Classification Chart
A suitable distance from freshwater for a Sasquatch is larger than that of humans. This is due to its ability to easily traverse large distances.
Anthropogenic Threats
Human Population Density
The Sasquatch is an elusive creature that seeks a habitat far from high human population densities.
Human Population Density Classification Chart
The Sasquatch has a strong preference for low human population densities. After as few as 100 people, the habitat is no longer acceptable.
Noise Pollution
The Sasquatch is very sensitive to noise. Thus, the ideal habitat for a Bigfoot will have low noise pollution.
Noise Pollution Classification Chart
60 decibels is the average loudness of human conversation. Because Bigfoot locates away from humans, we can assume that this would already be reaching the limit of noise tolerability for its environment.
In Summary...
Table 1. Model Original Dataset
All datasets above were projected into NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10 N and were converted into rasters of 5000 m x 5000 m cell size. For the Water Bodies layer, we selected freshwater sources that were classified as perennial, or accessible in the environment year-round. Using the Census data, we calculated population density of people per square kilometer across the state. Once we cleaned our data, we built our model to combine and analyze the different layers.
Building Our Model
Using our new weights and classifications, we built a model in ArcGIS to categorize the land into a variety of polygons depicting habitat suitability.
Model Builder in ArcGIS Pro
Finalizing the Model
Original Model Weighted Parameters
Table 2.1. Original Parameter Weights
In this model, we weight Tree Canopy Cover and Human Population Density as the most important, followed by Elevation. The least significant to Sasquatch habitats are Distance to Freshwater and Noise Pollution.
This is a map of the model reflecting our originally weighted parameters. The points represent Bigfoot sightings in the state.
A high number of sightings fall within the orange Unsuitable range. Thus, we decided to weight the parameters differently to best reflect the data.
Final Model Weighted Parameters
Table 2.2. Final Parameter Weights
In this new model, we weight Tree Canopy Cover as the heaviest by far. This is then followed by Human Population Density, Distance to Freshwater, and Noise Pollution. The least significant to Sasquatch habitats in this model is Elevation, as the creature can be found in low elevations, as well.
This is a map of the model reflecting our final weighted parameters. The points represent Bigfoot sightings in the state.
A much lower number of sightings fall within the orange Unsuitable range while a higher number of sightings can be seen in the Suitable to Highly Suitable range. This model is thus better than the original.
Assumptions for Model Verification
- All Sasquatch sightings are accurate
- Sasquatch sightings depict where Sasquatches are found
- Sasquatches may also be found in areas where they are not sighted
- Most Sasquatches exist in areas that are Suitable or Highly Suitable for them
- Thus, most Sasquatch sightings occur in areas that are Suitable or Highly Suitable habitats
- The best model will therefore contain a higher number of sightings in the suitable ranges
Comparison of the Two Models
01 / 06
Interactive Map of Final Weighted Model
The map below depicts Suitable habitat ranges in light green and Highly Suitable habitat ranges in dark green. Click on the polygons below to learn more!
Map of Final Weighted Suitable Habitats for the Sasquatch
Conclusions
As we can see in the map above, the best habitat ranges are located in the west and northeast of Washington state. There is a lack of suitable habitats along the west coast, where population density is high, and in the southeast, where the land type is primarily desert.
Overall:
- Sasquatch Population Density: 1.30 individuals per sq km
- Total Area of Suitable and Highly Suitable Habitats: 83,176.64 sq km
- Percent of Washington State Contained in this Range: 45%
- Number of Suitable/Highly Suitable Habitats that can Support Sasquatches: 787
- Area of Suitable/Highly Suitable Habitats that can Support Sasquatches: 83,176.64 sq km
- Maximum Number of Sasquatches Washington State can Support: 107,712 individuals
Making Change
Following our expedition into the wilderness of Washington to find conclusive proof of the Sasquatchian existence, we will meet with policymakers in the state and federal governments, as well as prominent NGOs.
Together, we can form a long-lasting, peaceful coexistence with these awe-inspiring beings.
Policy Proposal
On the interactive map to the left, we can see the Suitable habitat range in light green and the Highly Suitable range in dark green overlaying National Parks in purple.
Recommendations:
- Limit human presence in Suitable and Highly Suitable lands
- Prioritize Highly Suitable habitat areas not currently protected by the NPS
- Increase national park land
- Reduce deforestation
- Enforce protection laws
- Educate human population
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank honorary Squatchateer, Professor Tyler Davis, for his ongoing support to the cause and for his valuable advice. Additionally, we would like to cite Professor Carlisle Moody as both an inspiration and a repository of Bigfoot truths. Special thanks to the CGA department at the College of William & Mary, especially TA Kathryn Murphy. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the great contribution of the Bigfoot Field Researcher Organization (BFRO). And our moms. And the rest of our families. Thanks for all the support.
Thank You
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