Sasquatch encounters abound at 'Finding Bigfoot' taping in Savannah

The cast and crew of Animal Planet's documentary TV series "Finding Bigfoot" was taping in Savannah on Thursday in search of Squatchy tales and encounters from area residents. 

Bigfoot Field Research Organization president Matt Moneymaker, researchers James "Bobo" Fay and Cliff Barackman, and skeptical scientist Ranae Holland came to Georgia to hear the stories, evaluate evidence and continue their hunt for the mysterious Sasquatch.

About 100 people gathered at the American Legion Post 135 on Bull Street for the taping. Nearly a dozen members of the crowd shared their alleged Bigfoot encounters on camera as the cast asked questions. 

How tall was the Bigfoot? 

How did it walk? 

Were there rivers or animals nearby at the time of the encounter?

Did it howl or growl? What did that sound like?

The content of the taping and the witnesses' stories are kept under wraps in order to keep the episode a secret until it airs. 

However, a few attendees were able to share their opinions after the cameras stopped recording. 

Greg Moore and his daughter Riley of Pooler are fans of the show and open-minded about the existence of Bigfoot, Greg Moore said. 

Neither has had an encounter with one, "but we wish we did," Riley added. "I like to believe creatures like him exist, but I don't know if I can truly believe without hard scientific evidence."

Ben Helmuth of Claxton also remained skeptical. "It's something I'd have to see," he said. "I spend a lot of time in the woods and have never seen anything. With so many people in south Georgia that are outdoors all the time, you'd think someone would have shot one by now." 

Helmuth was at the taping to support a friend who shared a story on camera, he said. 

Several participants, including his friend, were selected to have their encounter recreated for the show. The episode can be expected to air in three to six months, the show's crew said. 

"Finding Bigfoot" airs Sundays at 10 p.m. on Animal Planet. 

This story was originally published January 23, 2015 at 8:20 AM with the headline "Sasquatch encounters abound at 'Finding Bigfoot' taping in Savannah."