Complete Guide to Massachusetts Bigfoot Sightings (1765

Massachusetts Bigfoot sightings have intrigued residents and researchers for centuries, embedding themselves in the state’s folklore and sparking curiosity about the unknown. From the shadowy forests of the Berkshire Mountains to the enigmatic Bridgewater Triangle, these reports describe a towering, hairy, bipedal creature that eludes definitive proof.

With over 37 documented encounters in the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) database, Bigfoot sightings in Massachusetts blend historical accounts, like the 1765 Barrington Beast, with modern tales from places like Leominster State Forest.

This article delves into the rich history, detailed reports, and ongoing investigations of this elusive cryptid, exploring its place alongside other paranormal phenomena in the Bay State.

Massachusetts Bigfoot Sightings

Massachusetts Bigfoot sightings span a diverse landscape, from the rugged Berkshire Mountains to the swampy expanses of the Bridgewater Triangle and the dense woods of Leominster State Forest, known locally as Monsterland. The BFRO has cataloged 37 credible sightings across nine counties: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Plymouth, and Worcester.

These encounters often describe a creature standing 6–9 feet tall, covered in dark or reddish hair, with long arms, a conical head, and a pungent, musky odor. Reports include sightings of glowing eyes, eerie vocalizations, wood knocks, and large footprints, aligning with classic Sasquatch characteristics.

The state’s geography, with its old-growth forests, wetlands, and mountainous terrain, offers ideal cover for such a creature. Leominster State Forest has earned its Monsterland moniker due to frequent reports of Bigfoot, UFOs, and glowing orbs. The Bridgewater Triangle, a 200-square-mile region in southeastern Massachusetts, is another hotspot, known for its high concentration of paranormal activity.

Historical accounts, like the 1765 Barrington Beast in Great Barrington, describe a bear-like creature with a gorilla-like face, adding to the state’s rich cryptozoological lore. Modern sightings, particularly in Worcester County and Berkshire County, continue to fuel speculation and investigation.

Below is a comprehensive table of some of the best documented Massachusetts Bigfoot sightings from the BFRO database, organized chronologically from 1977 to 2023, plus the historical 1765 Barrington Beast account from local folklore. Each entry includes the date, witness (anonymous where names are not publicly disclosed), location, and a precise description of the encounter.

Comprehensive Table of Reported Bigfoot Sightings:

Date	Witness	Location	Description
1765	Anonymous	Great Barrington, Berkshire County	Colonists reported a bear-like creature with a gorilla-like face, dubbed the Barrington Beast, stealing food and shiny objects. It was captured but escaped into the woods.
December 17, 1977	Anonymous	Ashburnham, Worcester County	Two snowmobilers on a fire road saw a 7–9 ft tall, black-haired creature with long arms and no neck crossing Route 12 in daylight. It glanced at them before vanishing into swampy woods.
July 1979	Anonymous	Bridgewater Triangle, Plymouth County	Residents heard eerie, wailing vocalizations in the Hockomock Swamp, unlike any known animal, suggesting a Bigfoot presence.
August 21, 1983	Eric Durant, Frederick Parody	Washington, Berkshire County	Four campers near Felton Lake in October Mountain State Forest saw a 6–7 ft tall, dark brown-haired creature with glowing eyes. It rustled brush, was seen again in headlights, and Parody spotted it the next day.
Summer 1989	Anonymous	Lenoxdale, Berkshire County	A hunter in October Mountain State Forest saw a 7–8 ft tall, reddish-haired creature with a pointed head and large hands moving stones, possibly foraging. It had long arms past its knees.
September 2000	Anonymous	Cobble Mountain Reservoir, Hampden County	A fisherman at 1 a.m. heard human-like footsteps and saw a large, humanoid shape with broad shoulders and shining eyes using a flashlight.
November 2000	Anonymous	Scituate, Plymouth County	Unidentified wailing sounds were heard near a residential area, possibly indicating a Bigfoot presence.
May 2008	Anonymous	Near Rhode Island border, Worcester County	Motorists at sundown saw a large, hairy figure cross the road and move quickly into the woods near the state border.
June 2010	Bill Penning, Julie Penning	Leominster State Forest, Worcester County	Hikers found and cast six large, humanoid footprints near Old Mill Road, suggesting a bipedal creature.
June 2013	Anonymous	Hanson, Plymouth County	A driver on Route 27 in heavy rain nearly hit a 6–6.5 ft tall, dark brown-haired creature with wide shoulders and no neck. It moved into a wooded, swampy area.
2014	Anonymous	October Mountain State Forest, Berkshire County	Campers reported unexplained wood knocks and howling, consistent with Bigfoot communication.
January 2015	Anonymous	October Mountain State Forest, Berkshire County	Hikers found an 18-inch fish left on a boulder, still wet, pointing toward their trail. A bowling ball-sized rock was thrown by an unseen assailant.
January 2016	Anonymous	Charlton, Worcester County	A mother and son recorded a daylight sighting of a large, hairy figure, attempting to capture it on video.
April 2016	Anonymous	Mount Greylock, Berkshire County	Hikers heard non-rhythmic clapping and breaking branches on the state’s highest peak, suggesting a Bigfoot encounter.
2016	Anonymous	Mount Washington State Forest, Berkshire County	A 64-year-old camper recorded overnight audio with wood knocks and vocalizations, later analyzed by BFRO as possible Bigfoot activity.
July 2023	Anonymous	Wachusett Mountain, Worcester County	A career Army officer reported multiple encounters over three days, seeing a large, dark figure and hearing branch snaps, indicating possible multiple creatures.

Investigation Efforts in Massachusetts

Investigations into Massachusetts Bigfoot sightings have been robust, driven by dedicated researchers, local enthusiasts, and academic explorations. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has been a cornerstone, conducting expeditions in hotspots like the Berkshire Mountains, Leominster State Forest, and the Bridgewater Triangle.

Led by investigators like Jon Wilks, a former park ranger turned Bigfoot researcher, BFRO expeditions focus on collecting physical evidence, such as casts of footprints, audio recordings of wood knocks, and witness interviews. Wilks, inspired by a personal encounter, has led nighttime expeditions in Mount Savoy State Forest and October Mountain State Forest, using techniques like call blasting to elicit responses from potential Sasquatches.

Ronny Le Blanc, a Leominster native, is another pivotal figure. His work centers on Monsterland, where he has documented sightings, footprints, and paranormal phenomena like glowing orbs. Le Blanc, author of Monsterland: Encounters with UFOs, Bigfoot, and Orange Orbs, believes Bigfoot may be an interdimensional entity, citing its ability to vanish and its association with UFO activity.

His investigations include a 2010 discovery of six large footprints near Old Mill Road, cast by Bill and Julie Penning, which measured 18 inches long and suggested a heavy, bipedal creature. Le Blanc has appeared on shows like Expedition Bigfoot and Finding Bigfoot, bringing national attention to Massachusetts’ cryptid lore.

Beyond the BFRO, other groups and individuals contribute to the state’s cryptozoological research. Team Squatchachusetts, led by Jon Wilks, organizes local expeditions, inviting enthusiasts to explore areas like Mount Savoy State Forest. These outings, often lasting two to three nights, involve listening for Bigfoot vocalizations and searching for physical traces like broken trees or scat.

The North American Wood Ape Conservancy has also noted Massachusetts sightings, classifying some as Class 3 (credible evidence like tracks) or Class 2 (sightings by skilled observers). Local folklore societies, such as those affiliated with the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), explore Bigfoot through cultural lenses, with Professor Hannah Noel Haynes teaching courses on Northern Berkshire folklore.

Independent researchers, like Jeff Belanger, a Bellingham resident and host of the New England Legends podcast, investigate Bigfoot alongside other paranormal phenomena. Belanger emphasizes the reliability of witnesses, noting that many have nothing to gain and risk ridicule by sharing their stories.

His work highlights the Hockomock Swamp in the Bridgewater Triangle as a nexus for Bigfoot and other cryptids. Additionally, Loren Coleman, a renowned cryptozoologist who coined the term Bridgewater Triangle in the 1970s, has documented sightings in his book Mysterious America, focusing on the region’s supernatural history. These efforts, combined with community-driven reports on platforms like MapSquatch, create a vibrant network of investigation, blending science, folklore, and curiosity.

Detailed Case Studies: Three Significant Sightings

Below are expanded accounts of three Class A Massachusetts Bigfoot sightings, focusing on verified witness testimonials and detailed observations. These cases, selected for their clarity and credibility, provide insight into the Sasquatch phenomenon in the Bay State.

December 17, 1977 – Ashburnham, Worcester County

Witness: Anonymous (two snowmobilers)
Location: Near Route 12, Ashburnham, Worcester County
Details: On a cloudy afternoon, two snowmobilers were riding a fire road when they noticed a large figure crossing Route 12, approximately 50 feet ahead. The creature stood 7–9 feet tall, weighed an estimated 400–500 pounds, and was covered in shaggy black hair. Its arms extended nearly to its knees, and it lacked a visible neck, moving with a deliberate, human-like gait. The witnesses, experienced outdoorsmen familiar with local wildlife like moose and bears, observed it for several seconds as it glanced at them before quickening its pace into dense, swampy woods. BFRO investigator Stan Courtney interviewed the witnesses, confirming their account and noting their plan to record nocturnal sounds in the area. The sighting’s daylight clarity and the witnesses’ familiarity with the terrain rule out common misidentifications.

Summer 1989 – Lenoxdale, Berkshire County

Witness: Anonymous (experienced hunter)
Location: October Mountain State Forest, Lenoxdale, Berkshire County
Details: At twilight, in October Mountain State Forest at 1200 feet elevation, a seasoned hunter observed a creature approximately 100 yards away. Initially mistaking it for a bear, he noted its reddish hair, pointed head, and dark face with human-like features. The creature, standing 7–8 feet tall, was moving stones and wood, possibly foraging for insects or roots. Its arms extended past its kneecaps, and its hands appeared disproportionately large. The witness, hidden behind brush, watched for several minutes before fleeing. He later returned with a partner and a rifle but found no further signs. Reported to the BFRO in 1998, the witness intended to check local newspapers for corroborating accounts, emphasizing the creature’s distinct appearance compared to known wildlife.

June 2013 – Hanson, Plymouth County

Witness: Anonymous (retired newspaper worker)
Location: Route 27 near the town dump, Hanson, Plymouth County
Details: Around 1:00 p.m. during a heavy rain, a driver on Route 27 narrowly avoided hitting a large figure crossing the road. The creature, 6–6.5 feet tall with dark brown hair and wide shoulders, had no visible neck and stood taller than a nearby minivan. It moved swiftly into a wooded, swampy area adjacent to the road. The witness, a retired newspaper worker familiar with the area, was shaken and only shared the encounter with his wife to avoid alarming his daughter. BFRO investigator Dave McCullough visited the site, confirming the creature’s size and the witness’s credibility. The area’s proximity to the Bridgewater Triangle and its history of paranormal activity added context to the sighting, ruling out bears or other animals due to the creature’s upright posture and speed.

Bigfoot Sightings vs Other Cryptid Sightings in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a hub for cryptid and paranormal activity beyond Bigfoot sightings, particularly in the Bridgewater Triangle, a 200-square-mile region encompassing Abington, Freetown, and Rehoboth. This area, centered around the Hockomock Swamp—known to the Wampanoag as “the place where spirits dwell”—is notorious for supernatural phenomena.

Other reported cryptids and unexplained events include:

Pukwudgies: These small, troll-like creatures from Wampanoag folklore stand 2–3 feet tall, with gray skin, large ears, and glowing red eyes. They are said to possess shapeshifting abilities and malevolent tendencies, luring humans with enchanting lights or music. Sightings are prevalent in the Freetown-Fall River State Forest within the Bridgewater Triangle, with reports dating back decades.
Thunderbirds: Giant, pterodactyl-like birds with wingspans up to 12 feet have been reported in the Hockomock Swamp and nearby Taunton and Easton. A notable sighting by Norton Police Sergeant Thomas Downy described a massive bird-like creature in the 1970s.
Mothman-like Creatures: Winged humanoids with glowing eyes have been spotted in the Bridgewater Triangle, often described as eerie and ominous. These sightings echo Mothman reports in other states, adding to the region’s paranormal reputation.
Lake Monsters: Though rare, sightings of large, unidentified creatures in Silver Lake (Plymouth) and other bodies of water suggest aquatic cryptids similar to Champ in Lake Champlain.
UFOs and Glowing Orbs: Leominster State Forest and the Bridgewater Triangle report frequent UFO sightings, including a 1967 wave in Leominster and a March 1967 sighting over St. Leo’s Cemetery. Glowing orbs, often orange or white, are commonly reported alongside Bigfoot encounters, with Ronny Le Blanc noting an orb splitting into two and forming a creature’s eyes.
Ghostly Hauntings: The Hoosac Tunnel in Berkshire County, nicknamed the Bloody Pit due to its deadly construction history, is a hotspot for ghostly apparitions and unexplained sounds. Bridgewater State University and Taunton State Hospital also report poltergeist activity and spectral figures, tied to their histories of tragedy and alleged satanic cult activity in the 1960s–70s.
Unnatural Animal Sightings: Reports of out-of-place animals, like black panthers in North Adams or alligators in the Hoosic River, add to the state’s cryptozoological tapestry. The Solitude Stone in West Bridgewater, found near a missing person’s body, is inscribed with eerie text and linked to supernatural lore.

Potential links between Bigfoot and other cryptids or paranormal events are speculative but compelling. The Bridgewater Triangle’s convergence of Bigfoot, Pukwudgies, UFOs, and orbs suggests a possible paranormal vortex, as proposed by Loren Coleman. Ronny Le Blanc theorizes that Bigfoot may be an interdimensional entity, given its ability to vanish and its association with UFO activity.

The Hockomock Swamp’s history of Native American curses, tied to conflicts during King Philip’s War, may contribute to the region’s supernatural unrest, potentially connecting Bigfoot sightings to other unexplained phenomena.

Conclusion

Massachusetts Bigfoot sightings weave a captivating narrative through the state’s history, from the 1765 Barrington Beast to modern encounters in Wachusett Mountain and Monsterland. The 37 BFRO-documented reports, combined with investigations by figures like Jon Wilks and Ronny Le Blanc, highlight a persistent mystery that defies easy explanation.

Whether a flesh-and-blood creature, an interdimensional being, or a cultural phenomenon, Bigfoot remains a focal point of fascination in the Bay State.

The Bridgewater Triangle and Leominster State Forest anchor Bigfoot sightings in Massachusetts within a broader context of cryptids and paranormal activity, from Pukwudgies to UFOs. As researchers continue to explore these enigmas, Massachusetts stands as a unique chapter in the Sasquatch saga, inviting both skeptics and believers to ponder the mysteries lurking in its forests and swamps.