Complete Guide to Mississippi Bigfoot Sightings (1721

Nestled in the heart of the American South, Mississippi is a land of sprawling swamps, dense pine forests, and winding rivers, where tales of the unknown thrive. Among these, Bigfoot sightings in Mississippi stand out, captivating locals, researchers, and cryptozoology enthusiasts with stories of a towering, hairy creature lurking in the shadows.

From ancient Native American legends to modern-day encounters, Mississippi Bigfoot sightings have woven a rich tapestry of mystery that spans centuries.

This article dives deep into the history, eyewitness accounts, investigations, and cultural significance of Bigfoot in Mississippi, alongside other cryptids like the Chatawa Monster and Honey Island Swamp Monster. With detailed case studies and a comprehensive look at the state’s unexplained phenomena, we explore what makes Mississippi a hotspot for these enigmatic encounters.

Mississippi Bigfoot Sightings

Mississippi’s wilderness, from the murky bayous of the Delta to the rugged hills of the northeast, provides a perfect habitat for a creature as elusive as Bigfoot. Mississippi Bigfoot sightings describe a bipedal, ape-like being, often 7 to 8 feet tall, covered in shaggy hair ranging from black to reddish-brown, and emitting a musky odor.

These encounters, reported across counties like Adams, Hancock, and Lauderdale, include fleeting glimpses, eerie vocalizations, and mysterious footprints. The state’s rich Native American heritage, particularly among the Natchez and Choctaw tribes, includes early tales of hairy, man-like creatures, suggesting a deep-rooted cultural connection to the phenomenon.

Below is a comprehensive table of documented Bigfoot sightings in Mississippi, compiled from credible reports by organizations like the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization (GCBRO) and the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO). The table lists sightings from the earliest known record to the most recent ones, with details on date, witness (where named), location, and a precise description of each encounter. All entries are based on verified reports:

Date	Witness	Location	Description
1721	Pierre François-Xavier de Charlevoix	Natchez, Adams County	A French Jesuit priest recorded tales from the Natchez Indians of a beast of extraordinary bulk, covered in hair, that emitted loud screams and stole livestock from villages. The creature was said to roam the forests near the Mississippi River.
Early 1970s (1973–1975)	Anonymous	Jones County, Old Augusta Road, near Ellisville	A retired Air Force instructor, aged 35–40 at the time, saw a large, hairy creature near a dumpster on Old Augusta Road, about 5 miles south of Ellisville. The figure was tall, with a humanoid shape, and moved swiftly into the forest.
June/July 1997	Anonymous	Pontotoc County, near Possum Trot Road	Two friends camping heard a chilling scream, a mix of cougar, boar, bear, and bobcat sounds, from bushes 20 yards away. The creature galloped off as they fired rifles, leaving no visible tracks due to a sudden shower.
2007	Anonymous	Hancock County, near Bay St. Louis	A hunter observed a 7-foot-tall, dark-haired creature moving through dense woods. The figure paused briefly, seemingly unaware of the witness, before disappearing into the underbrush.
January 2013	Anonymous	Hattiesburg, Forrest County	A local resident spotted a hairy figure over 7 feet tall moving swiftly between trees on the outskirts of town. The sighting occurred in a wooded area known for prior Bigfoot reports.
March 2013	Anonymous	Pascagoula River, Jackson County	Fishermen saw a large, bipedal creature wading through shallow waters for about 5 minutes. It had long arms and dark, matted hair, vanishing into the forest along the riverbank.
May 2013	Anonymous	Natchez Trace Parkway, Adams County	Campers heard unusual howls at night and saw a dark, towering figure moving through the brush the next morning. No physical evidence was found, but the sounds were distinct from known wildlife.
June 2013	Anonymous	Vicksburg, Warren County	A family hiking reported a foul-smelling, hairy creature, dubbed a Skunk Ape, in the distance. The figure was partially obscured by trees but appeared to be over 7 feet tall.
July 2013	Anonymous	Tallahatchie River, Panola County	Tourists captured a blurry photograph of a large creature near the riverbank, partially hidden by foliage. The figure appeared to have broad shoulders and a humanoid shape.
August 2013	Anonymous	Clinton, Hinds County	A teenager recorded a short video of a tall, muscular figure crossing a road at dusk. The creature had dark hair and moved with a heavy, lumbering gait.
September 2013	Anonymous	Delta Region, Washington County	A farmer saw a shaggy creature rummaging through fields at dawn. It had an unusual gait and stood over 7 feet tall, retreating when it noticed the witness.
October 2013	Anonymous	Brookhaven, Lincoln County	Residents reported strange nighttime sounds, described as howls, attributed to a Skunk Ape. The sounds persisted for several nights, prompting a community discussion.
November 2013	Anonymous	Tupelo, Lee County	Two hunters tracking deer saw a massive creature with long arms and a heavy build. It moved silently through the woods, leaving no tracks despite the soft ground.
December 2013	Anonymous	Jackson, Hinds County	A couple walking their dog spotted a 7-foot-tall figure on a hillside. They took a quick photo before it vanished into dense foliage.
2014	Cheryl Mitchell	Simpson County, near Mendenhall	Mitchell saw an 8-foot-tall, dark figure step effortlessly over a fence, startling her horses and dog. The creature moved with agility unusual for its size.
2014	David Childers	Vicksburg, Warren County	Childers recorded a blurry video of a large, reddish-brown creature moving through a forested area near Vicksburg. The figure appeared to be foraging.
2014	Peyton Lassiter	Vicksburg, Warren County	Lassiter found humanoid footprints near a playground, measuring 9 inches long and 6 inches wide with distinct ridges, unlike any known animal tracks.
October 24, 2013	Josh Highcliff	Tunica Hills, Tunica County	Highcliff filmed a 7-foot-tall, black, muscular creature digging in the ground with a tree branch. The creature had shaggy hair and moved naturally, as if in its element.
Unknown (post-2015)	Robert Cloy	Tunica Hills, Tunica County	Cloy had a face-to-face encounter with a large, hairy creature that emitted a blood-curdling scream before fleeing into the dense forest. The sighting lasted only seconds.
2017	Anonymous	Pascagoula, Jackson County	A trail camera captured an image of a potential Bigfoot near a resident’s home. The photo showed an eye, nose, and mouth outline, prompting investigation by the GCBRO.
October 2020	Anonymous	Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, Forrest County	A hiker encountered a large, hairy figure, dubbed the Hattiesburg Howler, in damp weather. The creature stood still briefly before retreating into the woods.
September 2021	Anonymous	Vicksburg National Military Park, Warren County	Four park visitors saw a massive figure emerge from dense foliage near a monument trail. The sighting occurred under warm, partly cloudy skies and lasted a few moments.
May 2023	Anonymous	Grand Gulf State Park, Claiborne County	Six campers on a guided nature walk observed a colossal, shaggy figure moving silently through dense foliage. It vanished quickly, leaving no visible traces.

Investigation Efforts in Mississippi

The quest to uncover the truth behind Mississippi Bigfoot sightings has spurred extensive investigative efforts by dedicated organizations and individuals. The Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization (GCBRO) is a leading force, maintaining a detailed database of sightings across counties like Adams, Alcorn, Attala, Hancock, and Panola.

GCBRO researchers, including co-founder Jim Landsdale, conduct fieldwork, collect physical evidence such as plaster casts of footprints, and interview witnesses. Their controversial goal, featured in the TV show Killing Bigfoot, is to obtain a specimen for scientific study, reflecting their belief in the existence of multiple Bigfoot populations in Mississippi. The GCBRO has reported receiving three to five sighting reports weekly in areas like the Mississippi Wildlife Management Area, highlighting the state’s high cryptid activity.

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) complements these efforts with a scientific approach, documenting over 300 sightings in Mississippi as of 2023. BFRO investigators, such as Carter Buschardt, meticulously interview witnesses and analyze evidence, including hair samples and tracks.

Their expeditions focus on hotspots like the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area and Tombigbee National Forest, where they search for signs like bent tree limbs, wide trails, and distinctive vocalizations. The BFRO’s database emphasizes credible reports, ensuring privacy for witnesses who prefer anonymity.

Beyond these major groups, smaller organizations like the TexLa Cryptozoological Research Group have investigated sightings near Mississippi’s borders, particularly in areas overlapping with Louisiana’s Honey Island Swamp.

This group collaborates with local hunters and residents to document encounters, often focusing on the Skunk Ape, a regional Bigfoot variant. Additionally, independent researchers like Don McDonald, featured in Killing Bigfoot, have explored sightings in Jackson County, using trail cameras to capture potential evidence.

Local initiatives also play a role. The Natchez Bigfoot Birthday Bash, an annual event in Adams County, brings together enthusiasts, researchers, and skeptics to share stories and discuss evidence. This community-driven effort fosters dialogue and preserves Mississippi’s cryptid lore. Meanwhile, universities like Hinds Community College have contributed by archiving local legends, such as the Chatawa Monster, in their paranormal case files, encouraging academic exploration of these phenomena.

These combined efforts have mapped high-activity areas, including Vicksburg, Tunica Hills, and the Delta Region, where dense forests and swamps provide ideal cover.

Despite the lack of definitive proof, such as DNA or a body, investigators continue to gather compelling evidence, including 15- to 20-inch footprints and unidentified hair samples. The ongoing work of these groups underscores Mississippi’s significance in Bigfoot research, blending scientific rigor with cultural curiosity.

Detailed Case Studies

To deepen our understanding of Mississippi Bigfoot sightings, we examine three pivotal encounters, each offering unique insights into the phenomenon. These case studies, drawn from verified reports, include detailed witness testimonials where available, focusing on the events, locations, and observations without embellishment.

Case Study 1: The 1721 Natchez Sighting by Pierre François-Xavier de Charlevoix

In 1721, French Jesuit priest and explorer Pierre François-Xavier de Charlevoix documented one of the earliest known Bigfoot sightings in North America while staying with the Natchez Indians in present-day Adams County, Mississippi. In his journal, he wrote of stories shared by the tribe about a “beast of an unknown species, of extraordinary bulk” that roamed the forests near the Mississippi River.

The creature was described as covered in coarse, dark hair, standing taller than a man, and emitting a cry that caused panic in the village. It was notorious for stealing livestock, particularly goats and pigs, under the cover of night. Charlevoix noted that the Natchez Indians regarded the creature with a mix of fear and reverence, believing it to be a guardian of the forest. He observed no physical evidence himself but recorded the consistency of the tribe’s accounts, which aligned with later Bigfoot descriptions.

This sighting’s historical significance lies in its early documentation, bridging Native American folklore with colonial records and setting a precedent for Mississippi Bigfoot sightings.

Case Study 2: The 2013 Tunica Hills Video by Josh Highcliff

On October 24, 2013, Josh Highcliff, a resident of Tunica Hills, Mississippi, captured what is considered one of the most compelling pieces of Bigfoot evidence in the state. While hunting hogs in a swampy area near his property, Highcliff recorded a video of a 7-foot-tall, black, muscular creature digging in the ground with a tree branch.

In his YouTube post titled “I think I saw a skunk ape — please help,” Highcliff described the encounter: “I was out hunting hogs, just sitting in a part of the swamp I have heard em before… it is not too far from a road. I was wearing hunting camo and just sitting dead still waiting for it to get dark, cause thats when the hogs come out. I hear a noise behind the tree I was sitting on, I thought it was the hogs, when I got around I could not believe my own two eyes. There was this huge black thing crouched by a dead cypress about 50 yards away, I thought it was a hog but saw these big shoulders and a head upright with hands. It looked like it was digging out the stump. My first instinct was to run, I did not even think of shooting… then I know no one will believe me… it was like everything slowed down… I was scared!”

The creature’s shaggy hair and natural movements, including breaking a tree branch with apparent strength, convinced many viewers of its authenticity.

The video, which garnered thousands of comments, sparked debates, with some suggesting it was a bear or a hoax, while others, including a self-identified skeptic, called it “the best and most convincing footage I have ever seen.” The sighting’s proximity to a road and Highcliff’s candid fear add credibility, making it a cornerstone of Mississippi Bigfoot sightings.

Case Study 3: The 2017 Pascagoula Trail Camera Sighting

In 2017, an anonymous Pascagoula resident contacted Don McDonald, a researcher with the GCBRO, via the organization’s Mississippi Facebook page, reporting a potential Bigfoot captured on a trail camera near their home. The image, taken in Jackson County, showed a faint outline of an eye, nose, and mouth on a large, hairy figure.

McDonald, interviewed for the TV show Killing Bigfoot, described the photo: “You can see the outline of an eye, nose, and a mouth. It’s not definitive proof, but it’s compelling.” The resident reported setting up the camera after hearing unusual noises, including low growls and heavy footsteps, for several nights. The figure appeared to be over 6 feet tall, with dark, matted hair, and was captured at night in a wooded area near the Pascagoula River.

GCBRO investigators visited the site, finding no additional evidence like footprints or hair, but noted the area’s dense vegetation and proximity to water, ideal for a creature seeking seclusion. The sighting gained attention due to its potential photographic evidence and the involvement of experienced researchers, adding to the lore of Mississippi Bigfoot sightings.

Bigfoot Sightings vs. Other Cryptid Sightings in Mississippi

Mississippi’s cryptid landscape extends beyond Bigfoot, encompassing a variety of mysterious creatures that enrich its folklore. The Chatawa Monster, a Bigfoot-like creature from Pike County, is said to roam the Tangipahoa swamps near Chatawa. According to local legend, it originated from a circus train derailment along the Illinois Central Railroad, where a half-man, half-ape hybrid escaped.

Described as large, hairy, and ferocious, it was spotted near St. Mary of the Pines shortly after the wreck, but a search party failed to recapture it. Sightings persist, with reports of a tall, bipedal creature emitting a foul odor, mirroring Bigfoot descriptions. The shared physical traits suggest the Chatawa Monster may be a regional Bigfoot variant adapted to swampy terrain.

The Honey Island Swamp Monster, primarily associated with Louisiana’s Honey Island Swamp near the Mississippi border, is another notable cryptid. Witnesses, including Harlan Ford in the 1960s, describe a 7- to 8-foot-tall, hairy creature with a musky odor, sometimes seen swimming with powerful arms. Some accounts claim it has three or four toes, unlike Bigfoot’s typical five-toed tracks.

A 1981 report by Jerry Breaux detailed a hunter’s encounter with an 8-foot-tall, hairy figure in the swamp, reinforcing its similarity to Bigfoot. Its proximity to Mississippi suggests possible overlap with Mississippi Bigfoot sightings.

The Yazoo River Mermaid is a tragic legend of a young woman who, after falling in love with a riverboat captain, was cursed to become a vengeful aquatic creature. Reported in the Yazoo River near Yazoo City, this mermaid-like being lures men to their deaths. Unlike Bigfoot’s terrestrial nature, it highlights Mississippi’s fascination with water-based cryptids.

The Piasa Bird, a winged creature from Native American lore along the Mississippi River, is described as a hybrid of bird and beast. While primarily linked to Illinois, its range may extend into Mississippi, adding to the region’s diverse cryptid tapestry. Similarly, the Pascagoula River Alien abduction of 1973 involves two fishermen, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, who claimed to be abducted by gray, humanoid creatures with claw-like hands. This extraterrestrial encounter, reported in Jackson County, contrasts with Bigfoot but underscores Mississippi’s openness to the unexplained.

The Dixie Ghost Lights, eerie orbs seen along rural roads in the Delta, are another paranormal phenomenon. Often attributed to spirits or atmospheric anomalies, these lights have no direct link to Bigfoot but contribute to the state’s supernatural lore.

While Bigfoot and the Chatawa Monster share physical characteristics, and the Honey Island Swamp Monster’s habitat aligns with Bigfoot’s, no definitive evidence connects them. The shared preference for dense, secluded environments suggests Mississippi’s ecosystems could support multiple cryptids. Cultural beliefs, from Native American stories to modern folklore, foster a narrative where Bigfoot remains the central figure, with other creatures adding depth to the state’s mysterious heritage.

Conclusion

Mississippi Bigfoot sightings weave a compelling narrative of mystery and intrigue, from Pierre François-Xavier de Charlevoix’s 1721 account to Josh Highcliff’s 2013 video and the 2017 Pascagoula trail camera image. These encounters, documented by organizations like the GCBRO and BFRO, highlight Mississippi’s role as a cryptid hotspot, with its dense forests and swamps providing ideal cover for an elusive creature.

The state’s broader cryptid lore, including the Chatawa Monster, Honey Island Swamp Monster, and Yazoo River Mermaid, enriches this tapestry, blending Native American legends with modern reports. Events like the Natchez Bigfoot Birthday Bash celebrate this cultural phenomenon, while ongoing investigations continue to seek answers.

Whether Bigfoot is a remnant primate, a misidentified animal, or a product of folklore, Mississippi Bigfoot sightings remain a captivating chapter in the Magnolia State’s history, inviting curiosity and exploration into the unknown.