Complete Guide to Oklahoma Bigfoot Sightings (1942

Bigfoot sightings in Oklahoma have captivated residents, researchers, and enthusiasts for decades, weaving a tapestry of mystery across the Sooner State’s rugged landscapes. Known as Sasquatch or Okla Chito in Choctaw lore, this elusive creature is described as a towering, bipedal being cloaked in shaggy fur.

Oklahoma’s dense forests, winding rivers, and remote mountains provide an ideal habitat for such a cryptid, fueling tales of encounters that blend folklore with modern intrigue. This article delves deeply into the history, investigations, and cultural significance of Oklahoma Bigfoot sightings, offering an unparalleled examination of this enduring enigma.

Oklahoma Bigfoot Sightings

Oklahoma’s rich history of Bigfoot sightings spans over eight decades, with 111 documented reports across 43 counties as of 2025, according to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO). These encounters, concentrated in the state’s eastern and southeastern regions, describe a creature standing 7 to 9 feet tall, covered in dark or reddish-brown hair, often accompanied by eerie vocalizations, pungent odors, or massive footprints.

The Kiamichi Mountains, Ouachita National Forest, and Lake Tenkiller areas are notable hotspots, where dense woodlands and sparse human activity create a haven for this legendary being.

Overview of Sightings

The state’s geography, with its mix of oak-pine forests, rocky hills, and secluded valleys, supports the persistence of Bigfoot sightings in Oklahoma. Le Flore County leads with 25 reports, followed by McCurtain County (9) and Cherokee and Caddo Counties (5 each).

These areas, particularly the southeast, are steeped in Native American lore, where tribes like the Choctaw and Cherokee have long spoken of tall ones or wild men inhabiting the wilderness. The sightings range from fleeting glimpses to detailed encounters, often corroborated by physical evidence like tracks or unusual tree structures.

Below is a comprehensive table of Oklahoma Bigfoot sightings, compiled from credible reports primarily sourced from the BFRO and Native Oklahoma Bigfoot Research Organization (NOBRO). The table includes all available documented sightings, organized chronologically from the earliest in 1942 to the most recent in 2025.

Table of Reported Sightings:

Date	Witness	Location	Description
April 1942	Anonymous	Near Gould, Harmon County	Two sisters heard rustling in trees and saw a tall, hairy creature running away on two legs. Their father found a flattened area in the woods; neighboring farmers reported large tracks.
November 1974	Anonymous	Near Wewoka, Seminole County	A large, bipedal creature observed in a rural area at dusk.
October 1983	Anonymous	Near Cheyenne, Roger Mills County	Large tracks and vocalizations reported in a remote wooded area.
March 1987	Anonymous	Near Frederick, Tillman County	A large creature seen near a farm at night, moving swiftly into the woods.
August 1990	Anonymous	Near Eldon, Cherokee County	Daylight sighting of a 7-foot hairy creature near a forested area.
October 1996	Anonymous	Near Sulphur, Murray County	Large footprints found after a nighttime sighting in a remote area.
July 1997	Anonymous	Near Madill, Marshall County	A bipedal creature crossed a rural road at night, illuminated by headlights.
January 2000	Anonymous	Near Smithville, McCurtain County	Logger saw a tall, hairy creature in daylight, moving through dense forest.
June 2000	Anonymous	Near Lake Tenkiller, Cherokee County	A young male saw a 7-foot creature with reddish-brown hair near a cave; found a nest of shredded materials inside.
October 2001	Anonymous	Near Big Cedar, Le Flore County	Hunter observed a small Sasquatch in a tree during a hunting trip.
February 2002	Anonymous	Near Ada, Pontotoc County	Vocalizations and a possible sighting in a wooded area at night.
October 2003	Anonymous	Near Nowata, Nowata County	Two friends found tracks after feeling stalked while deer hunting.
May 2004	Anonymous	Near Big Cedar, Le Flore County	Family reported huge tracks in a rural area after hearing strange noises.
April 2008	Anonymous	Near Ardmore, Carter County	A large creature seen near a rural road at dusk, disappearing into brush.
June 2009	Anonymous	Near Eufaula, McIntosh County	Strange vocalizations heard in a forested area at night.
August 2010	Anonymous	Craig Road, McCurtain County	Daylight sighting of an 8-foot creature peeking from behind a tree.
May 15, 2012	Anonymous (SR)	Near Poteau, Le Flore County	A 7-foot creature with dark hair crossed a road at night, growled when spotted.
April 2018	Anonymous	Near Sallisaw, Sequoyah County	A large creature seen in a remote forested area during early morning.
October 2018	Anonymous	Near Guthrie, Logan County	Tracks and vocalizations reported near a rural property at night.
February 2023	Anonymous	McAlester, Pittsburg County	An 8-foot, 800-pound bipedal creature crossed in front of a window, seen after a dog’s fearful reaction.
February 2023	Anonymous	Krebs, Pittsburg County	A woman heard huffing and snorting in woods along a drainage canal during a morning bike ride, distinct from deer sounds.
October 2024	Emmanuel Alfaro	Parallel Forest, Comanche County	A figure resembling Bigfoot was filmed leaning against a tree, fleeing when noticed. The sighting gained viral attention online.
June 2024	Anonymous	Near Honobia, McCurtain County	Possible Bigfoot stalking reported around an RV campground, with unusual sounds and movement.

Note: The BFRO and NOBRO databases note that some reports may remain unreported due to fear of ridicule or trauma, potentially underrepresenting the total number of encounters. The sightings span diverse settings, from the Kiamichi Mountains to urban-adjacent areas like McAlester, highlighting the creature’s adaptability to varied terrains.

Investigation Efforts in Oklahoma

The investigation of Bigfoot sightings in Oklahoma is a multifaceted endeavor, driven by dedicated organizations, independent researchers, and community initiatives. These efforts combine scientific rigor, cultural respect, and grassroots enthusiasm to document and analyze reports, seeking to unravel the mystery of Sasquatch in the Sooner State.

Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO)

The BFRO, founded in 1995, is a cornerstone of Bigfoot research nationwide, with a strong presence in Oklahoma. Their approach involves classifying sightings into Class A (direct visual encounters) and Class B (indirect evidence like tracks or sounds). In Oklahoma, BFRO investigators, such as Carter Buschardt, have conducted on-site visits, particularly in hotspots like Le Flore and McCurtain Counties.

For instance, the 2012 Poteau sighting was followed up with interviews and site analysis, confirming the witness’s credibility. The BFRO employs trail cameras, audio recordings, and plaster casts of footprints to gather evidence, though definitive proof remains elusive. Their database, accessible to researchers, is a vital resource for tracking Oklahoma Bigfoot sightings.

Native Oklahoma Bigfoot Research Organization (NOBRO)

Founded by Troy Hudson, a former law enforcement officer with Native American roots, NOBRO emphasizes the cultural significance of Bigfoot within Oklahoma’s indigenous communities. NOBRO divides the state into four districts—Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast—to track sightings systematically.

Their investigations, likened to police work, involve interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and analyzing environmental factors.

In 2023, NOBRO investigated the McAlester sighting, where a man reported an 8-foot creature near a drainage canal. Hudson’s team documented a “spaghetti formation” of tree limbs, which they deemed impossible to replicate artificially, suggesting Bigfoot activity. NOBRO’s collaboration with tribal elders ensures respect for Choctaw and Cherokee stories of Okla Chito, enriching their research with cultural context.

Mid-America Bigfoot Research Center (MABRC)

The MABRC, another key player, focuses on scientific rigor in investigating Bigfoot sightings in Oklahoma. Operating primarily in the southeast, MABRC conducts field expeditions in areas like the Kiamichi Mountains, using thermal imaging, drones, and audio analysis to detect signs of Sasquatch.

Their work emphasizes evidence-based research, avoiding sensationalism. MABRC collaborates with local communities, sharing findings at events like the Honobia Bigfoot Festival, which draws thousands annually. Their efforts have documented tracks and vocalizations, contributing to the growing body of evidence.

Oklahoma Sasquatch Research Team (OSRT)

The OSRT, a smaller but dedicated group, focuses on public education and field research. Active around Lake Eufaula and other hotspots, OSRT investigates reports like the 2018 camping sighting, where a couple observed a 7-foot creature. Their approach includes community outreach, encouraging witnesses to come forward without fear of stigma. OSRT’s work complements larger organizations by fostering local engagement and documenting lesser-known encounters.

Independent Researchers and Community Efforts

Independent researchers, such as Homer Koch, a retired Bigfoot tracker, and Tanya Kordek, founder of the Oklahoma Bigfoot Museum, play a significant role. Kordek’s museum, inspired by her own traumatic daylight encounter, serves as a storytelling hub where locals share experiences.

The museum, located in southeast Oklahoma, displays casts of footprints, eyewitness sketches, and artifacts from research groups. Community events like the Honobia Bigfoot Festival and Conference further amplify investigation efforts, featuring campfire storytelling and expert talks by researchers like Don Keating. These events foster a collaborative environment, drawing global attention to Oklahoma’s cryptid culture.

Investigative Techniques and Challenges

Investigators employ a range of techniques, from night-vision equipment to audio lures mimicking Bigfoot calls. Challenges include the creature’s nocturnal and elusive nature, as noted by BFRO’s Matt Moneymaker, who suggests Bigfoot’s intelligence allows it to evade capture.

Skeptics, like paleontologist Darren Naish, argue that sightings may result from misidentifications, yet the consistency of reports across decades keeps the mystery alive. Oklahoma’s vast, unexplored wilderness, particularly in the Ouachita and Kiamichi regions, complicates efforts to obtain conclusive evidence, such as DNA or remains.

Detailed Case Studies

The following case studies provide an in-depth look at three significant Oklahoma Bigfoot sightings, selected for their detail, credibility, and impact on local lore. Each case is presented with available witness testimonials, adhering strictly to documented accounts without embellishment.

1942 Sighting in Harmon County

Date: April 1942

Witness: Anonymous (two sisters)

Location: Near Gould, Harmon County

Description and Testimonial: In April 1942, two sisters playing near their home in rural Harmon County heard rustling in nearby trees. They observed a tall, hairy creature running away on two legs, moving swiftly into the dense woods. The creature was significantly larger than a human, with a bipedal gait that startled the young witnesses.

Their father, upon investigating, found a large, flattened area in the underbrush, suggesting a heavy animal had rested there. Neighboring farmers reported discovering oversized tracks in the vicinity around the same time, adding corroborative evidence. The sisters’ account, as documented by the BFRO, describes the creature as “unlike any animal we’d ever seen,” emphasizing its upright posture and rapid retreat. No specific names are available, as the witnesses were minors at the time and requested anonymity.

The BFRO classifies this as a Class B sighting due to the lack of a prolonged visual encounter but notes the physical evidence as compelling.

Significance: As one of the earliest recorded Bigfoot sightings in Oklahoma, this encounter underscores the historical depth of the phenomenon. The rural setting and corroborating tracks align with patterns seen in later reports, making it a foundational case in Oklahoma’s cryptid history.

2012 Sighting in Le Flore County

Date: May 15, 2012

Witness: Anonymous (SR)

Location: Near Poteau, Le Flore County, on County Road 133

Description and Testimonial: On a clear night, a witness driving on County Road 133 near Poteau noticed a large figure crossing the road approximately 100 feet ahead. The creature, estimated at over 7 feet tall, had dark brown or black hair, a hunched posture, and no visible neck. It moved with a smooth, gliding walk, crossing the road in three or four strides before entering a ditch.

When the witness slowed his vehicle, the creature emitted a loud, guttural growl, described as “nothing like a bear or any other animal I’ve heard.” The sighting lasted about 10 seconds before the creature vanished into the trees. The witness, a family man with no prior interest in Bigfoot, reported the encounter to the BFRO, which conducted a follow-up investigation.

BFRO investigator Carter Buschardt visited the site, confirming the witness’s credibility and noting the area’s proximity to other sightings near Carl Albert State College. The BFRO classified this as a Class A sighting due to the clear visual and auditory details.

Significance: This sighting is notable for its vivid description and the creature’s aggressive vocalization, which added to the witness’s fear. Le Flore County’s high concentration of sightings makes this case a key example of regional Bigfoot activity, supported by the BFRO’s thorough investigation.

2000 Sighting in Cherokee County

Date: June 10, 2000

Witness: Anonymous (young male)

Location: Near Lake Tenkiller, Cherokee County

Description and Testimonial: A young male exploring a cave on his family’s property near Lake Tenkiller spotted a creature approximately 30 feet away on a hillside. The creature, estimated at 7 feet tall and 350 pounds, had reddish-brown hair and a face that appeared “human-like but animalistic.”

The sighting lasted 3-5 seconds before the witness fled to his stepfather. Later, inside the cave, he discovered an oval-shaped nest constructed from shredded materials, including a sleeping bag and food wrappers, with no signs of fire or waste. The witness reported to the BFRO: “I was scared stiff when I saw it standing there. It didn’t move much, just looked at me, and I ran.”

The BFRO’s investigation, led by Carter Buschardt, confirmed the nest’s unusual construction, noting its resemblance to reported Bigfoot shelters in other regions. The witness’s continued connection to the area and reluctance to sensationalize the event added credibility to the report, classified as Class A.

Significance: The discovery of the nest elevates this sighting’s importance, suggesting the creature used the cave as a temporary shelter. The detailed physical description and physical evidence make this one of Oklahoma’s most compelling Bigfoot sightings.

Bigfoot Sightings vs Other Cryptid Sightings in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s cryptid landscape extends beyond Bigfoot sightings, encompassing a variety of mysterious creatures and paranormal phenomena. These reports, while distinct, contribute to the state’s reputation as a hub for the unexplained.

Other Cryptids in Oklahoma

Lake Monsters: Sightings of serpentine creatures have been reported in Lake Eufaula and Lake Tenkiller. In 2018, campers near Lake Eufaula described a large, eel-like creature moving through the water at night, estimated at 10 feet long. Similar reports from Lake Tenkiller in the 1990s mention a “dark, sinuous shape” breaking the surface. These sightings, though rare, fuel speculation about aquatic cryptids.
Honey Island Swamp Monster: While primarily associated with Louisiana, similar reports of a large, hairy, bipedal creature have emerged in Oklahoma’s southeastern wetlands, particularly near Broken Bow Lake. A 2005 sighting described a creature with matted fur and a foul odor, resembling Bigfoot but smaller in stature.
Flatwoods Monster: Rare reports of a glowing, metallic creature with a spade-shaped head have surfaced in rural Oklahoma, notably near Seminole County in the 1980s. Witnesses described a hovering figure emitting a high-pitched whine, distinct from Bigfoot’s characteristics.
Dogman: Sporadic reports from Pushmataha County describe a canine-like humanoid with glowing eyes, seen lurking near rural roads at night. A 2010 encounter involved a motorist spotting a 6-foot creature with a wolf-like face, though such reports are less common than Bigfoot sightings.

Paranormal and UFO Activity

Oklahoma has a rich history of paranormal and UFO sightings, often reported in the same regions as Bigfoot sightings. In McAlester in 2023, residents reported strange lights and unexplained sounds near drainage canals, coinciding with Bigfoot reports.

UFO sightings are frequent in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, with a 2019 incident involving a bright, cigar-shaped object hovering over Lake Hefner. Ghostly apparitions, such as the “Lady in White” near Fort Washita, add to the state’s supernatural lore. These phenomena, while distinct, share Oklahoma’s remote settings, suggesting environmental factors may amplify unexplained sightings.

Potential Links to Bigfoot

No definitive evidence links Bigfoot sightings in Oklahoma to other cryptids or paranormal events, but shared patterns exist. The Kiamichi Mountains and Ouachita National Forest, hotspots for Bigfoot, also report UFO and lake monster sightings, possibly due to their isolation and dense cover.

Native American oral traditions, which describe Bigfoot as a spiritual or interdimensional being, sometimes overlap with stories of sky spirits or water creatures, hinting at a cultural connection. Researchers like Troy Hudson note that indigenous perspectives often view these phenomena as part of a broader mystical ecosystem, though scientific validation remains absent.

Conclusion

Bigfoot sightings in Oklahoma weave a compelling narrative of mystery, culture, and exploration, with 111 documented encounters spanning from 1942 to 2024. The state’s rugged Kiamichi Mountains, lush Ouachita forests, and serene lakes like Tenkiller provide a backdrop for these enigmatic reports, which range from fleeting glimpses to detailed accounts of nests and growls.

Organizations like the BFRO, NOBRO, and MABRC, alongside community efforts like the Honobia Bigfoot Festival, keep the search for Sasquatch alive, blending scientific inquiry with cultural reverence.

As Oklahoma Bigfoot sightings continue to intrigue, they reflect a broader human fascination with the unknown. Whether a biological creature, a cultural symbol, or a misidentification, Bigfoot remains a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s identity, drawing adventurers and researchers to its wild heart.

The quest for answers, fueled by eyewitness accounts and tireless investigations, ensures that this legend will endure, inviting future generations to explore the shadowy realms of the Sooner State’s wilderness.

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