Bigfoot researcher says hundreds of sightings in Ohio

WADSWORTH, Ohio, July 1 (UPI) -- An Ohio Bigfoot believer told a library audience he is one of hundreds of people to spot a sasquatch wandering the state's woods.

Marc DeWerth, a member of the Ohio Bigfoot Association, told the crowd of more than 60 people during his Saturday lecture at the Wadsworth Public Library that he sighted one of the never-confirmed creatures personally near east-central Coshocton County's Wills Creek on April 20, 1997, The Medina County Gazette reported Monday.

"I was always the guy to say I'd take the fur off its back if I ever saw one," he said. "But what I saw intimidated me."

DeWerth showed the crowd video images he took during the encounter. The video appears to depict a hairy creature moving near some trees.

DeWerth said rangers told him Bigfoot sightings had been reported in the area for 20 years.

He said there have been hundreds of sightings reported by hunters, farmers and other travelers in Medina, Wayne and Summit counties.

However, DeWerth cautioned his audience that most Bigfoot sightings are mistakes or hoaxes.

"Be skeptical," DeWerth said. "This is fantastic subject matter, but you have to be honest with yourself."