CFZ's Next Generation Initiative

In 2013, Daniel Loxton and Donald R. Prothero's book  Abominable Science! Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids  was published.  This book caused quite a bit on controversy within the cryptozoological field at the time of its release and continues to do so today. Loxton is someone who became interested in cryptids as a kid and believed in the existence of Bigfoot, Nessie, and other monsters at the time, but then became skeptical of their existence, but still interested. Prothero is a paleontologist. I decided to get  Abominable Science!  after hearing Donald Prothero on Colin Schneider's Crypto-Kid podcast a few months ago. I thought Prothero made some really great points about cryptids and the people who search for them, and he and Loxton both do in this book. But then, why do so many people in the cryptozoological community hate it so much? I decided to look into this while the book was on its way. So, I went to the best place to fi...

One of the main things I recommend to upcoming cryptozoologists is to read. A lot. Besides actually working with other researchers, this is probably the best way to learn about the field. There are hundreds of books out there on cryptozoological subjects, though many are not on par with others. In this post, I decided to put together a list of books both I and Colin recommend for those getting into the field. General Cryptozoology Recommendations Hunting Monsters: Cryptozoology and the Reality Behind the Myths By Darren Naish Naish's book is one of the best examinations of cryptozoology that I have ever read. He examines whether cryptozoology is really about animals or more about the human mind and why 'monsters' are reported all over the world and what likely inspired tales of them. It also tells readers that cryptozoology can be done scientifically and how to do so. Naish has a background as a paleontologist and science writer to back him up. ...