Giant Squid Rig

[zippyFX]

Is an undiscovered great ape in North America possible. Yes.

Is there anecdotal evidence for Great Ape in North America? Yes. Is it strong? Not from what I can see. From my understanding there is some evidence which is relatively credible (good footprints with expected proportions, some fur samples that are don't fit neatly into an existing classification). The legends are of interest, but again anecdotal.

Proving something does not exist is very difficult. Proving that something does exist, with the right evidence is possible. Proper scientific methodology requires a hypothesis which can be validated as True or False. This thinking is rigid by design. To date I have not seen a credible hypothesis come out in support of an undiscovered great ape in North America (not that I have spent any time delving into this subject). Either we have not yet formulated an appropriate hypothesis yet or there has not been any suitable evidence for existing hypotheses.

In terms of paleontology I agree.... I am awed by the conclusions they make (as a lay person).... Seeing those rebuilt skeletons they have which have dark colours for found bones and white bones for implied bones.... I marvel at how they can make the extrapolations they do. They do though have a rigorous process that can be debated for decades before a consensus is reached. The fog of time plays a big role here and your are called to make assumptions (guess) because there is literally no alternative.

On Cougars.... We know they exist its the range that is in question. I believe they are in Ontario based on anecdotal evidence. They don't believe they are back in Ontario because they have likely not eliminated other possibilities and hence not fitting neatly into some biologists set of hypothesis. They may also be slow to adapt because as a governmental organisation they will be obliged to provide some sort of plan on management, protection, etc... If they do in fact exist. In short saying yes, implies a whole bunch of costs and issues. Keeping the bar high ensures these costs are not incurred unless strictly required (I am not saying this is right just saying). You get into splitting hairs are they just passing through? Are they breeding here? Are they lost?

Your right a coelacanth is a good example.... It was extinct until they found one. From everything I have seen on this (some documentaries) it was a rather and sudden and abrupt "western" realization that they still existed.... Though to the indigenous cultures it was more like "Duh, ya, we've been eating them, like, forever". Not sure that level of confidence would be extended to a great ape.

Just rambling......