April 8, 2007: Protecting Bigfoot - Todd Standing

Art Bell speaks with Canadian documentarian Todd Standing about his multi-year effort to prove Bigfoot exists and secure governmental protection for the species. Standing describes expeditions into the Sylvanic region of the Canadian Rockies where he recorded three pieces of video evidence, including footage that CTV News enhanced to reveal back muscles and an elbow. He explains that these animals use sophisticated evasion strategies, posting day watchers at high vantage points who alert the main group when humans approach.

Standing argues that Bigfoot is not a paranormal phenomenon but a flesh-and-blood primate, scientifically classified as Gigantopithecus, that migrated to North America via the Bering Strait alongside early humans. He believes the species demonstrates a theory of mind comparable to a human child of five or six years old. His petition for species protection has been certified by the Canadian Clerk of Petitions, with the House of Commons expected to vote within 30 days.

The first two hours feature open lines dominated by the honeybee colony collapse crisis, the contaminated pet food scandal, and the firing of radio host Don Imus. Callers share stories about hummingbird disappearances and speculation about whether cell phones or chemtrails are responsible for the vanishing bees.