Vancouver Island sasquatch researcher recognized in new book
The question of whether Bigfoot exists has been the subject of speculation, fierce debate and even some ridicule, but now the topic is back in the minds of some Vancouver Island residents.
"Sasquatch Discovered: The Biography of Dr. John Bindernagel" was written by Courtenay, B.C., resident Terrance James, who was friends with Bindernagel for 25 years.
"I thought it was important to tell John’s story to present his credibility, to establish his background and so I wanted to write it as a biography," said James.
The book outlines the wildlife biologist’s struggles to have his work and sasquatches recognized by the scientific community.
"Science doesn’t take quantum leaps, it moves very slowly, and what John was suggesting was a quantum leap. So he met a lot of rejection," said James.
Bindernagel, who died from cancer in January 2018, originally moved to the Comox Valley because of its proximity to northern Vancouver Island, where sightings were frequent.
"He documented 150 years of evidence of sasquatches, but his frustration was the lack of acceptance by his scientific community, by his peers, who wouldn’t examine the evidence," he said.
The book was published in December by Hancock House Publishers and is a collaboration by the two long-time friends.
"It was his dying wish when he got down to the last couple of months of life," said James. "He was concerned about having the story on record about the ongoing discovery process of the sasquatch."
Wildlife biologist Dr. John Bindernagel is pictured.James hopes to do more promotion of the book in the coming months and will make an appearance at an event at North Island College on Feb. 24.
Even though Bindernagel has died, work from the renowned expert in the field continues on.
"John’s website, sasquatchbiologist.org, is still up, his son is keeping that active, all of his videos are available online through that site or through the YouTube channels," said James.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Victims identified as police reveal Nashville school shooter had drawn maps, done surveillance
The suspect in a Nashville school shooting on Monday had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance before killing three students and three adults in the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country growing increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools.

Freeland's budget to include grocery rebate for lower income Canadians, here's what else to expect Tuesday
The 2023 federal budget will include a one-time 'grocery rebate' for Canadians with lower incomes who may be struggling with the rising cost of food, CTV News has confirmed.
How many COVID-19 vaccine doses should you have by now?
Here is a summary of the current COVID-19 vaccination guidelines from NACI, for both children and adults who are at increased risk of serious illness and those who are not.
Gender-affirming care bans expanding, access being cut: U.S. laws now targeting transgender adults
In some U.S. states, proponents of gender-affirming care bans have argued for the last few years that minors are too young to make these medical decisions — but in 2023, legislative attempts to limit the health-care options for transgender youth have expanded to a new age group: adults.
Canadian Pacific train derails in rural North Dakota and spills chemical
A Canadian Pacific train derailed in rural North Dakota Sunday night and spilled hazardous materials. But local authorities and the railroad said there is no threat to public safety.
Gwyneth Paltrow accuser calls Utah ski crash 'serious smack'
The man suing Gwyneth Paltrow over a 2016 skiing collision at one of the most upscale resorts in North America took the stand Monday, saying he was rammed into from behind and sent 'absolutely flying.' The trial in Utah hinges on who crashed into who.
'It's horrific': Calgary house explosion injures 10 people
The Calgary Fire Department says at least 10 people were injured in a 'sudden and devastating' explosion in the city's northeast on Monday that completely destroyed one home.
Slain Edmonton officers Jordan and Ryan remembered at procession, regimental funeral
Family and friends of two police officers who were shot and killed while responding to a family dispute gathered in downtown Edmonton Monday to say goodbye to their loved ones.
MP Han Dong says he's retained lawyer, plans to sue Global News over interference report
Toronto MP Han Dong says he is taking legal action over a media report that alleged he spoke to a Chinese diplomat in February 2021 about delaying the release of two Canadians detained in China at the time.