Bigfoot Sighting | Does Bigfoot Live in the Berkshires?
Could Bigfoot live in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts? Read these Bigfoot sighting accounts dating back to 1765 and decide for yourself.
By Bethany Bourgault|Feb 10 2022|
It's easy to imagine that something strange could be lurking just beyond these paths.
Credit: Bethany BourgaultA persistent local rumor says that Bigfoot lives (or at least vacations) in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Read these Bigfoot sighting accounts dating back to 1765 and decide for yourself.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
It was nearing 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 1983, in the small town of Washington, Massachusetts. Four friends were enjoying a steak and chicken cookout near Camp Eagle, an abandoned Boy Scouts camp on the banks of Felton Lake. It was a calm night. The camp had been abandoned since 1970, so there weren’t many people in the area. Suddenly, though, their peace was disturbed by strange rustlings in the distance. Unseasonal chills pricked their spines. Whatever it was sounded big.
Praying that whatever had made the noises would leave them alone, they returned their attention to the campfire and got back to enjoying the night.
When another two hours had passed, they could no longer ignore the rustlings. Something big was out there, and the young friends wanted to know what it was. Eric Durant, 18, and Frederick Parody, 22, set out to investigate.
Just 100 yards later, they saw it.
“It stood on two legs, silhouetted on the trail in the moonlight, and it was huge.” Durant told the Berkshire Eagle a few days later, “I don’t scare easily, but it scared me.”
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Is There a Bigfoot in the Berkshires?
Though this is perhaps the most famous record of a “Bigfoot sighting” on October Mountain, it is certainly not the only. October Mountain, so named by the famed New England writer Herman Melville due to its stunning fall colors, has been the focus of paranormal investigations, spooky documentaries, and eyebrow-raising stories of UFO sightings. From tales of strange creatures running amok to more recent sightings of a ghostly young girl hanging around her grave, there’s no shortage of lore here. And Bigfoot? Well, he’s a bit of a local celebrity.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Durant and Parody ran back to their campsite. About an hour later, they and their friends packed up and headed out. They climbed into their car, flicked on the headlights, and saw it again. This time, from the safety of a motor vehicle, they were able to get a better look. It was crouched down in the bushes, with dark brown fur and eyes that seemed to glow in the car’s light. They estimated it to be between six and seven feet tall.
The creature was almost, but not quite, human.
Six years later, another Bigfoot sighting circulated. A man had been hiking a well-traveled trail up the mountain on a July evening when he spotted a reddish-brown creature crouched in the brush. As a rather experienced hiker, he was less startled than curious. He pulled out his binoculars just as the creature moved into a clearing.
Curiosity quickly became fear. The creature was covered in fur, but wasn’t like any animal the man had ever seen. Its face, slightly elongated with rather pointed features, was less furry than the rest of its startlingly human-like body. Its arms, just a little too long to be normal, were reaching into the brush to move aside rocks, presumably in search of bugs. The hiker was fascinated with the creature’s treatment of the rocks — each stone it picked up was carefully stacked into a small pile.
Apparently satisfied with its evening snack, the creature stood up. Its long, furry arms stretched all the way to its knees, and it was as tall as (if not taller than) a human. It turned its head and slowly began to move back toward the woods. The hiker didn’t stick around to find out where it was headed — he ran.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
The first recorded account of this “Bigfoot sighting” dates back to 1765, when a group of explorers in the Great Barrington area allegedly encountered the creature while it was sleeping. Again, in 1895, a North Adams newspaper printed a town selectman’s account of seeing it. More recently, the creature was spotted lurking in the bushes near a home in Beckett, walking along Rt. 7 in Williamstown, and knocking sticks together on Mt. Greylock.
The verdict is still out. Could this creature be real? If so, why can’t we prove it? If not, why do we keep seeing it? On your next trip to the Berkshires, be sure to keep an eye out for this furry mystery — you never know what you might see.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Do you believe in the Berkshires Bigfoot? Ever had your own Bigfoot sighting? Let us know!
October Mountain State Forest. 317 Woodland Road, Lee, MA. 413-243-1778; mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-west/october-mountain-state-forest-generic.html
This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.
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They are in Central Massachusetts too…
I live in Becket ma. For the past two weeks, every time my dog goes out at night into his fenced in area to use the bathroom he has been barking wildly behind the garage, in which he really never does unless there is a fox or deer in the area. So finely after two weeks of this i decided, to go investigate in the area. About 200 feet from the house I spotted giant foot prints in the half inch of snow that was still on the ground. I took pictures. looking carefully I actually spotted two sets of tracks. One pair was around 16 to eighteen inches in length and the other 10 to 12 inches. one set went in one direction and the other headed south. I have herd of sightings around here that were said to take place in the late 1800 to present. But now Im truly a believer.
Sitting around a campfire, a friend saw something behind me. Near October mountain
When was this?? I am interested in going to October Mountain soon so I’d like to know how long ago this was and what time of year and maybe what time of day if you can remember thank you..
Yes,,, They Exist… Hard to believe for some, but for the ones that have seen them,,,,They Exist.. Anyone who seriously looks into this subject, comes to realize the credibility of the thousands of sightings, that have been documented…
I have a recording of one howling back in the fall of 2014
I’ve always loved Yankee’s mysterious stories. Please keep them coming. New Hampsire also has some great Bigfoot sightings.
Also in Seymour, CT in Water Company land off Rte 313. Has rocks thrown on night hike, bent trees and house slapping incident.
Stick figures rough tree blinds smell around house and never saw any animals other squirrels and birds on over 400 acres which was strange
Oh joy, so that pyramid shaped 3 trees structure in my yard could have been made by a bigfoot? Looks like some kind of nest under. I didn’t check it out because there are bears and I figured it was bears. But now I’m not so sure since finding out there HAVE been Bigfoot in the Berkshires + my land abuts mountainous conservation land o.O
I live in Pittsfield an have seen these branch formations they are not a nest it marks it’s territory and the nest is within that parameter. Do you have any photographs or further information I’d like to follow up
Yes, I took pics of the tee pee type tree trunk thing. & a HUGE claw scrape on a tree right next to it- the claw mark I thought was a bear UNTIL this week. I put out treats for chipmunk and squirrels. I had some stale brownies I left out, well later that night I had my window open & I heard loud wood knocking on a tree about 50 feet away. Along with very loud hooting & what sounded like something trying to imitate a tropical bird this was at 3 am in the morning. I also heard very heavy footsteps that sounded bipedal. The next day I was in my yard at dusk & out of nowhere this awful loud whooping & the same hooting sound that was way to loud to be an owl, back and forth first the tropical sounding bird vocalizations then the hooting, a pause & then the knocking on wood, whatever it is I could tell by the sound it was strong it was evenly spaced knockings, then another one joined in & all 3 started acting like excited chimpanzees, rapid loud calls between them. One sounded like a juvenile, it sounded like they were trying to get my attention. I’m guessing they liked the brownies? Then the wood knocks started again. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t an animal so I knocked back on my porch post 4 knocks, then it did 4 evenly spaced knocks, I did 3 and it did 3, I did 5 knocks & it did 5, it was then I got scared. I don’t know much about Bigfoot but I left them a can of Vienna sausage & cranberry sauce & went inside. The cans had pull tips but they didn’t touch the cans. So, I’m pretty sure there’s a family of them, & to think I was afraid of the bears around here. My dog went nuts until she saw it, then she would not go near the window all night & she looked at me with scared eyes. I’m guessing that is the reason this house & 2 others were vacant all at the same time I was looking to buy a house.
My first BF sighting was at balance Rock in pittsfield. We parked and went quading. They had just paved the parking lot. As we came back to lot, I saw a 10ft pure black big foot on the other side of the lot, about 25 feet from the rock. I slammed my quad brakes and backed up but he was gone. When we pulled in the next day, the double wide, brand new outhouse, was pushed on its side and dented pretty good. I knew it was BF. Guess he did not like the brand new addition. Was 3 summers ago , 3rd wk of june. The next yr we heard two. One was calling, like bawling, so loud. Then after 4-5 min, a loud call came from another field. The calling one gave iutba final whoop and there was no more. The differance in volume, and bawling sound makes me think it was a lost youth. The one who called back was SO loud and I believe the mother. Many heard it in the parking lot. That night was in Lee mass. About 3 miles from october mountain at our time share.
You can report anonymously to the http://www.BFRO.net . Tree structures, whoops, howls, photographs. All information is helpful
Lived in Longmeadow MA. Heard loud noises outside of the house one night that woke me up. In the morning I went outside to discover very large footprints going around the house. I called police who said prints made by someone or thing 300 lbs and about 7 feet tall. I took pictures of the prints but no one believed me.
Hello– You may or may not know about the pastime, practice, or profession of cryptozoology. This is the study of recurring evidence of creatures unidentified by the science of zoolology. To submit your evidence, I would recommend that you contact Loren Coleman, well-known author on everything Cryptzoology.
You can also learn more about the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, in this 2011 Yankee feature: https://newengland.com/yankee-magazine/travel/cryptozoology-museum/
BF has also been seen in Northern Berkshire county…dates back to the 1700’s. And, back then folks definitely knew the difference between a bear and a bipedal hominoid. 🙂
And in Connecticut also. Water Co. land in Seymour, off Rte. 313. Used to go camping, etc. in those woods, and had a rock thrown at me when I was absolutely by myself in the woods during a night hike. Numerous typical smaller trees broken in half and pointing in a certain direction. During 1 overnight camping trip, one young boy started crying that he just saw a monster in the camp light then a rock was thrown into our area. Also had a house slapping incident while my usually very protective dog hid under the furniture. Sounds just like we had some in Seymour. Never put 2 + 2 together until a few years ago.
Saw a lot of tree breakages while on Ansonia-Derby Water Co. land off Beaver Street in Ansonia. Funny, never thought about it before. Lots of woods near Seymour-Ansonia-Woodbridge Area of CT
All this is coming back to me now, my sister saw one in the kitchen window while washing dishes and screamed her head off, my father and I ran outside, he said he saw something run away from the house (he was a fearless Army 82nd Airborne paratrooper) and I found good size rocks in our gutters on the 2nd floor of our house. I remember thinking “Why would anyone want to throw rocks on our roof?”
In this same Seymour, CT area near the Rte. 313 reservoirs, something urinated on our tent at night. Back then I knew nothing about Bigfoot, so I thought something had fallen from a tree, but it was a good steady stream.
For the Ansonia-Derby Water Co. property, also saw ‘stick-blinds’ or very rough huts that these guys make, had something pace me while I walked in the woods there, both in the snow and in the summer…wasn’t an echo, because I tested it while alone and whatever it was took another step then stopped after I stopped walking, so I caught it once or twice pacing me. Couple of times, heard something whistle at me when I was alone, and once, when I was in these same woods where I grew up, had the strongest feeling I was being watched. Tried to shake it off, then tried looking around completely still, but couldn’t see what was causing me to feel like this.
Hi, i was there today and we found the stick blinds, did you see them near the water? thanks
No for sure. Most likely these things have left the area, but a rough calculation puts this area in CT, now tagged Naugatuck State Forest (Ansonia/Seymour area) at 2,000+ acres with resovoirs & streams. Plenty of space to move around in. Very convinced of their existence, since after apparently one lunged at him after scaring the daylights out of my sister Carolyn. Shortly thereafter he picked up a rifle for the house.
In 1966/1967 I trapped the creeks (Umpachene and Konkapot) around Southfield, MA (Berkshire County). Had several incidents in one particular area which could only been attributed to Bigfoot. Would love to compare notes with anyone else with similar experiences in the that area.
Bill. Would love to hear your story’s. Highly interested in BF around Berk. County. I live in GB. You can find me on messenger. (Regina soules-mills)
Have you listened to Sasquatch Chronicles?
A great podcast resource.
I live in Great Barrington
Hi Bill , I trap in areas by the Berkshires and had an experience in the woods in Granville , ma
These creatures are being shot and need protecting. Highly intelligent.
Connecticut sightings in Seymour also. Right off Maple Street bear the Woodbridge, CT line on CT Route 313.
During that camping trip, when 1 youngster saw one in the campfire light, it scared us so much that we opened fire with our BB guns. I know that’s like house flies to a bigfoot, but it was all that we could do.
Hi, this is my last comment on BF in Connecticut. Happened when I was 10-12 yrs. old. After rocks we’re thrown at me on my night hike, they must have followed me home, because during that timeframe my sister Carolyn was washing dishes in the kitchen, and started screaming that there was a gorilla face staring back at her through the window. My Dad, Bronze Star decorated 82nd Airborne Paratrooper went running outside and said he saw something run away from the house. Later, I found rocks in our 2nd floor gutters. So, all these Conn. experiences we had, point to some BF activity in Seymour, CT about 20 minutes away from New Haven no less.
Is it legal to shot a big foot, because if I see one I will shoot him……
Why would you shoot it if it is was not trying to harm you? It, whatever itwas, is just trying to survive.
Deer,Bear Rabbits, Ducks, Pheasant Etc. are all just trying to survive and are shot in the wild on a daily basis. Besides, barbecued Bigfoot might taste good ????
Sick…
Why is it that for many people, they react by wanting to kill? If this creature exists, would it not be far better to try to get a photo of it to prove once and for all that they truly exist? Subdue you “killer” instincts. Stay calm and seek to prove their existence scientifically.
I thought that at first. They live here permanently, some do, some migrate. Some will make you feel you need to defend yourself an some make you want to be kind and know more. Just like us. All they are is a lower demensional being who’s so many million years away in evolution, however we are believing and it’s opening our minds and being more conscience in it, puts us more into their frequency so they’re able to be here more. They are protectors of our Forrest’s. Ask any aboriginal’s about their legends. JS I could see in self defense but you won’t know till the time comes. Least I believe from all the accounts I’ve heard. I’ve never come face to face with any but I’ve seen my share. So even If you do you’ll never get any body or kill one dead right away, unless you are a monster and would a baby or something lol
Oh and I’m a Berkshire Boondocks Babe, other than living in Boston area for a couple years in my lower teens, I’ve always been and always will be. Lol. Thought I’d throw that in hehe
Bigfoot is NOT on the list of animals that have a hunting season on them therefore if you shot one, you could and should be charged with shooting a “Protected Species” and could lose a lot of money in fines as well as 2nd Amendment rights for some time, as you should. Shooting one that is not engangering you is just plain wrong.
Oh well. You’d be famous and get far more $$ than the fine would cost. Also you are allowed to defend yourself even agaisnt animals on endangered species lists.
I have photos of sasquatch footprints I took in February 2019
Do share!
2 things: We kept a hose on our porch to spray the Bigfoot after it appeared in our kitchen window , and 2 house slapping incidents after I closed the curtains to the room so was watching TV in. That’s the same night my usually brave dog came into the room and hid behind the furniture. I’m using this website as my notebook for these incidents and still honestly can not believe we had one come out of the woods and up to the house.
Off of Churchill Street near Hancock Road there has been some Big Trees broken in weird spots and I seen a few axes entp like structures definitely could have been done by humans but I just don’t understand why it would have been done and the places that I have seen it I’m a little suspicious
Hello, I am a local bigfoot researcher, if you would like to share more about your encounter please email me at sasquatchofnewengland@gmail.com
I saw the Bigfoot monster when I was a little boy in Southfield ma.i was alone with it in the woods.At first I didn’t realize it was there it was starting to get dark I saw rocks come rolling by me and thumping around me in the dirt too big to lift.I was by and old Creek bed and I thought it was my father I could see only a siloett as it was dusk.i ran toward it saying dad that was too close those rocks r big.as I got close maybe twenty feet away or closer I realized it was way to big and was hairy and scary and stunk.it looked at me like I was a pup when I yelled at it that it could hurt me.i hauled butt out of there when I realized what it was I didn’t look back just a frightening run to freedom out of the woods across the field and to my dad.The thing is huge real and scary and I don’t advise looking for it or going anywhere near it and if u see trees upside-down with the roots up stay out of that area it is close to where it eats or u could b dinner.dont hurt it don’t mess with it it’s just another part of our beautiful mysterious nature and it deserves to live too.leave it alone.Andrew
I live in gt.barrington ma. I’m trying to track any recent sightings around here. Dont think I’ll be looking for one anytime soon. However, I’m in the woods often. Would like to be aware of where the have been reported.
No joke I saw something that I wish I could unsee no joke at all in Williamstown mass Henderson Rd this is real deal my hair is standing on end still I thought I was losing my mind but in o what I saw it will be burned in my brain rest of my life lest just say after to night I’m a full believer in big foot no dought in my mind any more I will have my rifle with for now on in woods after this
I seen Bigfoot tracks crossing a trail above the Golden Eagle restaurant/hairpin turn on Florida Mountain, MA while three-wheeling with my Uncle. Around 1984/1985. So convinced it scared me and I did science project on it in 7th grade. Been a believer ever since! Basically was behind Blackstone RD going towards where the hang glider cliff is.
Its my cousin Johnny. He looks like a Bigfoot, acts like one and smells like one. Johnny has always been a little “off”. He likes whoopie pies (chocolate, of course), so just offer him one and he will leave you alone.
LOL 🙂
I have always believed that huge, unidentified human like creatures do exist on our planet. (Just read an article about footprints being found once again in the Himalayas.) While it must be frightening to observe one, I don’t understand those who just want to immediately kill what they see, especially if it is not threatening. Many times, I’m sure that bears may be mistaken for something humanoid, but why in this day and age, doesn’t someone capture a decent picture with an I-phone or camera. While some of these sightings may be fake or natural phenomena, there have been too many not to take them seriously.
Because they are a shape shifter and can disappear at will. No camera can get a clear shot.
I saw one in NA crossing the street, just a few months ago. It was night time, by the bridge near Church St( I believe that’s the st) It ran across the road so fast. It was kindof a blurry hairy flash. I def believe they are in this area. So many tree structures that would indicate a creature of sorts.
Aimee when you say NA , do you mean North Adams ? I am just curious. Thank you so much.
I KNEW THIS IS NOT MY IMAGINATION ! I live in CT. 20 min south of Hartford. Can someone help me with the descriptions of them ? Color, features and whatever else u can help with. I see sightings all the time and ive heard them walking in woods and heard whistles and seen their art work, all my years growing up. Never really putting 2 n 2 together because was not familiar with their ways. I hear and feel their pressence all the time in VT.
Hello I also live about 20 or so minutes south of Hartford and had a sighting in one of the State Forrest. I would like to tell you about my sighting and what I have found out about these Forrest peoples with someone local who will take me and my event seriously. I don’t blame anyone for not believing but it surely isn’t a good feeling when you tell someone who I expected a different reaction. Hope to hear from you.
Yes you are right. I live in northern RI….they are here too. I was on my way at 5 am to another small town in RI…and saw one.
Nothing mystical, however these are most likely extremely elusive and intelligent animals. My sister said it was a gorilla type face staring at her through the window and all my Dad said when he sprayed it with the hose was “it was big whatever it was”
I was stalked by a large animal in the Brimfield State forest in a snowy night. Car broke down and I had to walk out of the forest and something tracked me out of the area. Scariest time ever
hello, Jeremy, I am a local Mass bigfoot researcher, if you would like to share more about your experience please contact me at-sasquatchofnewengland@gmail.com
I have physical evidence unprecedented by anyone.dont trust anyone don’t need naysayers or harassers or assholes talking smithonian finding Bigfoot ect., if curious prove 2me ur on level of Steve survival man or marzulli or Steve quake
Funny you say that because I found a kill site of what had to be at least 5 deer ripped to sheds in brimfield state forests about 5 yrs ago. I don’t know any animal that would kill that many and rip them up all placed in one area . It gave me the creeps.
I know of something that could have done that. Outlaws (people that hunt out of season. Or shoot animals for no reason) exist, and they will come across a small herd of deer and blast away and leave the carcasses where they drop. Came across just such a scene- freshly killed with bullet wounds, six deer. The shooters either didnt want to botber skinning and butchering them, or they were scared off by others nearby and intended to go back when the coast was clear. That could have happened in your find, and coyotes and fischer, bobcats, etc found the kills and feasted.
I was in Beartown state forest and I heard some very close rock clacking
I would love to hear from NE residents who have had experiences. I run a podcast out of clinton MA and am always looking for guests. Can i put my email here?
Bigfoot is here…alive and well in Rhode Island.
Personally, I have seen one.
Not aware of a single case of a BF being shot. No bodies or arrest reports of shooters. No stories of shootings. Stop making crap up. It helps nothing.
The day you see one, Your whole view on everything you think you know will be shattered I promise you that. Fact keep looking camp out by yourself you will find out the truth for sure
Bigfoot tree structure evidence directly to the left of Tannery Falls.
If you have an old barn, put a creature camera in it. You might catch a BF looking for a place to sleep.
I think the time to casually dismiss BF, UAP (aka UFO) sightings, and other mysterious encounters is long passed. There have been too many accounts by honest, upright individuals on these phenomena to be ignored or written off as hoaxes by crackpots. Some people are only interested in their own little “world” view; however, a number of us are interested in a larger world view and are open-minded about a number of things for which there aren’t easy explanations. My understanding of what they are and where they come from can be found in the research of L. A. Marzulli. I think you will find his work interesting, to say the least!
Aloha.
Interesting all the www bigfoot Sasquatch stories… Canada, Washington, Waren NY Counties, incidents, may equal you all have bigfoot Sasquatch Spa or Portal…
Blessings Prayers kisses hugs…
I think the time to casually dismiss BF, UAP (aka UFO) sightings, and other mysterious encounters is long passed. There have been too many accounts by honest, upright individuals on these phenomena to be ignored or written off as hoaxes by crackpots. Some people are only interested in their own little “world” view; however, a number of us are interested in a larger world view and are open-minded about a number of things for which there aren’t easy explanations. My understanding of what they are and where they come from can be found in the research of L. A. Marzulli. I think you will find his work interesting, to say the least!
Like to hear these stories. In July 2015 my husband rented a cabin in New Hampshire near Franconia area. We had something large hit the cabin at night. We walked around the cabin the next day and could not shake the feeling we were being watched. As my husband was packing the car up to leave late at night, he heard the whoops and calls. He tried to do a response call and it responded back to him. My dogs stayed in the house scared. We left early the next morning.
I live in Wilbraham Ma mostly woods around me. I have a dog name Ross and i let him outside last night. He loves to stay out but his time was cut short when i heard him breaking. I ran out and saw a creature walking on their feet and standing up. I screamed and the creature ran away. I think i saw a Bigfoot.
Victor, I would love to hear from you. I have received other reports in the Monson Wilbraham area. Jon@squatchachusetts.com
Always love to hear anyone’s encounters. I’ve been a squatcher for many years. Looking to put together a team to investigate October mountain. Email me homesavers617@gmail.com
hi my name is otis. i live in Pittsfeild mas. One afternoon in December 2022 me and my grandmother were playing outside . As we were about to go inside my grandmother walked next to her garden . We saw 1 1/2 foot long and 3 inch wide footprints . These footprints were 5 feet apart and headed into the woods. My grandmother never saw footprints like that in the 40 years she has lived in that house.
It seems as if he’s always out their, watching us.
I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN PITTSFIELD MASS. BUT NOW LIVE IN JACKSONVILLE FL.GREAT STORES ABOUT THE THE BIG GUY . HE IS REAL AND OUT THERE WOULD LOVE TO GO OUT TO SEE ONE.YOU GUYS WHERE LUCKY TO SEE ONE .
October mountain mid 90s I hunted there a lot. One morning just before sunup I was walking to my deer stand , the woods suddenly went dead quiet. I was moving very slow making very little to no noise.
Then I heard a large thump followed by a whistle or a high pitched whine. I stopped and listened for about two min. I could hear something circling me about 50 to 75 ft out.
I continued on to my stand but now with a penlight on I got to my stand and started up the tree the next thing I knew small rocks and sticks were being thrown towards me. I packed up and left . I went back a few weeks later midday and took my stand down ,I have not been back since.