News Summary
A police officer in Newberry County, SC, reported a credible Bigfoot sighting while deer hunting. The encounter, classified as a Class A sighting, reignites local interest in the mythical creature. The officer described the creature as 7 to 7.5 feet tall with long brown hair and an ape-like face. This sighting adds to the history of Bigfoot encounters in South Carolina and has encouraged community discussions about folklore and wildlife.
Newberry County, SC — A local police officer’s recent report of a credible Bigfoot sighting has raised eyebrows and spurred interest in the ongoing discourse about the mythical creature in South Carolina. The sighting occurred on November 2, 2024, around 6:30 a.m., while the officer, known as J.M., was deer hunting on his family’s property near Pomaria, approximately 25 miles northwest of Columbia.
The encounter unfolded along a power line route, roughly half a mile from the Palmetto Trail, a well-known hiking and biking path. J.M. recounted hearing a deep grunt followed by a loud stomp, which led him to notice the creature in the nearby brush. He described the figure as being between 7 and 7.5 feet tall, covered in long brown hair, with an ape-like face and long arms. The officer observed the creature for about 30 seconds, during which they seemingly studied each other before the being walked away.
J.M., who initially approached the encounter with skepticism, has since expressed confidence in his belief that he witnessed Bigfoot, emphasizing his background as a law enforcement officer and his familiarity with the area as a lifelong hunter.
This sighting has been classified as a Class A sighting by Matthew Moneymaker, the president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), indicating a high level of credibility. Moneymaker highlighted the importance of J.M.’s professional background as an officer and his extensive experience hunting in the same vicinity since childhood, which lends additional weight to the report.
The sighting is not an isolated event, as the history of Bigfoot encounters in South Carolina includes several notable instances. This recent sighting follows a previous Class A sighting recorded on February 10, 2023, in Union County. In addition, numerous sightings have been reported in Oconee County and Hunting Island State Park, contributing to a total of 59 documented sightings in the state since 1964.
Residents of Newberry County and beyond have shown increased interest in Bigfoot lore, with many engaging in discussions about the possible existence of the creature. This local sighting has reinvigorated conversations around the phenomenon, and some community members have expressed curiosity about the implications of such encounters for local folklore and tourism.
Experts suggest that the continued reporting of Bigfoot sightings can be attributed to a combination of social factors, including a strong interest in the supernatural and a desire for adventure. Additionally, the wooded terrain and remote locations in South Carolina provide environments conducive to such stories to persist over time.
As interest in Bigfoot remains prevalent, this latest account from a police officer adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative. Local law enforcement officials have stated that they take all reports seriously, regardless of their nature, and encourage residents to report any unusual wildlife encounters.
With the recent sighting making headlines, discussions about the existence of Bigfoot are likely to flourish, leading residents to retrace their steps in the woods or share their own experiences with the elusive creature. The legacy of Bigfoot continues to loom large in South Carolina, drawing curiosity and skepticism from those both who believe and disbelieve.
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Additional Resources
- WRHI: Police Officer Reports Bigfoot Sighting in Newberry County, SC
- Wikipedia: Bigfoot
- ABC News 4: Bigfoot Spotted During Deer Hunt in Newberry County
- Google Search: Bigfoot sightings South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Bigfoot Sighting Newberry County, SC
- Google Scholar: Bigfoot
- Fitsnews: Very Credible Bigfoot Sighting Reported in South Carolina Midlands
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bigfoot
- ABC News 4: Bigfoot or Big Tale?
- Google News: Bigfoot Newberry County
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
