Cryptozoology: the study of creatures that may or may not exist. If you watch much TV, it probably seems like this isn’t a real area of science. Who goes hunting for Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster, after all? And yet hundreds of new species are discovered each year. What could be going on here?

Cryptozoology is an area of study with an odd reputation, but very real role in the greater scientific discussion. It combines filed biology with social science methods to uncover the truth behind mysterious animals that often populate myths and legends. This is a crash course introduction to the field. We will look at past encounters with startling specimens, the puzzles yet to be solved, and talk about some of the more exciting developments going on today.