DNA testing has since been the standard procedure in discovering genetic medical conditions, determining identification in forensics and proving the paternity of a child. But DNA tests have also been used in the past to help us figure out the existence of popular mythical creatures.
From Bigfoot to Chupacabra, there always seems to be new sightings attempting to prove these creatures’ existence. When we are lucky enough to acquire physical evidence, a DNA test usually proves otherwise. Here are three sighting cases of mythical creatures:
Bigfoot
Bigfoot is perhaps one of the most famous mythical creatures. Also known as ‘sasquatch’, the ape-like creature is said to inhabit the forests of the Pacific Northwest.
In 2008, Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer claimed they found Bigfoot’s dead body while hiking in Georgia. When the genetic material was tested, one of the samples from the DNA test confirmed that the alleged Bigfoot carcass was that of a human while the other sample confirmed that it was 96% of an opossum.
Other Bigfoot sightings have surfaced since then, but DNA tests do not lie.
Yeti
Similar to Bigfoot, the yeti is a large ape-like creature that resembles a human or bear. This creature, most commonly referred to as “The Abominable Snowman”, is said to inhabit the Himalayas.
A recent story about an ancient artifact resembling that of a yeti surfaced. The ‘yeti finger’ was taken from a monastery in Nepal during the 1950’s. After years of uncertainty, the results of a DNA test confirmed that the finger was not that of “The Abominable Snowman”, but rather that of a human.
Chupacabra
Chupacabra, which translates to “goat sucker” is a creature said to inhabit Latin and South America. The cryptid was named mainly because of reports stating it drains the blood of livestock (such as goats).
A sighting of a Chupacabra took place in Cuero, Texas in 2007. A woman named Phylis Canion discovered three unknown carcasses outside of her house. Considering the fact that her chickens have been dying from blood loss in prior years, she connected the questionable species to that of the Chupacabra. However, a DNA test at Texas State University confirmed that the animal was actually that of a coyote.
There are many different DNA tests for several occasions – and as long as there will be mythical creature sightings, a DNA test will always be the key factor in determining their existence.
What mythical creature sightings can you recall? Do you believe in these unknown species? Tell us below.
