Man in Fur Coat Sparks Bigfoot Panic

Easily alarmed residents of a small Maine town forced beleaguered police to launch an investigation after multiple Bigfoot sightings in broad daylight. Indeed, on Sept. 2, a "Bigfoot or Sasquatch-like" humanoid was spotted across town by Damariscotta, Maine, residents, sparking several 911 calls, per the Damariscotta Police Department. Citizens of the small town, which has just over 2,000 residents, spotted the hulking, hairy figure along the town's main street and at a local school during morning drop-off, according to NBC News. Many alarmed (and possibly amused) locals took some snapshots of the potential Bigfoot during its stroll about town. Budding cryptozoologists out there will note that the alleged Sasquatch is wearing a fedora. Who knew this majestic, benevolent creature of the forest also had such a sharp fashion sense? Meanwhile, Star Wars nerds worth their space spice know this fur suit looks an awful lot like a Chewbacca costume... Even though he was rocking a fedora, a man in a fur suit alarmed locals, mistaking him for Bigfoot. (Images via Facebook/Kim Brow and Main Street Grocery) Tax dollars well spent, Officer William Smith managed to track down the alleged Bigfoot. "Rather than immediately placing him under arrest for being suspiciously hairy, Officer Smith sat down and had a great conversation with him," the Damariscotta Police Department wrote on Facebook. They also noted that the "conversation was pleasant." "Our investigation determined that the mysterious creature was, in fact, a man in a costume," the department declared. "While walking along Main Street, he certainly attracted attention. Some people were concerned and contacted police. Others took the opportunity to stop and take pictures, including while Officer Smith was speaking with him," Damariscotta Police Chief Erik Josephson later explained to NBC News. "Officer Smith described their interaction as a great conversation. [Smith] found him to be very interesting and understanding when the concerns were explained." The alleged Bigfoot was not placed under arrest, as walking around in a mildly odd costume isn't illegal. The Damariscotta Police Department went on to crush the hopes of those who want to believe. "After a lengthy, exhaustive, and completely serious investigation, members of the Damariscotta Police Department have reached a conclusion: Bigfoot is not real," the department added in its Facebook post. "Ultimately, this is a good example of what we think small-town Maine is all about," Chief Josephson added. "People here look out for one another. [They] speak up when something seems unusual. Law enforcement is there to check things out and make sure everyone is safe. Sometimes those calls involve serious matters, and sometimes they involve something a little more... Bigfoot-like. Judging by some of the responses to the post, there were actually quite a few people who were disappointed to learn that it wasn't the real Bigfoot!"