Roger Patterson

Filmmaker / Sasquatch Researcher

Deceased

Public since 1967

Roger Patterson (1926–1972) filmed what became known as the Patterson-Gimlin film on 20 October 1967 at Bluff Creek, California — a 59.5-second 16mm film of a large bipedal figure that is the most scrutinised and debated piece of cryptid evidence ever recorded. Despite decades of attempts, no one has conclusively demonstrated it to be a hoax.

Background

Patterson was a rodeo rider and amateur Sasquatch enthusiast who had already written a self-published book on Bigfoot before making the film. On a research trip to Bluff Creek with Bob Gimlin, their horses were startled by a large figure crossing a gravel bar. Patterson grabbed his rented Kodak K-100 camera and ran toward it, filming as he went. The resulting footage shows a large, hair-covered bipedal figure, later designated "Patty," walking away and turning to look at the camera.

Key Claims

▸The 1967 Bluff Creek film shows a genuine unknown primate — not a human in a suit
▸The subject's anatomy, including pendulous breasts, gluteal muscle mass, and stride length, would have been impossible to fabricate with 1967 costume technology
▸Fresh footprints at the site were cast and later analysed by Dr. Jeff Meldrum, confirming mid-tarsal pressure breaks
▸Bob Gimlin, who was present, has never recanted his account in 55 years despite offers of money to do so

Evidence Provided

1.The Patterson-Gimlin film — 59.5 seconds of 16mm footage, original held by Patterson's estate
2.Footprint casts taken at the Bluff Creek site immediately after filming
3.Consistent, unretracted eyewitness testimony from Bob Gimlin over 55 years

Timeline

1959

Patterson begins researching Sasquatch after reading a True magazine article; starts field expeditions to the Pacific Northwest

1966

Self-publishes Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist? — early documentation of witness accounts

1967

Films the Patterson-Gimlin film at Bluff Creek, California on October 20; immediately submits it for analysis

1968

Film analysed by technicians at Universal Studios who cannot explain how the suit was made

1972

Patterson dies of Hodgkin's lymphoma aged 45, maintaining the authenticity of his film to his death

2004

Bob Heironimus claims to have been the man in the suit; his claimed measurements are inconsistent with the filmed subject

2023

New stabilised and enhanced analysis by MK Davis continues to reveal anatomical details that challenge the hoax hypothesis

Credibility Assessment

Patterson's footage remains the most analysed piece of cryptid evidence in history. After 55+ years, no definitive hoax mechanism has been demonstrated. The subject's anatomy — particularly the muscle movement beneath the suit, if it is one — continues to challenge film effects experts.

Related Figures

Dr. Jeff Meldrum

Editorial note: All profiles are compiled from public record, testimony, and published sources. Unverified claims are noted. Project Strange does not assert the truth or falsity of any individual's claims.