Today’s guest, Rachel Garard, brings a rare combination of personal experience, professional expertise, and scientific training to the table. Rachel had a sighting 24 years ago—an encounter that left a lasting impression and quietly shaped her curiosity for decades. For the past four years, she’s been privately researching the Bigfoot phenomenon, and over the last two years, she’s taken that research into the field, applying a disciplined, evidence-based approach.

Professionally, Rachel has worked as an Industrial Hygienist for over 20 years. She is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and a Registered Professional in SDS and label authoring. Her extensive experience includes disaster response and environmental assessments across more than 30 U.S. states, including critical work following Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Her academic background includes degrees in Geology, Biology with an emphasis in Genetics, and Microbiology—giving her a solid foundation in the biological and environmental sciences. 

Rachel brings a grounded, scientific perspective to the Bigfoot conversation—one shaped by real-world experience, rigorous methodology, and a sincere curiosity about the unknown. We’re excited to have her on the show today.

Welcome to another episode of Bigfoot Forensics, where science meets the strange. Today, we're joined by someone whose life work spans rainforests, reptiles, and rare moments captured through the lens—Dan Nedrelo.

Dan is a nationally recognized environmental educator, wildlife photographer, and herpetologist with over four decades of experience in the field. His photography has been featured in more than 200 books and magazines, and his work has taken him across the globe—from the forests of Costa Rica to the rugged outback of Tasmania and the remote river systems of Wisconsin. He’s led field expeditions, taught countless students and educators, and worked as a contract biologist and keynote speaker for organizations including the Wisconsin Science Teachers Association.

Whether he’s photographing the wild or coordinating with global magazines on natural history features, Dan’s passion lies in connecting people to the natural world. His deep background in herpetology and conservation, combined with his artistic eye, gives him a unique perspective on the creatures many overlook—and the ones that just might be out there, waiting to be discovered.

https://youtu.be/W15kVpYgrHI?si=iAuYraZOotHf1wqh

Eyeshine is a visible effect caused by the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer of tissue located behind the retina in the eyes of many animals. This layer acts as a retroreflector, bouncing light that passes through the retina back into the eye, thereby enhancing the animal's ability to see in low-light conditions. This adaptation is particularly beneficial for nocturnal and crepuscular animals, which are active during the night or at dawn and dusk.

There are included charts within the video. You will find that there aren't that many online. There is a reason. Watch to find out why.

Research Pioneer Spotlight: In the world of cryptozoology, the elusive creature known as Bigfoot has sparked the curiosity and imagination of us all. But among the believers and skeptics, one renowned scientist stood out for his unique approach to this mystery—Dr. John Napier. A distinguished primatologist, Napier's contributions to the study of primates were groundbreaking. However, his foray into the realm of Bigfoot research added a fascinating chapter to his illustrious career

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF5NBlavRS4

This episode is the audio of Pt. 2 of the video linked discussed what to do with the the impressions recovered on your vehicle. What we didn't discuss is what that evidence means, and what it can mean. We also need to further the investigation after the collection of of your dermal evidence. Join me and find out what those first steps should be after the recovery of your evidence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh5pGhX68DU&t=4s

Bigfoot tree knocks are often described as that typical baseball hitting the baseball bat sound. That clear crisp "Thwack!". Listen to my first possible first recording of that sound. Then follow me into the investigation of what it could be. I still don't have the answer. However, I did discover another variable when recording sounds remotely that I previously had no idea about. I'm hoping the Bigfoot Researchers (BFR) do and it's just a known thing. You tell me. I am by no means suggesting that Bigfoot knocks are all owls. Just discussing another variable that should be considered when analyzing recordings. This could also affect the researcher who gets caught up in the moment and lets confirmation bias invade their investigation. Just food for thought and offering some information for consideration.

The story begins in 1967, in the dense forests of northern California, specifically in the Onion Mountain area. It was here that a set of unusual footprints were discovered. These prints were not just any footprints; they appeared to have dermal ridges—fine details similar to the friction ridges found in human fingerprints. This discovery was remarkable enough to warrant making plaster casts of the prints, which soon became known as the Onion Mountain Bigfoot casts.
Matt Crowley did a series of reconstructions of the methodologies of casting and found that he could reproduce the ridges, now called desiccation ridges.
However, had a qualified latent friction ridge examiner  been used, there would have been no debate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHPQ4WbQG5Y

https://skepticalinquirer.org/newslet...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tst15giw67c&t=420s

Today, we're diving into the world of DNA and trace evidence in forensic science. Trace evidence refers to tiny particles like hair, pollen, and fibers that are often invisible to the naked eye, excluding DNA. "Trace DNA" and "touch DNA" are clarified, with "trace DNA" being the correct term for small amounts that can transfer with minimal contact.

Challenges in collecting DNA from hair without roots, especially for species identification, are discussed, along with factors concerning the degradation of DNA, such as water, sun exposure, and chemical treatments.

Reputable Crime Scene Supply Websites:

Sirchie.com
Arrowheadforensics.com
searchevident.com
tritechforensics.com

Study Guide for Collecting eDNA from Soil
Materials Needed:

1. Sterile gloves
2. Sterile sampling tools (e.g., spatulas, spoons)
3. Sterile collection tubes or bags
4. Dry silica gel packs
5. Labels and markers
6. Sterile water (optional, for moistening dry samples)
7. Cooler with ice packs (for transport)
8. Field notebook or electronic device for recording data
Collection Procedure

Preparation:

• Wear sterile gloves to avoid contaminating the samples.
• Sterilize all sampling tools if they are not pre-sterilized.
• Label each collection tube or bag with relevant information (e.g., date, time, location, sample ID).

Sample Collection:

• Identify the sampling locations. Ensure that each location is adequately documented in your field notebook.
• Using a sterile tool, collect soil from the surface and, if needed, from different depths.
• For each sample, collect about 10-20 grams of soil. This amount can vary based on the specific requirements of your analysis.
• Place the soil sample into the sterile collection tube or bag. Seal it immediately to prevent contamination.
 
Using Dry Silica Packs:

• Add a dry silica gel pack to each collection tube or bag containing the soil sample. Silica gel packs help to absorb moisture, preserving the DNA in the sample.
• Ensure that the silica gel pack does not come into direct contact with the soil, if possible, to prevent any potential contamination or interference with the DNA.

Transportation and Storage:

• Keep the collected samples cool by storing them in a cooler with ice packs during transportation. This step is crucial to prevent DNA degradation.
• Once in the lab, store the samples in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, it is recommended to keep the samples at -20°C or lower.
• Ensure that the samples remain dry during storage. Check the silica gel packs regularly and replace them if they become saturated with moisture.

Documentation:

• Record all relevant details of the collection process, including the location, environmental conditions, and any observations that may affect the sample quality.
• Maintain a chain of custody log to track the handling and storage of each sample from collection to analysis.

In this episode we take a look at what some considered myths and fabrications that turned out to be true. From Machu Pichu, the Kraken, and yes even the famed platypus. We also look at how oral traditions play an important role in passing information down through generation to generation. Then actual newspaper articles are read and shared about Bigfoot sightings. It's a fun way to see how Bigfoot was described before the craze. 

This episode briefly covers the of value collecting hair in a bigfoot investigation and what information it can provide within the DNA arena. Explaining the difference between Nuclear DNA and Mitochondrial DNA is also briefly covered. This episode also talks about whether you need the whole hair with follicle, bulb, root, etc... for DNA or can just the shaft of the hair be used. And of course, Tim calls in and gives his two cents.