But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone. Be sure to include your kid's first name, age, and town and send the recording to questions@butwhykids.org!

Why are there Bigfoot-like creatures all over the world?

October 16, 2026 40:02 7.04 MB ( 50.75 MB less) Downloads: 0

Have you heard of legendary creatures like Bigfoot, Yeti or the Loch Ness Monster? Maybe you’re on the lookout for them. Maybe you’re scared of them. Maybe you don’t believe in them at all! These creatures are sometimes called cryptids–hidden animals whose existence has never been proven. We’ve gotten a lot of questions about these mysterious and mostly made-up figures. So in this episode, we talk with cryptid expert (and skeptic) Daniel Loxton, co-author of “Abominable Science: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids.” We talk about Bigfoot, Yeti, Nessie, Champ (our local lake monster here in Vermont!), mermaids and more! After listening to this episode, you decide: are cryptids fact, fiction, or something in between?

Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript