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Newberry County Police Officer Claims Bigfoot Sighting Near Columbia

Mysterious shadowy figure in a dense forest.

Newberry County Police Officer Reports Bigfoot Sighting

Newberry County, S.C. – A police officer in Newberry County has made an unusual claim: he believes he has spotted Bigfoot. This encounter took place while the officer was hunting deer, about 25 miles northwest of Columbia, South Carolina.

Details of the Sighting

The sighting occurred along a powerline route, approximately half a mile from the well-known Palmetto Trail, which is a popular destination for hikers and bikers. The officer, who has only been identified by the initials J.M., described the creature as being between 7 to 7.5 feet tall with human-like features.

Physical Description

According to J.M., the creature had long brown hair, an ape-like face, and long arms. The officer reported hearing a deep grunt followed by a distinct stomp before he was able to locate the figure hidden in the brush nearby.

Expert Classification

The sighting has garnered attention from experts, including Matthew Moneymaker, president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. Moneymaker has classified this encounter as a Class A sighting, which indicates that there is a high level of confidence that this report is credible. In such classifications, potential misinterpretations or misidentifications of other animals become less likely.

Context of Sightings

This recent report adds to the lore surrounding Bigfoot sightings in South Carolina. The last reported Class A sighting occurred on February 10, 2023, in Union County. In that instance, witnesses claimed that Bigfoot repeatedly visited a rural home about 40 miles east of Greenville.

Public Reaction

Responses from residents of Newberry County have varied widely. Some are skeptical, suggesting that the large creature could have been a bear or another large animal. Others, however, are intrigued and excited by the possibility of Bigfoot’s existence in the area. Reports of similar sightings are often dismissed as hoaxes or exaggerations, but dedicated followers of the phenomenon continue to explore such encounters.

Conclusion

While the officer’s account may raise eyebrows, it also brings renewed interest to the ongoing discussions about the existence of Bigfoot. As investigations by various organizations continue, stories like this serve to fuel both curiosity and skepticism among the public. For now, the case remains open, and local authorities are not ruling out the possibility of further encounters.


STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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