So You Want To Be A Cryptozoologist?
Posted by: Loren Coleman on January 24th, 2008
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, “How can I become a cryptozoologist?”
That is usually followed by, “How can I study cryptozoology (in high school) (in college)?”
“What kind of volunteer work could I do?” is another one I’m asked.
The answers are anything but simple, as being a cryptozoologist depends on your point of view. There are no credit courses in cryptozoology that are directly linked to a career in cryptozoology. There are no internships out there to learn how to become a cryptozoologist.
Even Darren Naish’s question above can be answered differently by various individuals, although I’m of the school that learning about new cryptids can be enhanced by studying what I call the “classic animals of discovery” in cryptozoology.
In high school, studying any of the following subjects will assist you with gaining a vocation that is aligned to cryptozoology: biology, zoology, anthropology, psychology (for interviewing), criminal investigations, and so forth. Then you can build on those courses or ones near them for college.
It is about the same for picking a college or unversity. There are none doing anything special with cryptozoology through the length of a two year or four year stay; you have to choose a good college, in general, that will focus your interests.
Yes, I know there are various people who have or are teaching individual or a few courses in cryptozoology, but there is no major, minor, or department in cryptozoology.
The best way to follow an interest, for instance, about the Loch Ness Monster is to study hard, and stay on track to get into a college that has courses on Aquatic Studies or a Marine Mammal program.
With your parents and/or a guidance counselor at your school, you can ask about what good universities exist in your state or area that have an outstanding, for example, Biology Department for general cryptozoology, Aquatic Studies or Marine Sciences for Lake or Sea Monster work, and Anthropology Department for Bigfoot and Yeti research.
You also might wish to think about working or volunteering at a zoo or an aquarium when you can, during middle or high school. Working as a volunteer with a vet or pet rescue agency might be a stepping stone in your career plans.
For example, I’m still looking for a very organized, obsessive volunteer for my cryptozoology museum in Maine who likes to sort through box after box. Most people don’t like to do such tasks, as they are boring or not glamorous ~ but write me directly, if that’s you ~ at lcoleman@maine.rr.com .
Taking writing courses or joining your student newspaper could give you practice for turning breaking cryptid sightings into stories, articles and essays.
You can research online places near your home to look into work or volunteer opportunities that will get you closer to becoming a cryptozoologist.
In general, few people in the world work in the field of cryptozoology on a full-time basis. I do, and a couple other people perhaps, but most individuals I know “doing” cryptozoology happen to have another job and squeeze their cryptozoology in on the side.
The truth is, cryptozoology does not really pay much, and you have to scratch by selling books or giving talks, now and then. Some people in documentary filmmaking make good money, but they usually consider themselves as filmmakers or producers, not cryptozoologists.
Most cryptozoologists, unless they are independently wealthy, barely make a living. No grants in cryptozoology are given for folks to do this work. There is a great misunderstandings about when cryptozoologists do need to make money to support their work.
You also have to deal with people threatening you with lawsuits because they ask for attention and then might not like what you write about them. It is a mixed bag.
The rewards in being a cryptozoologist are not financial or media-driven ones, but involve the passionate pursuit of discovering new information on a world of animals yet to be revealed.
Being a cryptozoologist is to be a modern adventurer, but if you are getting into this field to make money, you might be better off going into another field.
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So if you are 39 years old and just want to get involved with some expeditions, what would you do?
I’m 14 years old and I go on a expedition every year with my dad. This year Champ at Lake Champlain!
I’ve been a Cryptomundian for 2+ years, and an amateur cryptozoologist for most of my life, I’ll be 34 later this year. Keyword is “amateur”, though it is not a part time passion, rather a lifelong quest to learn more and discover. At least for me it is.
I admire Loren for dedicating most of his life to the study of cryptozoology and being a true cryptozoologist.
I think one interested in becoming a cryptozoologist first should do as much reading and research as they can, before going out in to the field. I think the first expeditition for anyone should be to their local library, or even to the internet. This will expand your knowledge of your interest and possibly open the door to new ideas and possibilities of finding ways to volunteer or to look for expeditions. Loren is always great of course at providing us with information on the many books available in various genres of research and publications in the field of cryptozoology.
I wish the best to all on their quest in this field.
Lestat3407 responds:
January 24th, 2008 at 1:02 am
So if you are 39 years old and just want to get involved with some expeditions, what would you do?
I wondered about that myself. And my best answer would be, get in touch with the BFRO. They are always doing expeditions. Or look for research groups in your state. And see if they do anything like the BFRO does with the public. I myself use to frown on the BFRO for the cost of the expeditions. But I’m realizing that research is not cheap. If you want to do it right. I’m seriously thinking about going on one or maybe both of the 2008 Washington State expedtions. I figure 300 bucks isn’t really that much for your first time. It’s 50 bucks after that if you want to do it again according the the BFRO site. I figure what the hell, I can hopefully learn some things I should probably know before going off in the bush by myself. Well, I’ll probably never go alone, but anyway, your best bet would be the BFRO or a group in your area. I’ll be 44 in March, I’ve been interested in the Biguns since I was about 10. I figure it’s time I seriously do something about it. I’ve been slowly but surely gearing up. So I think I’m gonna talk to the little woman about the upcoming expedtions here.
I have been reading about cryptids since I was a child. I have just not had the opportunity to become involved in the field. Living in Cheyenne, WY and working 50 hrs a week, there is not much of a cryptid gathering available. As for my knowledge, I am always looking to add to it. In fact, I am rather proud of the information I have obtained that most others don’t even remember was available. Ex. Anyone ever remember reading about the large wooden monster that was lost in Loch Ness while filming a movie about the legend back in the 40’s? I also wonder what has become of the ghost ship sightings that used to occur every 20 years on the Loch, and what ever became of the site near Loch Ness where a preacher’s footprints would never disappear? Loch Ness is a mystical place that I have always wanted to visit. Any help Loren?
That should be working.
I would add that anyone can go look for Bigfoot or lake monsters, that takes no knowledge or training at all. However, if you are going to claim some expertise and knowledge about the field, cryptozoologists must do their homework. They should read the arguments and evidence from both sides of the issue, including the skeptical side.
I am often dismayed at how few people really take the time to read skeptical articles. Even if you disagree with them, informed researchers should be exposed to—and think about—all the information and arguments, not just those presented by one side or the other.
I have a cryptozoology tattoo (the one in the heart) and a modified elasmosaur tattoo (modified to look more like typical Nessie sightings a la 2 humps). And cryptozoology features more in my poetry than any other one thing. And I feel like I am a spokesperson for cryptozoology in the Toronto poetry and independent music scene. AND Cryptomundo is my home page. AND my laptop’s name is Karl Shuker Jr. Is that worth anything?
Benjamin Radford responds:
January 24th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I would add that anyone can go look for Bigfoot or lake monsters, that takes no knowledge or training at all.
I agree, but, for someone that has never been in the bush and has no idea of what signs to look for, it might be a good idea to go out with a group that has been doing it for a while first. Especially if a person plans on going way out in the bush. Might be a good idea to learn how to read a compass and use a GPS system.
For anyone who wants to be a formal cryptozoologist, I offer these suggestions in addition to the one’s offered by our kind host above.
1. First, cultivate a real interest in, and love for, nature. Wonders abound in the natural order and your profession in a life science should be extremely fulfilling, in and of itself. If you can find excitement in the fact you have just spied a blue jay and a cardinal in the same tree, for instance, then you will find contentment in your endeavors.
2. Second, remember that mystery is romantic and enchanting, but it should never be the primary reason you are drawn to cryptozoology. If you let mystery seduce you, then you will always be looking for the mysterious and ignore and depreciate the mundane.
3. And third, study and read a wide range of thoughts and opinions regarding cryptids. For instance, if you read pro bigfoot materials, try to find and read materials that are skeptical of bigfoot. Keep an open and informed mind.
For once, I agree with everything everyone has posted on the topic!
i m only 16 no experience in the feild but i am interested and love reading about related subjects and i realise that its extremely difficult to get involved directly in cryptozoology so i just want guidance from those with the knowledge to help me its not so much a fasination more so a desire to discover something new
one idea im sort of putting out there is why not gather up a group of people like yourselves and go on your own expeditions it does not have to be a job so why not help each other do that it seem practical thats all, please tell me im right or wrong just help me.