I’m one that likes to think that “Bigfoot” exists and know a few credible people that have some interesting stories. They could just be telling a story though...
I hope that one is never discovered, as it is more fun (and interesting) to me as a Bigfoot, rather than some rare breed of ape or whatever.
I read one article where the person wrote on how the stories of bigfoot (and Yeti, etc.) cross so many cultural and national borders. And that if they aren’t real - it is even more interesting why humans come up with these stories. And have been for hundreds (thousands?) of years.
My own thought - maybe it all goes back to parents telling their kids to be back home before dark and the boogie man gets you.
I know if I’m out in the woods (Pacific North Woods) and get working late alone and it gets dark on me it is easy to conjure up thoughts of Bigfoot! (And cougars.)
I’ve had the feeling that I was being followed out of the woods, but there was no sound...and a couple of times, I turned around and waited.... Small owls were following me. I was on game trails. I guess they were hoping I’d bump some rodents along the trail. They probably follow deer and elk, too.