Well, it has been several days since the last update on here. For that, I will apologize. I have been a bit under the weather the past few days and haven't really felt like doing much of anything.
Apparently, there have been no news updates concerning the panther in Lexington. I have already expressed my opinions of what "should" be happening there, but, it was an opinion.
I am still working on the black bear/BF comparisons that I informed you about around a week or so ago...trying to make it very thorough and complete.
That is about it for now at least. There are a few things possibly coming down the pipes in the next few weeks. One of them is a possible meet and greet between some local paranormal groups (KYPRP included) and the community in general in an attempt to boost awareness that the area does have groups such as ours and possibly to boost headcounts for some. I'm currently working with the team and with Joe Clark over at Gateway Paranormal on setting up time/place and such...will keep you all informed...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Panthers and Housecats and Bears; Oh My!
****The following does not necessarily represent the opinion of KYPRP as a whole and should not be viewed in such a manner. This is the opinion of the author, Brian Peck.***
Ok. So there have been numerous sightings of a large predatory black cat in Lexington. KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have responded by saying that what people are seeing is either a large house cat, or a coyote. They have went so far as to ask that the people living in the area take picures/video of what they are seeing so that they can use it verify what is actually being seen. News groups are reporting on the sightings and posting the information on their websites. However, what I haven't seen and/or heard was what Dept. of Fish and Wildlife was going to do other than to review the evidence that people gather.
Let's think about this for a moment. Wouldn't it make more sense for them to simply set camera traps up to attempt to discern what type of animal this is? This is exactly the reason why more people don't come forward with sightings of things. They are immediately met with skepticism (which is a good thing if you know how to be skeptical without being rude) and told that they mis-identified another animal. Then, once the story is out (similar with the sightings in Lexington), you have the message boards mocking you about your sighting. All the while, people whose job it is look into this type of thing, sit back and ask the "civilian" to do their work because they don't have time to waste looking for something that isn't there.
Here's a little story: Several years back, my family had a blue heeler name Blue. Blue was gettign up there in years and she was slowly losing her hearing. One day, we came home from work (I was still living at home then, working through the day and finishing up my masters degree with evening classes), to find that our dog had been attacked with deep puncture wounds several inches apart. We tood her to the vet and we asked what could have caused that. He jokingly told us a bear (he later pulled my parents aside and told them in seriousness that it appeared to be a bear attack). This prompted us to call Fish and Wildlife, and as usual, we were told that it must have been coyotes because there were no black bears in the Wolfe, Morgan, Menifee county area.
We brought Blue home and nursed her back to health and in no time, she was back on her feet. Then one spring morning, as I left for work, I saw Blue stretched out up near the front of the house. Thinking nothing of it, I left for work. That afternoon when I got home (my parents were at the hospital in Lexington staying with my ailing grandmother), Blue was still laying in the exact same place in the same position. I walked up to her, and found that she was dead. When I rolled her over, there were slash wounds and some of her entrails were hanging out. I looked around on the ground and found the blood path. I followed this to the other side of the family camper, where I found some pretty good sized bear tracks. I then called a friend of mine who works for Fish and Wildlife and told him what had happened. He was the only person who actually listened.
I then called my parents and told them that Blue was dead and that I had found a ton of bear tracks around. My father called Fish and Wildlife to alert them what had happened. They gave him the normal song and dance about it being coyotes. When he told them that we had found tracks to prove it, they said that we were mis-indentifying some other animal and that there were no bears in that area (we all knew this was incorrect as the local newpaper in Wolfe county had ran pictures before of black bears in a small community only several miles from our house, complete with pictures). My dad then proceeded to let F & W know that he was taking the story to local papers. Once the stories ran, then F & W sent a biologist out to the house to view the footprints, only for them to say that it was a bear.
My grievance with F & W is that they hardly ever look into the types of claims that is outside of their "comfort" zone. The simplest way that I can think of would be for F & W to obtain the permission from the golf course (which, would be a very good place I would think for a large cat to hide out at...water source, trees, small animals in/around the trees makes for a varitable food source), and simply bait an area or two and install motion cameras to see what they could capture. It may turn out to be an overly large house cat or even a coyote, but would it really hurt to try?
Ok. So there have been numerous sightings of a large predatory black cat in Lexington. KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have responded by saying that what people are seeing is either a large house cat, or a coyote. They have went so far as to ask that the people living in the area take picures/video of what they are seeing so that they can use it verify what is actually being seen. News groups are reporting on the sightings and posting the information on their websites. However, what I haven't seen and/or heard was what Dept. of Fish and Wildlife was going to do other than to review the evidence that people gather.
Let's think about this for a moment. Wouldn't it make more sense for them to simply set camera traps up to attempt to discern what type of animal this is? This is exactly the reason why more people don't come forward with sightings of things. They are immediately met with skepticism (which is a good thing if you know how to be skeptical without being rude) and told that they mis-identified another animal. Then, once the story is out (similar with the sightings in Lexington), you have the message boards mocking you about your sighting. All the while, people whose job it is look into this type of thing, sit back and ask the "civilian" to do their work because they don't have time to waste looking for something that isn't there.
Here's a little story: Several years back, my family had a blue heeler name Blue. Blue was gettign up there in years and she was slowly losing her hearing. One day, we came home from work (I was still living at home then, working through the day and finishing up my masters degree with evening classes), to find that our dog had been attacked with deep puncture wounds several inches apart. We tood her to the vet and we asked what could have caused that. He jokingly told us a bear (he later pulled my parents aside and told them in seriousness that it appeared to be a bear attack). This prompted us to call Fish and Wildlife, and as usual, we were told that it must have been coyotes because there were no black bears in the Wolfe, Morgan, Menifee county area.
We brought Blue home and nursed her back to health and in no time, she was back on her feet. Then one spring morning, as I left for work, I saw Blue stretched out up near the front of the house. Thinking nothing of it, I left for work. That afternoon when I got home (my parents were at the hospital in Lexington staying with my ailing grandmother), Blue was still laying in the exact same place in the same position. I walked up to her, and found that she was dead. When I rolled her over, there were slash wounds and some of her entrails were hanging out. I looked around on the ground and found the blood path. I followed this to the other side of the family camper, where I found some pretty good sized bear tracks. I then called a friend of mine who works for Fish and Wildlife and told him what had happened. He was the only person who actually listened.
I then called my parents and told them that Blue was dead and that I had found a ton of bear tracks around. My father called Fish and Wildlife to alert them what had happened. They gave him the normal song and dance about it being coyotes. When he told them that we had found tracks to prove it, they said that we were mis-indentifying some other animal and that there were no bears in that area (we all knew this was incorrect as the local newpaper in Wolfe county had ran pictures before of black bears in a small community only several miles from our house, complete with pictures). My dad then proceeded to let F & W know that he was taking the story to local papers. Once the stories ran, then F & W sent a biologist out to the house to view the footprints, only for them to say that it was a bear.
My grievance with F & W is that they hardly ever look into the types of claims that is outside of their "comfort" zone. The simplest way that I can think of would be for F & W to obtain the permission from the golf course (which, would be a very good place I would think for a large cat to hide out at...water source, trees, small animals in/around the trees makes for a varitable food source), and simply bait an area or two and install motion cameras to see what they could capture. It may turn out to be an overly large house cat or even a coyote, but would it really hurt to try?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Return of Lexington's Black Panther
Just saw this update and wanted to share. Apparently, there has been another sighting of the black panther in Lexington. This time, it was sighted on Costigan Drive, near Griffin Gate Golf Club. Similar as before, Police and Fish and Wildlife are saying that this is probably someone seeing a large housecat.
Here is my question. Exactly how big does a housecat get, yet still be able to manuever itself in a way that appears "panther-ish"? One really has to wonder if maybe Fish and Wildlife know more than they let on. (No, neither I nor KYPRP subscribe to all of the conspiracy theories that float around out there, but, they are the guys who are supposed to be out in the woods.)
KYPRP and the Kentucky Big Cat Project will continue to monitor this story and update here when new information becomes available.
Here is my question. Exactly how big does a housecat get, yet still be able to manuever itself in a way that appears "panther-ish"? One really has to wonder if maybe Fish and Wildlife know more than they let on. (No, neither I nor KYPRP subscribe to all of the conspiracy theories that float around out there, but, they are the guys who are supposed to be out in the woods.)
KYPRP and the Kentucky Big Cat Project will continue to monitor this story and update here when new information becomes available.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Random Stuff
Well, the excitement has died down from the alleged black panther sightings in Lexington without any updates from the stories. There are plenty of comment on the various sites that reported the story, but, grains of salt to me in most cases...
So, I'm going to use this lull in action, to mention a few things that are going on.
1.) My buddy Joe Clark just informed me that the date has been set for CommParaCon 2010. Currently set for June 5, 2010 at Carter Caves State Resort Park. You can contact me for additional information, or, keep checking on here for udpates as it gets closer to the date.
2.) I am currently working on an article for the website that we have up. (In case you want to check it out, http://kyprp.webs.com/ ) It's another crypto article, but, I'm trying to make this as presentable as possible, with some very argumentative points to make. When dealing with crypto, the vast majority of information that we have is speculative at best. I mean, we can give a BF the demeanor of an ape, but, is that really what the true demeanor would be? So, based upon speculations that have been made, especially in relation to the comparisons that have been made with black bears, I am going to try to at worst, make others answer my points that I make. Once completed, I may put several posts worth of the article on here, or, put it on here as I go so that I can get opinions prior to putting it on the web.
3.) Although we are still hashing out some details, several local paranormal groups (KYPRP included) in our area are in talks to host a paranormal meet and greet with the community, both to raise awareness that we are out there, but to also possibly recruit membership and to potentially gather some investigations.
4.) Since founding KYPRP, we have made it no secret that our desire is to work with other groups and form "bonds" with these groups and to break down the barriers that are typical with paranormal research. A lot of groups out there do not like to associate with other groups for numerous reasons that we will not go into at this point. We, on the other hand, are not like that. Saying that, I would like to thank those of you out there (Dave C, Joe Clark and Commonwealth Paranormal, Ron and Lori Coffey and http://www.gatewayghosts.com/, and The Blogsquatcher) that have taken the time to communicate with me (Brian Peck) and KYPRP. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you guys in the future.
So, I'm going to use this lull in action, to mention a few things that are going on.
1.) My buddy Joe Clark just informed me that the date has been set for CommParaCon 2010. Currently set for June 5, 2010 at Carter Caves State Resort Park. You can contact me for additional information, or, keep checking on here for udpates as it gets closer to the date.
2.) I am currently working on an article for the website that we have up. (In case you want to check it out, http://kyprp.webs.com/ ) It's another crypto article, but, I'm trying to make this as presentable as possible, with some very argumentative points to make. When dealing with crypto, the vast majority of information that we have is speculative at best. I mean, we can give a BF the demeanor of an ape, but, is that really what the true demeanor would be? So, based upon speculations that have been made, especially in relation to the comparisons that have been made with black bears, I am going to try to at worst, make others answer my points that I make. Once completed, I may put several posts worth of the article on here, or, put it on here as I go so that I can get opinions prior to putting it on the web.
3.) Although we are still hashing out some details, several local paranormal groups (KYPRP included) in our area are in talks to host a paranormal meet and greet with the community, both to raise awareness that we are out there, but to also possibly recruit membership and to potentially gather some investigations.
4.) Since founding KYPRP, we have made it no secret that our desire is to work with other groups and form "bonds" with these groups and to break down the barriers that are typical with paranormal research. A lot of groups out there do not like to associate with other groups for numerous reasons that we will not go into at this point. We, on the other hand, are not like that. Saying that, I would like to thank those of you out there (Dave C, Joe Clark and Commonwealth Paranormal, Ron and Lori Coffey and http://www.gatewayghosts.com/, and The Blogsquatcher) that have taken the time to communicate with me (Brian Peck) and KYPRP. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you guys in the future.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Latest on Black Panther in Lexington...
Well, the news is that there is no news. No photos, no followup, no nothing. I've scoured the major news sources out of Lexington and the only thing that I have found is continuing debate on the "forums" and comments sections. I am still waiting to hear back from my emails to both the Herald-Leader and to KDFW...could be a while though.
One of the major debates going on with the panther sighting, as well as a lot of cryptid animals, ghosts, UFOs, etc. is how come there aren't more pictures available. As one person pointed out in the comments section of one of the news sights, with as many people these days that have cell phone cameras, how come they aren't taking the pictures. Personally, I feel as if most people aren't exactly ready to take the picture when they first see the target. I would actually be a bit suspicious of someone who was able to get a picture without prior knowledge of the target being there. For example, I've stated numerous times that black bears were a known animal in my area for years, however, I had never seen one. The first time that I did see one, I was too awestruck to grab my phone and get a picture, even though it lumbered around in the road for several minutes. The next time though, I was ready. Both cell phone camera and a film camera at the ready in the car.
I think that a lot of people may only have a one-time encounter with something, which could lead to a lot of reported sightings, but not too much in the lines of photographic evidence. Again, I personally would question those who can offer you a picture of something on a regular basis.
One of the major debates going on with the panther sighting, as well as a lot of cryptid animals, ghosts, UFOs, etc. is how come there aren't more pictures available. As one person pointed out in the comments section of one of the news sights, with as many people these days that have cell phone cameras, how come they aren't taking the pictures. Personally, I feel as if most people aren't exactly ready to take the picture when they first see the target. I would actually be a bit suspicious of someone who was able to get a picture without prior knowledge of the target being there. For example, I've stated numerous times that black bears were a known animal in my area for years, however, I had never seen one. The first time that I did see one, I was too awestruck to grab my phone and get a picture, even though it lumbered around in the road for several minutes. The next time though, I was ready. Both cell phone camera and a film camera at the ready in the car.
I think that a lot of people may only have a one-time encounter with something, which could lead to a lot of reported sightings, but not too much in the lines of photographic evidence. Again, I personally would question those who can offer you a picture of something on a regular basis.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Lexington Black Panther Update and New Site!
At this time, I have yet to hear any updates regarding the reported black panther sighting in Lexington...However, I have sent an email to the Lexington Herald-Leader with my thoughts on what the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife should be doing about it. I have yet to hear back from them either. So, that is emails to both Fish and Wildlife and the Heral-Leader...I will update as soon as I hear something from them and/or, any news comes out.
In the mean time...KYPRP has a new site (sort of)...The blog will stay here for the more day to day events, but we will have a home to go to where we will be storing the more permanent information so that it makes it easier to view without having to search through post after post...
http://kyprp.webs.com/
Check us out.
In the mean time...KYPRP has a new site (sort of)...The blog will stay here for the more day to day events, but we will have a home to go to where we will be storing the more permanent information so that it makes it easier to view without having to search through post after post...
http://kyprp.webs.com/
Check us out.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Black Panther in Lexington?
I guess the formation of the Kentucky Big Cat Project came at a very opportune time, as well as the recent posts. Rumor has it, that there have been numerous sightings of a "black panther" in the Windburn neighborhood of Lexington. It was reported that police yesterday admitted to being flooded with calls regarding alleged sightings and reports. The Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife gave the usual response of mistaken identity of a large housecat or a black coyote.
The interesting thing is, if you watch the video, the report begins with the words "wildcats and cougars can live in Kentucky". Not sure who their source was, but, this adds more fuel to the debate on whether these animals can live and thrive in the state.
KYPRP and the Big Cat Project will try to stay on top of this story. Stay tuned as this post could be updated throughout the day.
****UPDATE****: The report had the wildlife agent requesting pictures and video of the animal. If anyone from the Lexington area is reading this post and lives in the vicinity of the reported sightings, please take note: If at all possible and can be done safely, when you take either the picture or video, try to make sure that it is taken around an area with plenty of reference points that can be used to determine the size of the animal. Beside a tree, a patch of weeds, stump, or anything that can be used for scale. This will assist in the analysis of the photo/video to determine what type of animal that we are dealing with.
The interesting thing is, if you watch the video, the report begins with the words "wildcats and cougars can live in Kentucky". Not sure who their source was, but, this adds more fuel to the debate on whether these animals can live and thrive in the state.
KYPRP and the Big Cat Project will try to stay on top of this story. Stay tuned as this post could be updated throughout the day.
****UPDATE****: The report had the wildlife agent requesting pictures and video of the animal. If anyone from the Lexington area is reading this post and lives in the vicinity of the reported sightings, please take note: If at all possible and can be done safely, when you take either the picture or video, try to make sure that it is taken around an area with plenty of reference points that can be used to determine the size of the animal. Beside a tree, a patch of weeds, stump, or anything that can be used for scale. This will assist in the analysis of the photo/video to determine what type of animal that we are dealing with.
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