Cryptozoology

Cryptozoology is the study of undocumented, out-of-place, or unproven animals. In practice cryptozoologists typically focus on larger vertebrates such as, for example, the sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster and other lake monsters, and the Chupacabras, to name a few.

Author Loren Coleman, one of the best known cryptozoologists, has written many books on the subject and has appeared on numerous documentaries and radio programs dealing with the subject.

Origin

The term "cryptozoology" (from crypto for hidden or secret, and zoology for the study of animals) is often attributed to zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans. However, in his book In the Wake of Sea Serpents (1968), Heuvelmans attributes the derivation of the term to the late Scottish explorer and adventurer Ivan T. Sanderson.

References

Heuvelmans, Bernard. In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents. New York: Hill and Wang, 1968.