Spoiler alert: it does not end in a dramatic Sasquatch reveal.

In this Five Minute Friday episode, we dig into the FBI’s real-life Bigfoot files—yes, those exist—and unpack one of the strangest (and funniest) government investigations you’ve probably never heard of.

From mysterious hair samples to very polite scientific disappointment, this is the story of how Bigfoot almost became official… and then immediately didn’t.

Back in the 1970s, a cryptozoology group sent the FBI a batch of mysterious hair samples they couldn’t identify. Naturally, they believed this might finally be proof of Sasquatch.

And the logic was simple:

If we can’t identify it… it must be Bigfoot.

The FBI, in a rare moment of curiosity (or maybe boredom), agreed to analyze the samples—despite normally only handling criminal investigations.

After careful examination using the technology available at the time, they came back with their official conclusion:

It was deer.

That’s it. That’s the story.

Dreams crushed. Case closed. Hair returned.

This whole situation started when a 1975 government atlas casually included references to Sasquatch sightings in the Pacific Northwest—complete with maps.

Yes. A real government document basically said:

• Here’s the plants
• Here’s the animals
• Also… Bigfoot might be out there

That single detail sparked public curiosity, media attention, and a wave of people demanding answers from the FBI.

Because nothing fuels belief faster than:

• Vague government statements
• “Unknown” scientific results
• And a creature that refuses to be photographed clearly

FACT:

The FBI tested alleged Bigfoot hair and determined it came from deer.

FOLKLORE:

Sasquatch has been a staple of Pacific Northwest legends for decades, with countless sightings and stories.

SPECULATION:

Before modern DNA testing, “unknown” samples created space for imagination—and Bigfoot filled that gap perfectly.

At one point in this episode, we briefly revisit something we wish we could unlearn:

Bigfoot erotica.

Yes. It exists.

No. You should not Google it.

If you’re curious (or dangerously brave), we covered it in a past episode that lives safely behind our Patreon paywall—where it can hopefully do less harm.

Support the show and unlock that deeply questionable content here:

👉 rainydayrabbitholes.com/support

You’ve been warned.

The FBI says Bigfoot isn’t real.

But also…

They tested the hair.

So.

Draw your own conclusions.

This episode pairs perfectly with our deeper dive into Sasquatch legends and sightings. If you want more Bigfoot chaos, mythology, and history, check out: