Damariscotta, Maine police investigated an unusually high number of 911 calls Tuesday reporting sightings of a Bigfoot-like creature wandering through the town. The calls coincided with the first day of school, with some reports coming in during morning drop-off.
Several concerned residents captured photos of what appeared to be a large, fur-covered figure, some noting it was also wearing a top hat. Officer William Smith located the individual on Main Street, where he found the figure "sitting peacefully." Upon closer inspection, police determined it was a man in a "very convincing" Bigfoot costume.
Police stated that after a "lengthy, exhaustive, and completely serious investigation," they concluded "Bigfoot is not real." The department acknowledged that some officers had secretly hoped the sightings would lead to a story making national news. The individual in the costume was not arrested as there was no evidence of criminal activity.
The incident caused a stir in the small mid-coast tourist town, with some residents engaging with the costumed individual and taking photos.