One of Charles Fort's interests was the reports of large cat or cat - like creatures. Such reports continue to this day. The solution that was offered in the past does not differ from today. Essentially two explanations are given by the " experts" to explain such sighting. The first explanation is an attack on the credibility of the witness. Bluntly put, the witness is a witless fool. An emotional individual who can not tell the difference between a huge cat and what ever animal the "expert" wishes to name. If the witness's intelligence/education appears sound, the expert then commends the intellect of the witness and claims it was a hoax perpetrated by the claimant. The hapless witness is either a fool or a liar.

          If there is solid evidence to substantiate the claim, such as tracks, fur, slaughtered animals, or photos, then the obvious solution is that an individual has released a captive exotic (illegal) pet into the wild. This solution has become particularly acceptable in England. (Click for link) In Canada, a similar solution has been given. Because of the obvious difference in the Canadian environment there has been a more debate over whether the big cats are reintroduced exotics (western cougars) or a small remnant population of what has been considered an extinct subspecies (eastern cougars). This debate was covered in the Canadian Geographic Magazine (1993).

          While the released exotic seems to be the most plausible explanation, there remains an issue that Fort observed. The evidence seldom includes the remains or capture of one of these creatures. The big cats, much like UFO's or the Sasquatch, always allude the hunters and capture. Secondary evidence is available, but the conclusive hard evidence is absent. Unfortunately, this pattern of evidence appears suspicious to most "experts" and traditionally-minded reporters. Here at E.L.H.P. we are less traditionally minded and so our suspicions take us in another direction.
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PHANTOMS
-Cougars, foxes, and bicycles...Oh My ! -

Big Cats
          One of Charles Fort's interests was the reports of large cat or cat - like creatures. Such reports continue to this day. The solution that was offered in the past does not differ from today. Essentially two explanations are given by the " experts" to explain such sighting. The first explanation is an attack on the credibility of the witness. Bluntly put, the witness is a witless fool. An emotional individual who can not tell the difference between a huge cat and what ever animal the "expert" wishes to name. If the witness's intelligence/education appears sound, the expert then commends the intellect of the witness and claims it was a hoax perpetrated by the claimant. The hapless witness is either a fool or a liar.

          If there is solid evidence to substantiate the claim, such as tracks, fur, slaughtered animals, or photos, then the obvious solution is that an individual has released a captive exotic (illegal) pet into the wild. This solution has become particularly acceptable in England. (Click for link) In Canada, a similar solution has been given. Because of the obvious difference in the Canadian environment there has been a more debate over whether the big cats are reintroduced exotics (western cougars) or a small remnant population of what has been considered an extinct subspecies (eastern cougars). This debate was covered in the Canadian Geographic Magazine (1993).

          While the released exotic seems to be the most plausible explanation, there remains an issue that Fort observed. The evidence seldom includes the remains or capture of one of these creatures. The big cats, much like UFO's or the Sasquatch, always allude the hunters and capture. Secondary evidence is available, but the conclusive hard evidence is absent. Unfortunately, this pattern of evidence appears suspicious to most "experts" and traditionally-minded reporters. Here at E.L.H.P. we are less traditionally minded and so our suspicions take us in another direction.
          Could Nature itself be attempting to re-establish the big cats ? If so, what mechanism is being used to reintroduce the creatures ? One possibility could involve some metaphysical power. Perhaps the animals are being teleported into new surroundings to breed with local species. This could explain the situation in England. A second possibility could be that Nature is exerting an influence over human behaviour to encourage the release of the creatures into the wild.

          The obvious problems with these two hypotheses can be pointed out by any environmentalist. Considering the the great disruption of the environment and the rapid loss of habitat and species, why then do not either of these imaginative magical mechanisms of natural reorganization assert themselves with greater force? One possibility is that teleportation requires extreme amount of energy. This is particularly true if we consider that since there is an over all decline in numbers of species world wide, then not only would poor Mother Nature need to expend enormous energies, she would have to extend her influence to other solar systems (galaxies) or perhaps other universes.

           The same principle of energy expenditure would apply to influencing human intelligence. Even with the best marketers and ad agencies in the world (some would argue that these individuals also belong to another universe) it would be difficult for Mother Nature to influence even a very small portion of the population. Perhaps she is attempting to do this through the mass mentality produced by the environmental cause and the rise of the Gaia movement and Neo-Paganism.

          To delve any deeper at this time would create undue headaches. To avoid the onslaught of a metaphysical migraine let us start to compile evidence. When you can find no sensible solution gather data. Governments at all levels find this to be the best solution. It creates the impression that something constructive is being done (Elected politicians can then justify increases in pay while expecting everyone else to take a cut. ).
          - Last fall,  while on his way to work in Blind River, a resident of Elliot Lake saw a cougar resting on a rock near the edge of Highway 108, not far from where it joins Highway 17. He reported the incident to the MNR (Ministry of Natural  Resources). Interestingly enough, Mr. Talbot and his wife had previously seen a cougar several years ago along Highway 17, near the community of Massey.

          These coincidence would make Jungians jump from their seats and shout "Synchronicity". Sceptics and Fortean philosphers would both shout "Ah-ha", for different reasons. We know what the sceptics' reasoning would be, whereas Fortean reasoning cuts through the centre, like Occam's scalpel, to find the beginning of the circle. So let us begin cutting.

          First remember that the area in question is part of the North Shore. This area is just north of the channel that stretches along the Northern shoreline of Lake Huron. It is not unusual to see creatures of the wild in "these here parts". If  cougars are in the vicinity one could expect to see them more than once. So what we need to know is how many others have seen such a creature in the area. This matter is under investigation. The next consideration is whether we are dealing with metaphysical cougars.

          The coincidence of two sightings may support this possibility. Just as some people are prone to multiple UFO sightings, others seem to attract anomalous creatures (more sensitive perceptions ?). Another point in favour of such an interpretation is that historically (statistically) the North Shore, nearby Manitoulin Island, and the area north of Elliot Lake are all known to have a higher number of sightings of aerial anomalies. Certain areas seem to attract anomalies or else make the people residing there more sensitive to them.

          Here at the Elliot Lake Hoodoo Page, we are attempting to gather further reports of sightings to discover whether we have any cougars, metaphysical or otherwise. Those with first hand reports, knowledge of government or environmental records, or any other evidence should contact us. Remember, make something of Reality before it makes something of you.    

Update [ May 14 / 2004 ]   

Dear EL Hoodoo,

Having read your Elliot Lake HooDoo Pages, (Technical point, in view of your wife's interest in Owls, shouldn't they be the EL To-Whit-To-Whoo Pages?) I must report that I, my mother, and our late friend Gladstone Ray encountered a Cougar some five years ago on the road alongside MacCarthy Lake.

Gladdy Ray was one of the first residents of Elluiot Lake, having moved here from the Gaspe in order to help sink the first mine shafts. He knew the area extremely well, and had spent much time out in the bush, being a keen observer of nature, as well as a dedicated hunter who knew how to cook what he caught.

I knew what I saw, so did my mother, and Gladdy was overjoyed at what he saw. He had not seen a Cougar in the area for many years, and was thrilled to have once more encountered one. Looking back it must have been in late March or early April as there was still snow on the ground, we were possibly the first to go down that road since the winter, and from the stare that the cougar gave us it was obvious that we were the intruders upon his domain.
Sincerely,
Mrs. L. Powell
Foxes

          Foxes are more common than cougars in Ontario and Elliot Lake is no exception. The fact that the provincial government's rabies program has controlled the spread of rabies ( almost nonexistent ) in the northern half of the Ontario is very reassuring to both residents and visitors. Because foxes roaming in the Ontario wilderness are considered to be more real than cougars, it is more difficult to spot the phantom (metaphysical) ones.

          Phantom foxes would have traits that are not shared with the common variety. They would not be as obvious as the fox in "Pinocchio", no cane, suit, or hat. Phantom foxes would play a similar role of "trickster" or "tester". They may even be able to shape shift like their Vietnam counter-part, the Fox-woman. Of course you now say we are moving beyond even the reality of possible cougars and into the realm of folklore and mythology. You would be correct.

          Are there any sightings of phantom / ghost foxes in the Elliot Lake area ? The nearby Native communities have a rich culture that includes tales of supernatural  tricksters. They have also had to deal with enough bureaucratic tricks from the federal and provincial level over the years to enable them to recognize a two legged fox when they see one. This line of investigation will need further investigation.

          There have been some very vague references to a fox with supernatural attributes in the Elliot Lake vicinity. Some are linked to sightings along Spine Rd., but since there was a family of foxes with a den near that area for several years these sightings are suspect. In fact, Doppleganger reports there is only one account that has the earmarks of a ghost fox. This account resembles a typical urban legend. It describes an incident which occurred during one of those foggy Spring days that Elliot Lake has on occasion.

           A lady walking home from a visit down the street notices a dog following her. The dog is a silhouette in the fog. She keeps walking unconcerned. The dog makes no sound and keeps pace with the woman. A little later she sees the dog clearly for a moment, it is actually a fox. At that moment it suddenly disappeared in the fog.

          Hurrying more quickly, she arrives at her on street. It is one of a number of cul-de-sacs that dot Elliot Lake's hilly residential areas. Just as she arrives at the foot of her driveway a fox saunters down the driveway toward her. She stands still in amazement and uncertainty. When the fox is about four feet in front of her it vanishes. After a moment of shock and disbelief she quickly enters her home. At this moment the phone rings. Picking up the receiver, she hears a series of clicks followed by barking.

          Various versions of the tale concludes with the arrival of the mail later that day. The fog by this time has cleared and no one else has seen or reported  a fox in the neighbourhood. Depending on version, included in that day's delivery is a letter which is either an announcement of a birth, an engagement, or an inheritance. In all versions an individual, whose last name is Fox ( pre- X - Files ), is referred to in the announcement. Of course the recipient of the letter had never heard of the individual before this announcement.

          Note that all versions that Doppleganger encountered lacked a specific date, location, and name of the individual involved. It also sound very similar to a story of an Elliot Lake woman who walks home in a fog  only to discover as she reaches her driveway that the animal is actually a bear. The bear saunters off. The woman heads inside. End of story, there is no supernatural occurrences. This second story sounds more plausible and could be the basis for Fox narrative. We await confirmation and enlightenment from any folklorist. ( For more current Bear Facts click the bear button.)              
A walk in the woods