On a rainy September evening, I met up with a group of local Bigfoot researchers at a nearby gas station. The group of gentlemen have a passion for investigating Bigfoot and other supernatural activity. They spend numerous days each month either out in the woods researching and gathering evidence, investigating sightings, presenting information to local organizations, or holding meetings. Their members come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common – a curiosity in the paranormal.
Fred Saluga, the Fayette County Pennsylvania Bigfoot Research Project director, has been involved with the paranormal for about 50 years, with an interest going back to when he was a police officer. While investigating a burglary, he experienced some strange activity and noises. From that incident, Fred’s interest grew, and he became actively involved in Bigfoot investigation. He now teaches multiple courses at Westmoreland Community College about cryptozoology, UFOs, and conspiracy theories. In addition to his role as the project’s director, Fred currently serves as the West Virginia MUFON director and the PA MUFON assistant director.
Stephen Cox took one of Fred’s conspiracy theory courses at a local college, and then his other classes: “That was about four years ago, and I’ve been going everywhere he goes since.” He lives about two hours away from the area but travels here approximately once a month to attend the meetings or other events.
Bob Scholz became interested in the paranormal about 15 years ago. He had completed various investigations on properties in the area. He joined the Bigfoot project about three years ago and has been an active member in the group. He organizes the project’s events throughout the year and is an admin for the project’s Facebook group. “I’m disabled, and I like doing it because it lets me get out and do something.”
Greg Kotyuha has been interested in the paranormal since he was a child. In 1968, he became aware of the book On the Track of the Sasquatch by John Willison Green and, “I was instantly interested.”
An informal gathering of the original group researchers was held for the first time in September 2013 and in 2015 they began to have official meetings and investigations. The group heads out to the field as often as they can, in small groups. They’ve recently headed out about three times in the past three weeks, with further upcoming outings planned. While none of the members have come face to face with a sasquatch, most members have experienced something otherworldly. Some have encountered strange structures in the woods or heard eerie cries; others have seen trees shaken or had rocks thrown at them. “Every time the group goes out, we learn something,” Fred says.
The members of the project come from all over the area. Locally, they have about 50 to 60 members, but their social media reach goes further – their online membership numbers more than 1,800 strong, with members from all over the country. From the original group, Fred and Greg are the last two of the four original researchers; others in the group are older and find it more difficult to head out on investigations. The group is trying to reach a new generation of researchers to carry on their work and help with investigations.
Monthly meetings of the group are held on the third Tuesdays at 6pm at various locations in Fayette County. The meetings are open to the public; old and new members, as well as those interested in Bigfoot, are welcome to attend. Membership in the group is free, and there are no dues or added responsibilities. Approximately every other meeting features a guest speaker. “We try to keep it interesting for everyone,” Fred says. “We’re open to anyone that wants to attend and you don’t have to be a member to be there.”
And you don’t have to be solely interested in Bigfoot. Other paranormal topics are covered at meetings and presentations: “Cryptids, ghosts, aliens, it’s the same tree different branch,” Fred says. “They are often seen together.”
Throughout the year, the group gives presentations to local libraries. Additionally, the group also holds approximately three paranormal events open to the public. The first each year is their Bigfoot Symposium at the Morrell Volunteer Fire Department in Dunbar. In late summer, they hold an additional Bigfoot event – Bigfoot Day – in the Patsy Hillman Park in Brownsville. During the fall, they return to the Morrell VFD for an UFO Expo. Next year they hope to add two additional conferences, one in Ohio Pyle and another in Bullskin Township. All events include free admission to the public and feature speakers involved in the paranormal, cryptozoology, and UFOs. All proceeds from the event from vendors are donated to the location they are held.
This year’s UFO Expo will be held on Sunday, November 7 from 10am to 5pm. Featured speakers include Fred, James Krug (PA Section Director for MUFON), John Ventre (former PA MUFON Director), Ed Kelemen (paranormal investigator and author), and Brian Seech (founder of Center for Cryptozoological Studies).
Fred and other members will be giving presentations at Flenniken Public Library in both October and November. FMI, visit their Facebook group “Fayette County Pennsylvania Bigfoot Research Project” or call Fred Saluga at 304-564-7176.