Silverton, a small mountain town in southwestern Colorado, has found itself at the center of a Bigfoot firestorm after a viral video captured what appears to be a large, hairy figure moving through the brush. The video, taken from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, quickly spread across the globe, attracting the attention of Bigfoot enthusiasts and media outlets. This sighting is surprising to locals as Sasquatch is usually associated with the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
The video was first posted on Facebook by Shannon Parker, and the New York Times even ran a headline stating, "Bigfoot is back, we believe!!" Silverton, with a population of fewer than 800 year-round residents, relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for 86% of its economy. The town is known for its breathtaking scenic railroad and outdoor activities such as heli-skiing and extreme backcountry sports.
Residents were initially skeptical of the Bigfoot sighting, as the creature is not a part of their local folklore. However, the video sparked curiosity among locals and tourists alike, leading to an increase in bookings at hotels in the area. Many visitors were eager to see if the sighting was real and also inquired about Bigfoot merchandise.
DeAnne Gallegos, San Juan County's public information officer, mentioned that a stranger had been asking about Bigfoot encounters in town just days before the footage was captured. While Gallegos does not believe the sighting was a publicity ploy orchestrated by local tourism representatives, she suspects that someone may have created the video to generate attention.
Speculations about the video range from the figure being a hunter in a ghillie suit to local businesses playing pranks. However, dressing up in costumes and staging amusing scenes for train passengers is not uncommon in Silverton, as the tight-knit community enjoys having fun and being playful.
Despite the recent buzz, Silverton remains an isolated and tightly knit community that operates on its own schedule. As winter approaches, the town prepares for the snow, and many businesses close until May. The harsh winter conditions, including precarious mountain passes and avalanche-prone areas, make Silverton an ideal place for those seeking privacy and seclusion.
Locals are adamant about protecting Bigfoot if he is indeed a resident of Silverton. While some businesses have briefly capitalized on the sighting through social media, there is no overarching plan to commercialize the event. The town understands the importance of privacy and respects Bigfoot's right to remain hidden.
As the tourist season winds down, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues to attract passengers who are more interested in the stunning scenery than the recent Bigfoot sighting. However, the excitement of the Bigfoot video persists, with passengers sharing their own stories and encounters with the creature. Whether the video is real or not, it has added an element of intrigue to the already charming and eccentric community of Silverton.
themes: Facebook Canada New York (state) Colorado
