Dr. Jeff Meldrum and His Role in the Bigfoot Debate

A dense forest where Bigfoot sightings are often reported.

Dr. Jeff Meldrum is one of the few scientists willing to approach the mystery of Bigfoot with genuine curiosity and scientific reasoning. While many academics dismiss the subject as myth or folklore, Meldrum’s open-minded and analytical nature pushes him to explore it seriously. As a professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University, he studies how humans and primates move and evolve. This background makes him especially interested in footprints, which he believes can reveal clues about unknown species. According to Idaho State University, Dr. Meldrum holds a Ph.D. in anatomical sciences and teaches courses on human evolution, primate locomotion, and bipedalism (“Jeffrey Meldrum – ISU Department of Biological Sciences”). His professional focus gives him a strong foundation for analyzing physical evidence that most scientists ignore.

One of Dr. Meldrum’s most noticeable traits is his deep scientific curiosity. Instead of believing stories or blurry photos, he focuses on physical evidence that can be observed and tested. In his book Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science, he argues that footprints are the primary evidence of Bigfoot’s existence and that certain tracks display unique features not found in humans or known apes (Meldrum). By studying these prints, he notes details such as heel width, pressure points, and the way the midfoot bends. He coined the term “midfoot flexibility” to describe this difference, suggesting that the creature’s foot bends differently from a human’s (“Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization”). This concept supports the idea that whatever left the prints may be biologically adapted for movement over rough terrain.

Another defining trait of Dr. Meldrum is his analytical mindset. Unlike sensationalists who claim to have definitive proof of Bigfoot, Meldrum never insists the creature exists. Instead, he argues that the evidence deserves fair scientific evaluation. In an interview, he stated that science should focus on testing ideas rather than dismissing them outright because they sound unusual. Anthropologist David Daegling criticizes Meldrum’s work, arguing that it “mixes credible science with speculation” (Daegling 142). The Washington Post has also noted that there remains no physical body or DNA evidence to confirm Bigfoot’s existence (“Sasquatch Researcher Just a Big Footnote”). These criticisms highlight the professional risk of researching controversial subjects, but Meldrum’s commitment to scientific reasoning remains consistent.

Dr. Meldrum’s persistence demonstrates his dedication to scholarly inquiry. Despite years of skepticism and ridicule, he continues to analyze evidence and present his findings publicly. Science writer Benjamin Radford describes Meldrum’s work as bringing academic discipline to a field often dominated by speculation (Radford and Pester). By applying established scientific methods, Meldrum has helped legitimize discussion surrounding Bigfoot within academic circles. His calm and measured approach under criticism reflects his belief that scientific inquiry should remain open and methodical.

Dr. Meldrum’s public presence further distinguishes him in the debate. Through documentaries, lectures, and interviews, he communicates his work without exaggeration or defensiveness. Primatologist Jane Goodall once expressed fascination with the possibility of Bigfoot’s existence, lending cautious credibility to Meldrum’s research. However, some colleagues at Idaho State University signed a letter claiming his research harmed the institution’s reputation (“Sasquatch Researcher Just a Big Footnote”). Despite this backlash, Meldrum continues his work, demonstrating resilience and professional confidence.

Overall, Dr. Meldrum represents a balance between skepticism and curiosity. Rather than attempting to persuade others of Bigfoot’s existence, he encourages critical thinking and open inquiry. His work reinforces the idea that scientific progress relies on questioning assumptions and examining unexplained evidence. Whether Bigfoot exists or not, Meldrum’s approach serves as a reminder that science advances through careful investigation and intellectual courage.