RESEARCHER DECLARES 2000 `THE SUMMER OF SASQUATCH'

RESEARCHER DECLARES 2000 `THE SUMMER OF SASQUATCH'

PORTLAND, Maine (Wireless Flash) -- You've heard of the Summer of Love but what about the "Summer of Sasquatch?" Believe it or not, that's what Bigfoot buffs are calling this season, based on the number of sightings recorded during the last few months in the Pacific Northwest. Cryptozoologist Loren Coleman says this summer's sightings have been unusually well-documented, even though the number hasn't increased much from last year. Coleman says this year local and national media appear to be more willing to take Bigfoot sightings seriously instead of sensationalizing them a la the "Weekly World News." As a result, he claims cryptozoology is finally starting to be taken seriously and he predicts universities and other scientific groups will earmark funds for Bigfoot research.