Yowiehunters Forum

I know its been a while, but work has had the better of me, but finally got around to fixing up these images. Sorry about the size of them, but any larger and you'd be hard to see any real detail. At first, my initial playing with the image, I thought it was looking to the right, but upon further refinement - its looking to the left, apparently where there were people. If SAB can, he'll update the picture's background to give everyone a better idea of the situation at the time.

This one was taken by SAB 8 - the pic i've worked with several times, but CS5 seems to have improved its hominid finding capabilities.

The eyeshine one Dean posted, can't do a thing with that. Too dark. Not enough ambient light for me to play with & adjust.

If anyone has any other pics they'd like me to have a look at, just post the image up here & i'll do my best to see what I can find.

This is my original posting of the event a couple of years ago:

On Saturday, 8th April 2007, my father and I travelled via _____to ______. we arrived at the main camp site which is basically a long cleared strip (250x40 metres) located on a mountain ridge with the land tapering away either side of the camp site. Upon first arrival (near dusk) at the campsite we noticed no one else was there except for another empty tent about 150 metres away. We quickly set up camp, and I went for a look around and noticed a short loop walk leading from the campground and down the mountain (probably a 500 metre walk - but not steep). Even though it was getting quite dark I decided to quickly do it as I wasn`t sure I would have time to do it in the morning. After walking for about 100 metres along the track which was surrounded by reasonably dense rainforest (although not as dense as somewhere like Springbrook) I heard a brief but very, very, LOUD thudding noise (which I estimated to be 20 to 30 metres away) - like someone or something making a quick dash which lasted about two to three seconds (I must highlight that this sounded like someone on two legs making a quick sprint - I have heard startled kangaroos in the bush numerous times as I used to go on shooting/bushwalking/camping trips as a youngster and I am quite sure this noise was not a kangaroo or stray cattle or any other common animal - such as bush turkeys - found in the scrub). I scanned the forest in the direction of the noise but saw absolutely no movement. This startled me as my brain attempted to find a rational explanation. At this point I thought it would be a wise move to go and grab a torch as the light was pretty poor in the actual scrub. I very quickly returned to the campsite where I grabbed a torch and returned to the site (probably within three minutes of hearing the noises). At this point, suspecting something strange, I planned only to use the torch if it became to dark to see the track or if I heard a noise again (there was still a little ambient light and I didn`t want to destroy my night vision plus I didn`t want to scare whatever it was away). I proceeded to walk the track without incident and found myself again in the main camping area (the walk is a loop). I then walked further around the perimeter of the camping area (all this time I couldn`t help but feel something was watching me) and found an area with an overgrown track proceeding some 10-15 metres into the forest/scrub. I cautiously and as stealthily as I could proceeded into the scrub and the feeling of not being alone intensified. About five metres in I decided to walk very loudly towards a section of thick scrub to possibly startle anything that may be around and I achieved my objective. Upon making half a dozen loud and quick steps towards a thicker part of the forest - I again heard almost the same loud rushing noise of footsteps. Again it was very brief, probably two-three seconds, but it was unmistakable. This time I estimate the noise was within 20 metres and again I saw no movement whatsoever (although the forest/scrub in that area was thicker due to bushes and weeds (lantana) and visibility would have been no greater than five metres). I myself at this point remained motionless, peering into the forest and proceeded to listen for a period of five minutes - but noticed nothing. I then decided due to the growing darkness and curiousity to turn my torch on and check out the surrounding scrub. I did so and as I was panning quickly from side to side I heard a very quick noise - this time it sounded like bushes moving from a different direction and quieter than the second noise. This noise was very brief and I saw no movement. I remained silent with my torch on but heard no further noise. For another five or so minutes I hung around and at this point visibility minus the torch was getting somewhat poor. Also, along with the fading light my courage was also beginning to fade as I started to think of the wisdom of being with this thing in a dark, confined (thick surrounding scrub) space. I then left the area and went back to my campsite. About an hour later the occupants of the empty tent turned up in a car and they were very loud and were basically pissing it up throughout the night into the early morning hours. Incidentally, it began to lightly rain that night and nothing strange further happened. The next morning I didn`t get a chance to do the track again as we had a big day lined up and had to get away ASAP. Looking back on the incident I honestly believe that whatever was in the forest had followed me (parallel to me and out of sight in the forest/scrub) from where I had initially heard it (on the track), along the camp perimeter, to the second area that I had heard it. The duration of the encounter was probably 25-30 minutes from the first sound to the third sound. The two sites involved were probably 150-200 metres away from each other.

The sounds puzzled me as they were not normal sounds that I have heard in the bush. Throughout my camping and bushwalking experience I have come across nearly all types of animals in the scrub. Even though kangaroos and wallabies can make a quick movement and then stop - this did not sound like one. Added to that is more often than not a roo will keep hopping away (if you are in close proximity) and the sound is completely different. This sound was distinctly running footsteps - like a quick sprint and really loud. Another strange factor was that straight after the loud dash there was nothing but absolute silence. I can only conclude that whatever it was was not running away from me but was instead running/dashing to a source which would provide it greater cover eg. thick bushes or a large tree and then from there it would stop, observe and/or listen or it would proceed away quietly (incidentally I heard no other noises other than the three quick dash movements and I saw no movement whatsoever - not even moving bushes or limbs). This indicates to me that this creature was/is incredibly intelligent in regards to how it moves through the bush. There seems to be great purpose and intelligence in its movements in comparison to other animals encountered in the bush, especially startled animals. I genuinely believe that what I heard in the forest was not a normal animal or a fellow human being.

The following morning just before we left the area we took a photograph of our camp site. That whole morning I honestly had a feeling of being watched and was continually scanning the forest whilst we got ready to depart. It wasn`t until about 12-18 months? after the photograph that I came across the “possible” figures whilst curiously zooming in on some previous camping photographs. I will be travelling to this area in the near future and will get some more photographs of the area.

This is a ridiculously crude outline but it was the best I could come up with. Four possible figures (or blobsquatches) I can see. I know there is a lot of criticism about obscure images but as I have previously said before I would not have even posted the images if it were not for the encounter I had the afternoon before. Everyones entitled to their own opinion and either way I won`t lose any sleep yay or nay.... For me the quest for bonafide evidence continues.....

Deadpool I was hoping you may be able to clarify these figures?

When I ran it through CS5 it didn't pick up those other two, thats why in the pic I posted, I "found" another head. I double checked it, zoomed right in, dexpixelated it, inverted the colors, and there it was. I'll go over it again & re-outline the others. That second "face" above the one near the ground is defiantly a face. You can make out the eyes and a vague outline of a mouth.

But i'll re-do the entire image from scratch again, post it up within the next hour or so.

Hey I don't want to sound like a downer guys but seriously, there is NOTHING but pixelation and artifacts there, photoshop can only do so much my friends, the rest is filled by your mind, which tries to make something from nothing.

I posted on SAB's original post also, I'm not questioning the experience SAB had at all, but it's prob time to lay this photo to rest.

keep shooting though!! someone is bound to get a clear shot one day

Fair point, but on that it also depends on what type of system you're viewing it on, how your graphics card is, monitor, etc. I have a pretty high end system, and the original pic - before I did the refinement.. there's something there. Just, you have to zoom right in to get a "clearer" image of what it is you're looking at. Thats where it gets all pixely and "blobsquatch" like. But, the original pic untouched, you can see something in the bush/scrub/forest.

I'd never seen the original.. and after about 10 seconds of looking over it, I could make a few things out.

Fair enough, would it be possible to send me the high res photo? I also have a high end system with a dell 2408wtp for graphics work (i'm a designer) I am certainly interested in putting it through ps myself

I`ve just blown the image up further and can actually see the female holding onto a juvenile and the second juvenile is holding onto its leg.



Afraid not Sealo. Lets compare the image with some witness descriptions of the yowie and some comparisons with primates (in particular, gorilla characteristics). The male has a conical shaped head complete with sagittal crest as well as a huge shoulder girth (which has been described from eyewitness accounts within a 40km radius of this very area (The height of the female and male I have been able to estimate at 7-10 feet. I will be returning to the site this year to get photographic comparisons). You can even see the males teeth and its left shoulder makes a sharp and noticeable outline. There is a shiny skin-like patch on the males chest (similar feature to male gorillas)....... In fact there are many notice comparisons with gorillas. In regards to the teeth showing this is noted as a threat display. Considering that there was a female with young next to the male this would be a perfectly reasonable response to our presence. Gorilla infants have almost continual contact with their mother. Again, in the photo I can observe the mother holding a juvenile as well as a a juvenile holding onto the mothers leg and I could go on and on...... There are to many similarities with witness reports and primate characteristics for me to throw this one into the good-old pareidolia box.

PHOTO vs KNOWN GORILLA FACTS

# The male has a large conical shaped head.

1. The head of a gorilla is massive, with a bulging forehead overhanging the eyes and a bony sagittal crest on top (high-domed head). The sagittal crest (especially noticeable in males) supports the large temporal muscles needed to grind coarse vegetation.




# The male and female have long muscular arms. In particular, the male has extremely wide shoulders.

1. Gorillas have larger muscles in their arms than in their legs (the opposite is true for humans). This is primarily due to the fact that they use their increased arm strength for bending and gathering foliage and for defense. Although capable of walking upright on two feet they most often walk as a quadruped (on four limbs).

2. Gorillas' arms are much longer than their legs and their arm span is about 30 cm (1 ft) longer than that of an adult human male. The elongated arms indicate a tree-dwelling ancestry even though gorillas are now primarily terrestrial (ground-dwelling).

3. An adult gorilla's upper body strength is six times more powerful than that of an adult human - enabling them to lift, break, and squeeze heavy objects.

4. Eyewitness description of yowie sighting within 40km of the area the photograph was taken:
"I looked back up at the road and I saw ahead in the headlights this big hairy animal thing on the side of the winding road. "It was about eight foot tall and four foot wide."




# The male is displaying its teeth

1. Gorillas have 32 teeth - the same number as humans.

2. Gorillas have large strong teeth adapted for the coarse vegetation they consume.

3. Adult males develop big, sharp canines as they mature.

4. Gorillas have two full sets of teeth during their lifetime, similar to humans. The first set (similar to baby teeth) is lost and then replaced by their permanent set as adults.

5. tense-mouth face: This is like staring but the gums and teeth are displayed having the lips curled back (Estes, 1991). This is a threat display for potential predators, mostly given by adult males, and is often accompanied by a mock charge and scream and roars (Estes, 1991).





# Infants attached to the mother.

1. Infants are in almost constant contact with their mothers for the first six months and nurse for about 2.5 to 3 years.

2. Infants are able cling to their mother's front with a very powerful grip from both their hands and feet. Mothers initially assist the infants with holding on to their fronts.

3. Young gorillas like to play with their siblings or other youngsters their age. They wrestle, tumble, climb trees, and even form a chain and walk in synchronization through the forest.

4. Although the silverback is the troop's guardian and can be the most aggressive troop member it can also be patient and gentle with the young. A silverback has even been documented sharing his nest with an orphaned infant.





GORILLA vs YOWIE AGGRESSION
The dominant silverback is responsible for the protection and safety of the troop. When in a threatening situation, the silverback will ferociously beat its chest, produce loud scowling vocalizations and a pungent odor (which humans can detect from over 25 yards away), throw vegetation and charge at its opponent or intruder. Researchers have discovered that 99% of their charges are bluffs; providing the rest of the troop time for retreating to a safe distance. However if pressed, the silverback will follow through with his threat.
# Silverbacks may emit a pungent odor to help ward off predators and intruders.

Yowie`s have been reported to (a) produce loud vocalisations (b) give off pungent odour (c) destroy vegetation - throw rocks (d) charge intruders.



YOWIE BEDS!

1. Gorillas construct "beds" to sleep in at the end of the day. They gather vegetation around them in trees or on the ground. Gorillas construct a new nest each night because they travel to different locations during the day foraging. The daily construction of new nests also helps avoid parasites that may nest in the bedding.



INTERACTION WITH OTHER SPECIES

1. Gorillas are tolerant and unaffected by chimpanzees leisurely wandering through their tight cohesive troops.
Yowie`s seem to be largely tolerant of humans.... in fact, often curious to human behaviour.




http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/inf ... cation.htm

http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/inf ... havior.htm

http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/inf ... istics.htm

http://www.primates.com/gorillas/gorilla-info.html




In all honesty, I do agree that we should let it go and move on. I am sick of arguing about this photograph. I really don`t care anymore. I have come to the conclusion that unless you have a bone and blood yowie in your possession than nothing will appease the greater consensus! The search continues... the pursuit of photographic evidence is probably a waste of time. Even if you do get a good photograph it will be torn apart by cynics and sceptics alike with outlandish and often ignorant counter-claims! Maybe we should solely focus our resources on the attainment of DNA evidence???

Hey did any1 spot Micheal Jackson waving back next to the "yowie"........lol

Insightful!!! lol

that was a joke......it couldn't be MJ he's dead, maybe its Rolf Harris

Don`t even joke about that man..... its not a laughing matter.... the famous Kootamundra Hoges has reportedly seen and videotaped a wild Rolf Harris in the Australian bush.... not to mention drop bears!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt63Dpj0RFA

The famous "Drop Bear" that puts fear in the hearts of US troops on night exercises here in OZ...lmao

And the hoop snakes

ROLF HARRIS now there is somethink i like to catch...lol Bring in a nice penny........remember he has 3 legs...lol

Ah, so all that wood-knocking is actually just a makeshift attempt at a wobble board sound!

Ta for clearing that up fellas

? So gorillas are great and all, but is it possible for me to get a copy of a higher resolution image to examine myself as previously requested? or not? cheers.

Ha ha ha...totally play me off and then expect me to send you a photo!!!! Ha ha ha gotta love the way you do business!!!

You obviously missed my point Sealo. Comparisons with gorilla were to highlight primate features that are distinguishable.... Besides..... I thought it was all pixelation and wishful thinking???

Will send the photo to you as soon as you give me your email (its not on your profile) address Ninja!

SAB seriously man, i'm not trying to "play you off"

The fact that you wish to draw lengthy comparisons between gorillas and what you see in the photo does nothing but re-enforce your OWN opinion that there is something in the photo that has similarities to a gorilla? I can not see what you are talking about from the pic resolutions here on the forum, so all I asked was for a higher resolution photo so that I may be able to see what you are talking about?

It is hardly an attack on you, and it shouldn't be taken as such, I know we get our fair share of "aholes" on here so its tempting to jump on the defensive, but once again I'm simply interested in seeing what you are talking about.

After speaking to Deadpool in this very thread it is quite obvious that I only want to learn more?

Never mind almost every other poster in here giving you a direct jab with MJ and ROLF HARRIS references, and you take offense at my request?

Put the gun down mate I come in peace

P.S. I have Pm'd you my email, it's not in my profile as I don't want unsolicited email from any "aholes" i'm sure you understand.

So gorillas are great and all...

mmhhh fair enough.... if you insist... still sounds like "playing off" to me... anyways I`m happy to move on.



I was pointing out factors (to you!) highlighting why I think its more than just pareidolia.... not to reinforce my opinion.... But its obviously not clear enough for you Sealo and for that I apologise. Next time I`ll ask the guys to come in closer.... I`ll even put it on the timer so I can jump in and we can all get a group photo together! Maybe even conduct an audio interview afterwards??? I seriously need to pick up my game!

What confuses me is your interest. If there is nothing in the photo then why don`t you move on. You`ve already explained how Deadpool and I are just imagining things. What`s your fascination with a photograph of trees and bushes???? Who is trying to reinforce who`s opinion???



clear jokes as opposed to blatant off-hand dismissals!

Photo is in your mailbox feel free to pareidolia it!

Hey SAB,

My fascination is that yourself and deadpool have both examined the high rez photo and insist that there is something there, and so instead of just dismissing your opinions out of hand without I myself having examined the photo, I have an open mind and wish to see what you guys are talking about by examining the higher resolution version (I use imaging software for a living, so i wont just be poking around aimlessly heheh). The higher resolution would also remove some of the compression artifacts which my argument is based on, so it's pretty straight forward mate, I want to prove my opinion wrong!

Now next time if you could get Rolf and MJ to get in the shot too that would be handy ;p

I received the photo too thank you

(For the record I am NOT a skeptic I believe Yowie's to be a real animal, so I am genuinely interested in your photo)

I have finished my examination of the higher resolution photo, but as you said 4mp is not nearly enough to determine anything conclusively, especially from that distance, so it is still my personal opinion that there is nothing there, that doesn't mean there wasn't though

Thank you again for sending me a copy of the photo SAB, all the best.