About Ohio Cryptid

Ohio Cryptid was initially created back in 2009. I had attempted to find a general cryptid group in Ohio, but found mostly Bigfoot only groups or was not welcomed to others for various reasons. Despite operating a paranormal group since 1996, being an avid backpacker, willing to demonstrate my tracking and sign reading abilities, and having a basic background in cryptozoology I was unable to work with a reputable group in Ohio. I did, however, eventually work with a group in British Columbia, Canada, named Sasquatch Research Initiative until it became defunct. During that time I was also able to learn from others here in Ohio and beyond (Joedy Cook and Don Keating in Ohio). I have also been a member of the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society and am currently a hand-picked member of the Pennsylvania Cryptozoology Society.Handbook for the Amateur Cryptozoologist In addition, I am the co-director of Ohio Anomalous Research, the executive director of ParaNexus Anomalous Research Association, and wrote "Handbook for the Amateur Cryptozoologist" (with a foreword by Loren Coleman) in 2014.

After attending a few conferences and a library appearance in 2016, speaking on cryptozoology, I realized I had built up a large network of fellow researchers and investigators in Pennsylvania, New York, as well as Ohio and other states, but I had no major way of collecting and investigating my own reports. I had put Ohio Cryptid on the back burner to focus on my ghost group years ago after coming up with the idea. I then went on to write several books with the latest being on cryptozoology. I also helped start an anomalous research group in Ohio that focuses on ghosts, cryptids, and UFO sightings, but I wanted something that I had complete control of and that could supplement this other more generalized group.

My goal with this website includes:

  • I would like to methodically investigate claims of cryptozoological animals using thorough interviewing as well as on site investigation methods allowing the evidence to create a conclusion if possible.
  • I would like to document these sightings to help add to the growing database of such reports by multiple other groups in Ohio and beyond.
  • I would like to continue to help educate the general public, as well as those interested in this field, to see this field as a potential bridge to animal science instead of a pseudoscience or hobby by mere Bigfooters or those that imitate television shows.

About Brian D. Parsons

Brian D. ParsonsDr. Brian D. Parsons is the Director of Ghost Help (formerly Ohio Paranormal Investigation Network), co-director of Ohio Anomalous Research and has been investigating ghostly claims since 1996. He has also studied under the MUFON Field Investigator's Manual for the various aspects of UFO investigations and is a current member of MUFON as well as the Cleveland UFOlogy Project. He has been a freelance cryptid researcher and investigator studying various cases in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. He is currently a member of the Pennsylvania Cryptozoology Society and has also been associated with the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society.

In March of 2014 Brian became the Executive Director of ParaNexus. He joined ParaNexus Anomalous Research Association in 2009 to help in the cause of creating a professional collection of like minded anomalous researchers to help educate the public and each other about various aspects of research and investigation methods of the various fields. During his time at ParaNexus he served as a member of the Board of Directors, the Director of Research, and the Anomalous News Coordinator.

Brian has written six books, "Handbook for the Amateur Paranormal Investigator or Ghost Hunter: How to Become a Successful Paranormal Group" as well as a companion book, " Betty's Ghost: A Guide to Paranormal Investigation", and follow-up exploring more concepts in paranormal group operation "Handbook for the Amateur Paranormal Investigator II: The Art and Science of Paranormal Investigation" . His fourth book, "The "E4" Method: Breaking the Mold of Paranormal Investigation" looks at his unique methodology of client-centered investigation that utilizes a skeptical foundation, psychology, advanced interviewing skills, parapsychology, spiritualism, as well as the "Ghost Excavation" methodology created by John Sabol. It breaks the mold of the current basic methods of looking for ghosts and chasing shadows and instead looks at how to help the client as well as have them help you create repeatable spontaneous events in a specific way. "Handbook for the Amateur Cryptozoologist" examines the field of cryptozoology with a critical and balanced approach. It reviews the basics any person needs in order to become a successful researcher and field investigator in the field of cryptozoology. His latest effort, "Handbook for the Amateur UFO Investigator" is geared toward explaining UFOs as well as the pursuit of researching and investigating them in a level headed manner. Brian holds a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Humanistic Science specializing in metaphysical science from the Institute of Metaphysical Humanistic Science, is an ordained minister, and is a state licensed wedding officiant in the state of Ohio. He is also a public speaker appearing at various paranormal conferences, conventions, library, and other public and private speaking engagements.

Some of the above books are also available as an eBook. Click on the box above to view the entire list of books available in all formats.

More information about Brian, including full bio and appearances please click the logo above.