Where in North America are you Most Likely to Spot Bigfoot?

In honour of National Sasquatch day on October 20th, we found where in North America you are most likely to spot the mysterious figure. By comparing Bigfoot sightings per population, recency, forest coverage, and climate, we identified where the legendary creature might just call home.

The full list is at the bottom of the article, but first let’s take a look at the 10 states with the lowest (most likely) Bigfoot betting odds.

Top 10 Places in North America to Spot Bigfoot

RankState/ProvinceImplied (Im)probabilityAmerican Odds
1Washington3.0%+3,233
2West Virginia2.9%+3,348
3Oregon2.7%+3,604
4British Columbia2.6%+3,746
5Michigan2.5%+3,933
6Maine2.4%+4,067
7Pennsylvania2.3%+4,248
8Idaho2.1%+4,662
9Ohio2.0%+4,900
10Massachusetts1.8%+5,456

Let’s zoom in on the states that stand out — from misty evergreens to the myth-laden Appalachians.

1. Washington

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 9.06
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 730
  • Forestry Coverage: 52.74%
  • Average Temperature: 48.7°F

As the top state for Bigfoot sightings, Washington’s towering evergreens and foggy forests might just be home to the infamous Bigfoot. Maybe Washington is even home to Big Feet. From the reported sightings alone, 1 in 11,038 Washingtonians will see the big footed guy.

2. West Virginia

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 5.99
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 106
  • Forestry Coverage: 79.01%
  • Average Temperature: 53.8°F

West Virginia is a smaller population state with proportionately large Bigfoot sightings. The state’s high forestry coverage and cool climate (right in Bigfoot preferred range) create a perfect backdrop for cryptid legends, with events like the Mothman Festival adding to its mystical allure.

3. Oregon

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 6.08
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 261
  • Forestry Coverage: 48.51%
  • Average Temperature: 49.2°F

Oregon’s diverse terrains and Pacific coastline are home to varied Bigfoot tales, solidified through events like Willow Creek’s annual festivals. Such gatherings keep the Bigfoot legend alive and intrigue both residents and visitors with possibilities of encounters in the lush wilderness.

4. British Columbia

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 2.37
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 135
  • Forestry Coverage: 60%
  • Average Temperature: 50.2°F

British Columbia has deep woods and heavy forest coverage, providing  an unparalleled environment for Bigfoot to call home.  British Columbia is the best place in Canada for Bigfoot spotting.

5. Michigan

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 2.22
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 226
  • Forestry Coverage: 55.62%
  • Average Temperature: 46.7°F

In Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, Bigfoot sightings contribute to local folklore. Events like the Bigfoot Bash emphasize the state’s enthusiasm, creating a community that embraces both the science and mystery behind the mythological “Dewey Lake Monster.” 

6. Maine

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 1.70
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 24
  • Forestry Coverage: 89.46%
  • Average Temperature: 43.2°F

Maine has rugged and extensively forested landscapes, perfect for a mysterious creature to call home. In fact, a staggering 89.46% of the state is forest covered.  The Maine Cryptozoology Festival focuses on the “Durham Gorilla” and other mysterious creatures.

7. Pennsylvania

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 0.99
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 130
  • Forestry Coverage: 58.60%
  • Average Temperature: 50.4°F

In Pennsylvania, the vast Allegheny National Forest is often cited in Bigfoot reports, with tales enriching local folklore. While Gritty is the beloved mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers, a sasquatch mascot wouldn’t have been remiss for their hockey team.

8. Idaho

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 5.17
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 105
  • Forestry Coverage: 40.55%
  • Average Temperature: 45.4°F

Idaho’s wild landscapes, especially around Priest Lake, draw Bigfoot seekers. The “Idaho Bigfoot” was last seen in May 2025 by a backpacker in Upper Dry Creek.

9. Ohio

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 2.77
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 331
  • Forestry Coverage: 30.92%
  • Average Temperature: 53°F

Ohio’s rolling hills and patches of forest are home to tales of the “Grassman.” An eager community thrives on Bigfoot lore, with the Ohio Bigfoot Conference drawing believers and skeptics alike to celebrate this regional cryptid. The most recent sighting in Ohio was in September 2025 in Carroll county.

10. Massachusetts

  • Sightings per 100,000 People: 0.53
  • Total Bigfoot Sightings: 38
  • Forestry Coverage: 60.57%
  • Average Temperature: 49.8°F

Despite its urban corridors, Massachusetts offers rich Bigfoot possibilities. The state’s level of forest coverage (60.57%) and weather line up with Bigfoot climate theories. Where in the Bay state might the big guy reside? Consider the Berkshires, known for its deep forestry corridors and mysterious lore.

So whether you’re hiking the Pacific Northwest or wandering the woods of Western Appalachia, October 20th just might be your lucky day.

Top Provinces in Canada to Spot Bigfoot

RankProvinceImplied ProbabilityOddsSightingsForestryAvg.
Temp
1British Columbia2.6+3,74613560%50.2°F
2Ontario0.8+12,4006866%48.0°F
3Yukon0.5+19,900555%33.6°F
4Manitoba0.2+49,9003148%39.2°F
5Alberta0.1+99,9004358%36.3°F
6Quebec0.1+99,900450%45.5°F

Bigfoot in Canada –  Key Highlights

  • British Columbia reigns supreme – with 135 sightings, the province is Canada’s undisputed Bigfoot hotspot, thanks to its vast forests (60%) and mild climate (~50°F).
  • Ontario follows with 68 sightings and the highest forest coverage (66%), making it a prime candidate for hidden wildlife and potential Sasquatch encounters.
  • The Yukon stands out despite only 5 sightings – there are simply far fewer Yukon residents to report Bigfoot. Its more frigid climate (outside of the mysterious guy’s comfort zone) keeps the Yukon from ranking higher.
  • Alberta logs 43 sightings, possibly forming a migration corridor from British Columbia through the Rockies.
  • Bigfoot odds are overwhelmingly long everywhere, but British Columbia’s +3,746 stands out compared to Ontario’s +12,400 and Yukon’s +19,900.

Happy Sasquatch Day!

So whether you’re hiking the Pacific Northwest or wandering the woods of West, October 20th just might be your lucky day.

There you have it, the places in North America with the highest odds of Hairy Harry. If you’re going on a Bigfoot hunting trek, Washington is the best place in the US to start. However, British Columbia is the Canadian hotspot.

Unlike football, UFC, soccer, and other sports betting, these odds are just for fun and not for betting. However, you can get a dose of Bigfoot fun in sports by watching one of the many sports’ teams with a sasquatch mascot. My personal favourite is Team Canada’s Komak in the Olympics.

Methodology

To find out the most likely spots to find Bigfoot in North America, we turned to the data.

First, using the  Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organization, we took into account the number of Bigfoot sightings per location based on population (using the most recent US Census for states and the Canada Statistics for the territories).

Since Bigfoot is rumored to be migratory, the date of the most recent sighting from the organization was another factor. 

From there, we nailed down the ideal weather from NOAA for the states and Statistics Canada for the territories.

The ideal Bigfoot temperature was 55 degrees fahrenheit based on animals of similar body types, bears and lowland gorillas. The closer the temperature of each area, the more ideal for Bigfoot.

Finally, for forestry we used a range of sources. Information for the US came from United States Forest Service (USFS) 2016. We utilized a range of sources for data on Canadian province forestry, including the British Columbian Government, NAIT for Alberta, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Manitoba’s Forestry Branch, the Ontario Forest Industries Association, McGill University, the Riparian Habitat Restoration project for New Brunswick, and the Newfoundland Heritage Society The more forestry, the more Bigfoot friendly. 

Where are you most likely to see Bigfoot in North America? Full List

RankState/ProvinceImplied Probability(%)OddsBigfoot SightingsForestryAvg Temp
1Washington3.0+323373052.74%48.7°F
2West Virginia2.9+334810679.01%53.8°F
3Oregon2.7+360426148.51%49.2°F
4British Columbia2.6+374613560%50.2°F
5Michigan2.5+393322655.62%46.7°F
6Maine2.4+40672489.46%43.2°F
7Pennsylvania2.3+424813058.60%50.4°F
8Idaho2.1+466210540.55%45.4°F
9Ohio2.0+490033130.92%53.0°F
10Massachusetts1.8+54563860.57%49.8°F
11Connecticut1.7+57822755.24%51.0°F
12Colorado1.5+656713134.42%47.4°F
13New Hampshire1.4+70431784.32%45.2°F
14New York1.4+704312262.88%47.2°F
15Utah1.3+75927434.48%51.3°F
16Vermont1.3+75921177.81%44.4°F
17Arkansas1.2+823311256.31%62.7°F
18Iowa1.2+8233788.43%50.1°F
19Wisconsin1.2+823310948.98%45.5°F
20Kentucky1.1+899111649.35%57.8°F
21Missouri1.1+899116835.16%56.5°F
22Montana1.1+89915527.45%44.0°F
23Illinois1.1+899130513.64%54.1°F
24South Dakota1.0+9900203.93%47.2°F
25Alabama1.0+990010270.57%65.0°F
26Virginia1.0+99008962.93%57.2°F
27Tennessee0.9+1101111152.83%60.0°F
28South Carolina0.9+110116068.19%64.3°F
29Ontario0.8+124006866%48.0°F
30North Carolina0.8+1240010959.73%60.6°F
31Georgia0.7+1418614567.28%65.5°F
32New Mexico0.7+141864431.99%55.8°F
33Oklahoma0.6+1656711328.80%61.5°F
34Yukon0.5+19900555%33.6°F
35Minnesota0.5+199008134.08%43.7°F
36New Jersey0.5+199007941.72%54.4°F
37Mississippi0.4+249002765.07%66.3°F
38Rhode Island0.4+24900554.38%51.7°F
39Nebraska0.4+24900183.20%51.0°F
40Florida0.3+3323334650.68%72.7°F
41Kansas0.3+33233504.78%56.0°F
42Wyoming0.3+332332818.42%43.9°F
43Alaska0.2+499002235.16%29.0°F
44California0.2+4990046632.71%60.4°F
45Indiana0.2+499008221.06%53.7°F
46Manitoba0.2+499003148%39.2°F
47Louisiana0.1+999004553.20%69.0°F
48Alberta0.1+999004358%36.3°F
49Arizona0.1+999008625.64%62.7°F
50Maryland0.1+999003539.36%56.4°F
51Quebec0.1+99900450%45.5°F