The search is on, right here in Florida, for the legendary Bigfoot.
Some say Bigfoot is real and some say it is a myth. However, new sightings now have some scientist looking for it in the Tampa area.
"I'm six-foot-five and this thing towers way over me and takes running strides of 13 feet," said Bigfoot field researcher Michael Greene.
Members of the "Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization" believe the giant primate may live there, as well as many other locations around the world.
"There's a lot of sightings, there's tracks, there's hair," Bigfoot Field Researcher Matt Moneymaker said. "There's everything you would expect, except a body, remains, and that doesn't mean there are no bodies. They are very rare."
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said many sightings have been reported since the early 1800's but that no scientific evidence exists.
"There's no compelling scientific evidence, but there is enough evidence to make legend more intriguing," said Henry Cabbage, FWC communications director.
The FWC doesn't track sightings, but the BFRO and a few other organizations do. They say there have been six in Polk County, three in Pasco, one in Citrus and two in Hernando. People in Hillborough and Manatee County also claim to have spotted what Floridians call a "skunk ape." That was enough to bring a group of researchers to the area last month.
"The goal here is to collect evidence to prove our belief that these giant apes exist," Greene said.
Researchers use high-tech gadgets such as two-way radios, night vision cameras and thermal imaging cameras to try and find that proof. They also attempt to lure the creature with a whooping call replicated from sound recording believed to be of Bigfoot.
They say they have not found anything conclusive yet, and will not give up until they do.