'Yeti' Hairs Sent for DNA Tests

Hairs found in jungle may belong to unknown species of primate
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 26, 2008 8:12 AM CDT
'Yeti' Hairs Sent for DNA Tests
Still from a film claimed to be of 'Bigfoot' in the Rocky Mountains.   ((c) Thomas Roche)

Scientists hope DNA tests will clear up the mystery of hairs claimed to be from a "yeti," or giant ape-like creature, the BBC reports. The hairs, found in dense jungle in India, are not from any known animal in the area. They also bear a strong resemblance to hairs never identified that were collected by Sir Edmund Hillary when he climbed Everest. Locals say 600-pound ape-like creatures roam the forest.

"It's perfectly possible that there are pockets of jungle there where a previously undiscovered primate could exist," said an ape expert. Scientists recently discovered that a previously unknown huge species of ape once lived in the region and believe it's possible that the hairs could belong to one of its descendants.
(More animal stories.)

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