Washington senator wants Sasquatch to be the state’s cryptid
Jan 30, 2018, 11:24 AM | Updated: 11:26 am
(File, AP)
(File, AP)
A Washington state senator not only wants to see the creation of a Sasquatch-themed license plate, but to make the creature of folklore the official cryptid of the state.
Senate Bill 5816 would add Sasquatch to the list of state symbols that include the state fish (Steelhead Trout), state bird (Willow Goldfinch), state insect (Green Darner Dragonfly), and more.
A cryptid is a creature whose existence has not been proved or disproved.
The push for adding Sasquatch to licence plates comes down to generating money for park maintenance and improvements.
“I’m guessing Sasquatch has a hidden talent as a fundraiser,” Sen. Ann Rivers said. “And assuming that Sasquatch is a native Washingtonian, and our state parks are part of Sasquatch’s native habitat, it makes perfect sense to capitalize on Sasquatch’s popularity in a way that would help protect and improve that habitat.”
She says the revenue that could be generated from the licence plates would help “make a dent” in the backlog of maintenance at the state’s parks.
“The strong positive reaction to my bill to make Sasquatch the state cryptid proved that people of all ages are still taken by the idea that such a creature is out there. I have no doubt that some of them will like the idea of a Sasquatch license plate, and appreciate that buying one is good for the park system,” she said.
The bill to make Sasquatch the official cryptid of Washington state is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections at 8 a.m. on Feb. 2.
