The news about the discovery of Bigfoot quickly circled the globe and thousands of people tuned in or logged on to get their update on the subject. Unfortunately, as many expected, it was all a carefully planned charade that took advantage of the myth created around the popular and mysterious character.

When it comes to Bigfoot stories, just like the ones on aliens, there are very few details and tales that can be considered exaggerated, as there is no clear starting point on the matter and every single story, no matter how wild it may seem, has the potential of being true. And furthermore, people want to believe them.

The two men that started all the commotion, Matthew Whitton, a Clayton County police officer and car salesman Rick Dyer are unavailable for comments at this point and for a day now nobody has been able to locate them. One of the parts eagerly anticipating a discussion with the two is the Californian company Searching for Bigfoot Inc., which paid an undisclosed amount for the exclusive story rights.

The company released a statement about the hoax on its Web site, explaining that they caught on to the scheme when the block of ice sustaining the ‘body’ melted. Apparently, it was only a rubber costume accompanied by several animal body parts, just as many concluded from looking at the pictures released last week.

28-year-old Matthew Whitton, who was on medical leave after being shot in one of his wrists by a robbery suspect, will have to opt for a new career, as there is no change of returning to the Clayton County Police Department.

“He’s disgraced himself, he’s an embarrassment to the Clayton County Police Department, his credibility and integrity as an officer is gone, and I have no use for him,” said Police Chief Jeffrey Turner. “His behavior is unbecoming of that of a police officer,” and adding that “I terminated him.” Mr. Turner appeared extremely disappointed with the whole story and explained that he has a hard time understanding how can someone considered a hero can stoop so low and defraud an entire nation, not to mention the worldwide interest shown in the story.

The owner of Searchingforbigfoot.com, Mr. Tom Biscardi, who just a few days ago stated during a press conference that the story is 100 percent true, claims that he has was not involved in the fraud and that he was fooled by the two just like the rest. He also said that he plans to take legal action against the two and press charges.

So far, there are no clear answers on the reasons that the two might have had for going through with such an elaborate scheme and until they will be found and questioned, all we can do is guess. Still, one thing is for sure: the Internet traffic for Bigfoot Web sites went through the roof and the merchandise, such as posters, t-shirts and mugs with the mysterious creature, cleared off the shelves.