The Firefly Tavern Presents:

 The discovery would instantly become a matter of national and international significance, triggering a massive, multi-agency federal response.

• 1. Scientific Seizure and Study:
  
  • Agencies like the Smithsonian Institution, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would demand access to the specimen for immediate biological and genetic analysis.
  • The Department of Defense (DOD) and other intelligence agencies may also get involved due to potential implications for national security, biological warfare, or protected wilderness areas.
• 2. Endangered Species Act (ESA) Listing:
  
  • If confirmed as a new species (especially a primate), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) would be immediately petitioned to list it as an Endangered Species.
  • An emergency listing could instantly shut down industries (like logging, mining, and development) across potentially vast swaths of Maine wilderness to protect its critical habitat. This is the single largest potential economic and political repercussion.
• 3. Public and Political Fallout:
  
  • The discovery would cause global media frenzy and potential mass hysteria. The government's immediate focus would be on controlling the narrative, preventing public panic, and mitigating economic damage caused by the sudden protection of large forest areas.

 The discovery of a large, unknown primate would immediately escalate to a Tier 1 public health crisis due to the potential for zoonotic disease transmission. The CDC's response would be swift and severe.

• 1. Mandatory Quarantine and Biosecurity:
  
  • If captured alive, the creature would be subject to strict quarantine protocols similar to those for non-human primates (NHPs) imported from overseas. This is due to the risk of infectious diseases (like Ebola, Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), or novel pathogens) that could pass from the primate to humans.
  • Your property and all immediate contacts (family, witnesses, etc.) would likely be subject to a quarantine zone and mandatory health screenings until a threat assessment is complete.
• 2. Remains Handling:
  
  • If a corpse is found, it would be treated as a biohazard. CDC and NIH personnel would take full possession of the remains, implementing maximum containment measures.
  • Any person who handled the remains would be monitored closely for symptoms of zoonotic illness.

 Since Bigfoot is not a classified species, no hunting seasons, licenses, or specific protections apply. However, its capture or death would immediately trigger several areas of existing law, most involving the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW).

• 1. Illegal Capture/Possession:
  
  • Maine law regulates the possession of Prohibited, Restricted, and Unrestricted Species of wildlife. Since Bigfoot is Unclassified, you are not eligible for a permit to possess it (dead or alive) without first requesting a review and categorization of the species.
  • Live Capture: Detaining an unclassified primate on your property could lead to charges related to the illegal possession of exotic/wildlife animals and may violate animal cruelty laws depending on the conditions of captivity.
  • Dead Corpse: Possession of the remains would be considered possession of unclassified wildlife, which may lead to confiscation by MDIFW or federal authorities.
• 2. Manslaughter/Homicide (If Killed):
  
  • The biggest legal risk is if the creature is determined to be a hominid (part of the Homo genus). If determined to be sentient and biologically closer to human than ape, the person who killed it could face charges ranging from Negligent Homicide to Manslaughter, as the act would be considered recklessly shooting at an unknown target.
  • Even if not fully human, if the species is later classified as an intelligent primate, the legal situation would be highly ambiguous and may still result in charges.
• 3. Property Rights vs. Public Interest:
  
  • Even though it was on your property, the animal would likely be immediately seized by the state or federal government under a claim of scientific or public health necessity. You would likely be entitled to compensation for any property damage, but not for the animal itself, as wildlife is generally considered property of the state.

The DoD's involvement wouldn't be about shooting the creature; it would be about national security and biological advantage.

• 1. Biodefense Research (USAMRIID):
  
  • The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is the DoD's premier lab for studying bio-threats and emerging infectious diseases.
  • The Angle: They would assert that the Bigfoot's unique biological makeup is a matter of national security risk (new unknown pathogens) and scientific opportunity (studying an unparalleled evolutionary path). They would likely be part of the initial seizure team to ensure the creature is handled under maximum bio-containment.
• 2. Habitat and Land Use (Section 7 Exemption):
  
  • The DoD manages vast tracts of land, including training areas near wilderness. If the creature is listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), its critical habitat could impose restrictions on military operations (training, testing, base expansion).
  • The Angle: The DoD would be heavily involved in the ESA listing process to push for the National Security Exemption outlined in Section 7 of the ESA. This exemption allows the Secretary of Defense to bypass conservation responsibilities if they determine that a mission would be unacceptably compromised. They would want to control where the habitat boundaries are drawn.
• 3. Intelligence Oversight:
  
  • Agencies like the CIA or National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) may be involved simply to control the flow of information.
  • The Angle: They would seek to ensure that no foreign adversary (state or non-state actor) could gain access to the unique biological or genetic material, especially if the creature exhibited high intelligence or novel resistance to diseases. The entire project could become classified science overnight.

The DOI, through its various bureaus, acts as the primary steward of federal lands and natural resources.

• 1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS):
  
  • This is the lead agency for the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As mentioned before, they would be responsible for the emergency listing.
  • The Angle: They would take the lead on all field activities related to habitat. Their listing decision would trigger a massive shift in land management across Maine, impacting everything from logging to hydropower projects. The USFWS would effectively become the manager of the Bigfoot species.
• 2. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA):
  
  • Maine is home to several federally recognized tribes (e.g., the Wabanaki Confederacy). The tribes have historical, cultural, and spiritual ties to the land and its unclassified inhabitants.
  • The Angle: If the creature is deemed a hominid or has cultural significance, the BIA could invoke the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and other consultation mandates. The tribes would have a powerful legal claim regarding the creature's remains or custody, and could argue that it is part of their cultural heritage and belongs to their jurisdiction.

The DOJ would be involved from the moment the carcass is seized or a live capture occurs.

• 1. U.S. Attorney's Office (Federal Prosecution):
  
  • If you are charged with a crime (e.g., illegal trafficking of wildlife, killing a protected species after the emergency listing, or a federal homicide charge), the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine would be responsible for prosecution.
  • The Angle: They would be in court immediately to argue for the federal government's right to seize and maintain custody of the specimen (live or dead) against any state or individual claims, citing the national interest in public health and science.
• 2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
  
  • The FBI investigates potential federal crimes, especially those with international or national security implications, or cases that involve extraordinary circumstances.
  • The Angle: They would be on the ground to investigate the circumstances of the discovery, primarily focusing on determining if the creature was killed or captured illegally, if there was any cover-up, or if anyone involved is attempting to sell the remains on the black market

CONTACT US

Looking Ahead:

The creator of the "Casters" universe, Lucky Younger, 

is our resident script writer.

Our Dev Team is working on bringing  "Casters - Lucky Younger" 

to life as  a LARP with the use of  "Peripherals" 

Just like the graphic novel and book series.