It's so mysterious that most people doubt it even exists. Still, the legendary "Bigfoot" has long excited imaginations. This creature has inspired TV shows, movies, books, and lifelong quests by those eager to prove its existence. But every story has a beginning—so how did Bigfoot's sensational story get off the ground in the United States? It all began with a lighthearted California newspaper column published in 1958. Andrew Genzoli's article in The Humboldt Times spotlighted a reader's letter about some huge footprints discovered in muddy soil by a logging crew in northern California. The footprints were said to look human, only larger. The average man's foot is about 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) long; the letter claimed the strange footprints were 16 inches (40.6 centimeters) long. Genzoli didn't think much of the letter at first, historians say—in fact, he put it aside. But when an upcoming column ran a bit short, Genzoli decided to include the letter to add a few more words—and a bit of fun. He had no idea what this would start. Readers were hooked, so other reporters followed up with their own articles. Genzoli's fellow reporter, Betty Allen, was the first to print the name the crew had given the mysterious footprint maker: "Bigfoot." The stories about Bigfoot didn't slow down. Instead, they spread nationwide—and the stealthy stomper became a superstar with a loyal following. It wasn't the first time huge, ape-like creatures were discussed. Folklore had included references to strange, hairy beasts long before. But the newspaper reports based on the loggers' accounts launched the fascination that made Bigfoot…big. Over the decades that followed, grainy tabloid photos, cartoons, and costumes established what the massive mythical figure might look like. People announced sightings in several locations. Then, in 2002, a secret was revealed by the family of Ray Wallace, one of the loggers who discovered the muddy prints. After Wallace died at age 84, his family said he was a prankster who liked to clown around. They claimed Wallace made the footprints himself as a joke—with a set of carved wooden feet. The confession didn't foil the fun, though—nor did it stop the search so many enjoy. Some say there are too many other accounts of sightings to dismiss the legend outright. QUESTION 1 1 / 4 This article is primarily about _________. footprints and pawprints of mammals found in northern California the history of one newspaper that was based in northern California the mysterious story of a creature that has fascinated people for years famous pranks that were started by one logger over the years
The mysterious story of a creature that has fascinated people for years
Based on the article, which of these is true about the story of Bigfoot?
The legend of Bigfoot began when loggers claimed they had photos of it.
The legend of Bigfoot began when Ray Wallace found a creature living in California.
The legend of Bigfoot began when a lighthearted article was published in 1958.
The legend of Bigfoot began when Ray Wallace found muddy prints in California.
The legend of Bigfoot began when a lighthearted article was published in 1958.
Which passage from the article best supports the idea that Ray Wallace's confession did not change everyone's mind?
Genzoli didn't think much of the letter at first, historians say—in fact, he put it aside.
It's so mysterious that most people doubt it even exists.
The average man's foot is about 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) long.
Some say there are too many other accounts of sightings to dismiss the legend outright.
Some say there are too many other accounts of sightings to dismiss the legend outright.
The article states:
The confession didn't foil the fun, though—nor did it stop the search so many enjoy. Some say there are too many other accounts of sightings to dismiss the legend outright.
Which is the closest synonym for the word foil?
hinder
reflect
expand
boost