CFZ Yearbook 2026/7

The Centre for Fortean Zoology

The Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ) is an international organisation devoted to the study of mystery animals, strange encounters, and the unexplained edges of the natural world. Founded in 1992, the CFZ has spent over thirty years investigating reports of unknown creatures, out-of-place animals, and zoological mysteries from every corner of the globe.

As well as field research and historical investigation, the CFZ produces On the Track (OTT) - a long-running weekly WebTV show that explores cryptozoology, wildlife, conservation, and environmental issues, all delivered with a distinctive mix of curiosity, humour, and a healthy dose of the unusual. The CFZ also runs its own publishing arm, producing magazines and books that champion unusual research, forgotten cases, and topics too niche or unconventional for mainstream publishers.

The CFZ Yearbook

The CFZ Yearbook brings together longer, more in-depth articles that go beyond the scope of the regular Animals & Men journal. It is a space where researchers can fully explore their ideas, share detailed case studies, and revisit classic and lesser-known mysteries in greater depth.

Featuring contributions from experienced investigators alongside new voices in the field, the Yearbook reflects the broad, open-minded spirit of the CFZ - serious research presented in an engaging and readable way, without losing sight of the wonder and strangeness that first draws people to cryptozoology.

Contents

• Frank Searle and His Legacy - Ian Squibbs
• Sharlie: A Lake Monster in Idaho - Grove Koger
• The Prehistoric Extinction Paradigm and Hidden Threatened Species - Chris Forbes
• Habitat Range Modelling for Sea Serpents - Chris Forbes
• Shadow People - Jon Downes
• Beware the Lamparagua - Kevin Guhl
• Cryptid Invertebrates - Guin Palmer & Richard Muirhead
• Bloodsuckers - Michela de Mattei
• A History of Cryptid Livestock Attacks in the United States - Colin Schneider
• Big Cats of Suffolk - Matt Salisbury
• Military Encounters with Cryptids - Shane Lea & Richard Muirhead
• A Case Study of the Flying Snake of Namibia - Hans-Jörg Vogel
• Weird Maneaters - Richard Freeman
• Mystery Beast Found on an Old East African Railway - Richard Muirhead
• Cryptids and Zooforms of the Czech Republic - Jakub Roček
• When Did Bigfoot Become an Alien? - Ken Gerhard
• The Jersey Devil: A Deep Dive - Kat Clifford
• Index to Flying Snake Nos. 16-20 - Richard Muirhead
• CFZ Annual Report 2025 - Jon Downes