Question

people have been intrigued by the legend of bigfoot for decades. bigfoot, also known as sasquatch, is said to be a big, hairy, ape - like creature that lives in the forests of north america. theories about who or what bigfoot is range from normal to out - of - this - world. some believe the bigfoot is simply an animal so rare that scientists have not been able to document it. others consider him a monster from outer space. some even think he could be a distant relative of ancient human - like creatures, like neanderthals. the first reports of the strange creature that came to be known as bigfoot began in the 1800s. since then, many people have said they have seen him. others say they have found footprints, or taken pictures of him. there is even a famous video clip of a large, ape - like creature walking through the canadian wilderness. this video inspired a wave of bigfoot research. one group, the bigfoot field researchers organization, researches and collects evidence about the existence of bigfoot. others lead \bigfoot hunts\ through areas where bigfoot sightings have been reported. but, despite countless stories and blurry pictures, there isnt enough proof to show that bigfoot is real. experts say that the footprints could have been made by someone pretending. or, they might just be animal tracks that were mistaken for bigfoot. as for the pictures, they are often blurry or only show the smallest part of the supposed creature. scientists who study rare or unusual animals have a tough time believing in bigfoot as well. because there isnt dna evidence and no remains to study, there is no solid proof. there is even concern that some people are making up \evidence\ of bigfoot to gain money or fame. whether or not bigfoot truly exists, the creature has had an impact bigger than its large footprint. many cities where bigfoot has been sighted have now become tourist destinations. art, music, and books featuring bigfoot are popular worldwide. bigfoot has appeared in advertising to sell beef jerky, soap, insurance, burgers, and more. so, is bigfoot monster or myth? for those who love bigfoot either way, the answer may not matter. what is the central idea of the bolded section? there have been countless sightings of bigfoot that prove his existence. the countless stories of bigfoot have encouraged people to research him on their own. the video clip of bigfoot proved the existence of an animal only talked about in legends. people have seen or taken pictures of bigfoot before.

Explanation:

The bolded - section mentions that since the first reports of Bigfoot in the 1800s, many people have claimed sightings, found foot - prints, or taken pictures. This has inspired a wave of Bigfoot research, with groups like the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization collecting evidence. So, the central idea is that stories of Bigfoot have spurred people to conduct their own research.

Answer:

The countless stories of Bigfoot have encouraged people to research him on their own.