There is actually a lot of evidence -- both anecdotal as well as factual to support that they do exist. The giant Panda was searched for 60 years in China, declared extinct and then lo and behold they finally found a couple and that's why we see them now in Zoos. They were a slow vegetarian. Our neighbor is nocturnal,
is elusive, lives primarily in deep forest areas and is built for speed.
There are a number of videos and pictures out there - both real and faked - of course thousands and thousands of prints all over the world, shocking number of eye witness accounts. I think what the show -- while ridiculous has done - made it ok for people to admit that they have seen one.
They now also have dna samples and with the increase of people carrying video cameras I am seeing more and more good video.
These guys are likely descendants of gigantipithicus and have been here for quite some time. Actually the more research you do the more you realize they are out there imo.
I will see if I can find a link for one or two that I found particularly interesting. You can also read about recent sightings which typically involve someone who didn't believe in them at all, liked to hike in the woods; saw one that scared them to death and they will never return to the woods.
Here locally there have been 4 sightings in Sevier county, 1 in Crossville, 1 in the Watts Bar or TVA area that I have read about.