The mountain town of Leadville, Colo. got a big surprise recently when people began encountering the elusive, mysterious, mythical Bigfoot near town.

Some thought it might be a bear or perhaps a wayward cow, but upon closer inspection and photos of the creature, it has been determined the creature matches the description of the famed Bigfoot.

After the initial shock and surprise, those who've approached the beast along Mineral Belt Trail say it turned out to be quite harmless.

While the sightings are real, Bigfoot isn't. It is only a large wooden cutout that looks a lot like the hairy monster. It's nothing more than a prank on people hiking in the area.

The prankster who chooses to be as elusive and mysterious as the creatures - yes there are more than one - just wants to give people something to smile about. Of course, they have to get over the initial shock first.

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