Reports of Bigfoot sightings have been circulating around Quitman, but there is no need to alert Texas Parks and Wildlife.
The shaggy visitor drawing attention in town is made of wood.
Over the past couple of weeks, residents exploring the Wood County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens have discovered a pair of carved Bigfoot sculptures tucked among the trees, sparking curiosity and plenty of photo opportunities.
The installations are part of a broader effort to blend art, nature and tourism in Wood County.
Dr. Todd Witt, general manager of the Upper Sabine Valley Solid Waste Management District, said the idea ties into a larger vision for public art across the county.
“Big Foot came to the Lake Fork area to fish because he loves bass fishing,” Witt said. “He loved this area so much that he decided to move his whole family here. You may hear of and see photos of Big Foot in other places, but he’s just passing through there. The Foots now call Quitman their home.”
Witt said the Bigfoot installation at the arboretum is part of the “Wood County Walls” project, which has already placed murals on buildings across the county. The arboretum will serve as the local host of a Wood County Walls visitor center, with additional centers planned in other Wood County cities.
The Bigfoot carvings were created by local wood-carving artist Jimmy Hobbs after Witt shared his vision for expanding outdoor art experiences at the arboretum.
A grant through the Wood County Economic Development Commission helped launch the arboretum’s nature art trail, with the Bigfoot sculptures serving as the first phase.
Arboretum officials said the installations are already generating excitement among visitors, many of whom have enjoyed stumbling upon the larger-than-life figures while walking the trails.
More Bigfoot sculptures are planned, Witt said — at least four additional carvings are expected. Future additions may include Bigfoot grilling or even playing hide and seek with his family.
Beyond Bigfoot, organizers are preparing other interactive art features.
Another upcoming project, the “A-Door-able Project,” will place creatively painted doors throughout the gardens and woodland trails. Many of the doors will come from Winnsboro’s Bloom Festival before being permanently installed at the arboretum. Witt said the goal is to encourage visitors to explore the grounds while creating memorable, family-friendly experiences.
The arboretum will also partner with the Upper Sabine Valley Solid Waste Management District to promote sustainability through art installations made from repurposed materials.
Officials said the exact locations of the carvings and future installations will be kept flexible, giving visitors a reason to return and discover new additions along the trails.
For now, residents are encouraged not to be alarmed if they encounter Bigfoot in Quitman.
The legendary creature appears to have settled in comfortably — and may soon have a few carved companions joining him in the woods.