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A Time When Self-Defense was the Only Reason to Kill a Snowman

This is exactly why the US government spared no time in 1959 to remind these hunters that they should not shoot a found yeti. This is allowed only if the mysterious creature attacked the hunter. A government document dated December 10, 1959 outlines the rules to be followed when hunting the yeti in Nepal.

First of all, it was not for nothing. Potential hunters had to obtain a permit from the Nepalese government and pay 5,000 rupees (about 1,000 euros today). Only after receiving permission, the hunter was allowed to go on the desired adventure.

Photo: NARA

The document also stated that the Nepalese government owns any potential evidence of the yeti’s existence found by the hunter. If you happen to take a photograph of a yeti, it is also immediately handed over to the government. The photograph could only be released to the press if approved by the Nepalese government. Let’s not even talk about the case when the yeti was captured.

A Yeti was not to be shot unless it was in self-defense. The purpose of the Yeti hunt was not to get trophies, but to make a contribution to science.

Why did the US government care so much? According to the National Archives, it was a diplomatic move. Nepal had already issued such a document two years earlier. Its translation into English signaled US support for Nepalese sovereignty. In this way, the US hoped that Nepal, which shares a border with China, would allow the Americans to continue to monitor the activities of the Chinese Communist government.

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