The fastest path to understanding Bigfoot is within worldwide indigenous lore. Bigfoot and all of its namesakes have had a significant impact on indigenous traditions. The mythology is consistent from the ancient world to the present.
There’s a lot of corresponding paleo-anthropology to consider. Of course you need to retain a sense of humor regarding the subject along the way but as Hacking Bigfoot demonstrates, Bigfoot is a valid anthropological phenomenon traceable to paleo times.