To print this page, select "Print" from the File menu of your browser salon.com > Travel Feb. 1, 2000 URL: http://www.salon.com/travel/planet/2000/02/01/yeti Leave the Yeti alone! Chinese government cites environmental concerns; $60,000 award left unrewarded. - - - - - - - - - - - - By J.A. Getzlaff The Chinese government has put an end to hunts for the Yeti, the Asian version of the Abominable Snowman, reports the BBC. The Himalayas are the supposed home of the mysterious creature, who is believed to be big and hairy and probably white, with pointed teeth. Through the years many people have claimed to have seen the Yeti, but none of them has been able to capture the big-footed creature on film (or lure him to civilization for a little Kung Pao chicken). Mountaineers have reported hearing odd, high-pitched sounds -- imagine, in the mountains -- and stumbling upon unfamiliar footprints during their travels. Scientists have even joined the quest for the elusive Yeti, but have never gotten further than their hypotheses. The Chinese government, citing environmental concerns, has ordered tour groups to halt their Yeti-chasing. Now those who had hoped to win a $60,000 reward for nabbing the Yeti will have to put their energies towards finding other forms of undocumented animal life. Like maybe at the next World Cup? salon.com | Feb. 1, 2000   - - - - - - - - - - - - About the writer J.A. Getzlaff's Daily Planet appears every weekday. Do you have a tip or tale for J.A.? Send it to DailyPlanet@salon.com.