People around the world have been on an endless search for the legendary beast known as Bigfoot for decades. Despite the lack of evidence to scientifically prove its existence, many Bigfoot enthusiasts have spent lots of time and money in pursuit of finding Sasquatch. The global fixation on tracking down the mysterious creature is even portrayed in the Animal Planet's reality TV series "Finding Bigfoot," which has been running for six straight seasons.

Although nonbelievers may find Bigfoot fanatics puzzling or bizarre, Eastern Illinois University Professor Joe Gisondi thinks these people are fascinating. In turn, he spent six years researching, studying and interviewing them in order to learn more about their drive and passion for the ape-like animal. He even traveled around the U.S to join them on expeditions to search for Sasquatch in woods, forests and swamps. He then published his findings in "Monster Trek: The Obsessive Search," a book that focuses on what Bigfoot seekers do and insight into why they do it.

Through his investigation, Gisondi discovered "that the bigfoot research network is far bigger and more diverse than he ever imagined," states his website.

In an interview with The Journal Gazette & Times Courier published Thursday, he said his inspiration to write the book sparked from his interest in possibly mythical creatures and a love for camping. His idea to write about people on a mission to find Bigfoot began to solidify as he started talking to people dedicated to finding and researching Sasquatch.

"I find the eyewitness accounts to be both the most interesting and compelling and also the most bizarre at the same time," he said. "I have talked to people who tell me stories that I have no reason to believe they are lying to me, which means they either saw something that was actually Bigfoot, or they believe they saw something that was actually Bigfoot."

Gisondi said that he wanted to bring the other side of the story to light by getting into the heads of those who go out in search for the elusive creature.

While conducting research, he was led to eight different locations across the U.S. He also accompanied Big Foot Research Organization investigator Matt Moneymaker, who stars on "Finding Bigfoot," on expeditions.

"These people are passionate about this," he said. "I am just telling their story."

He said his experience has also shown him how different Bigfoot fans are.

"I learned you can't stereotype. People would like to stereotype what people for Bigfoot look like," Gisondi said.

"There was one guy who lost his profession (because of Bigfoot)," Gisondi said. "He was a guide in Wisconsin, lived his whole life in the woods, and got scared out of the woods because he had two encounters with Bigfoot. Now he is back in the woods trying to find him."