Nepal Army, wildlife officer dismiss Indian Army's Yeti claim

The Nepal Army and a wildlife expert have dismissed the Indian Army's claim that its soldiers have spotted footprints of Yeti, the mythical beast found in the Himalayas, near the Makalu Base Camp, saying they were likely that of a bear.

On Monday, the Army claimed its mountaineering expedition team in Nepal found mysterious large footprints in the snow that they believe belong to Yeti, or the abominable snowman.

In Nepali folklore, Yeti is a mythical ape-like creature taller than an average human that is said to inhabit the Himalayas, Siberia, Central and East Asia.

"For the first time, an Indian Army Mountaineering Expedition Team has sited (sic) Mysterious Footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' measuring 32x15 inches close to Makalu Base Camp on 09 April 2019. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past," the Indian Army tweeted on Monday night.

The Army also released photos showing large footprints in the snow which they claim belong to the creature.

However, Director General of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Man Bahadur Khadka has dismissed the Indian Army's claim,