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That is an interesting idea.  Misunderstood in what way(s)?  Care to elaborate?  

Partly because of the major complications that would come with having to designate the species as Endangered, which would mean having to seal off large swaths of land for their protection. And when they realize all the areas they live in, then imagine the politics of it all.   And which federal agency would be in charge of ownership or managing the species? Look at what transpired after they found the carcass of 'Kennewick Man'. Even the Army Corps of Engineers got involved and wouldn't cooperate with the public, the state, or other federal agencies. It was a disaster. Now take that example and multiply it by 10,000 with a newly discovered and recognized primate all over North America.   Seriously though, read the story of what happened with 'Kennewick Man'. It's a good starter for all things federal dysfunction. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/kennewick-man-finally-freed-share-his-secrets-180952462/   I have changed my mind and no longer want the US federal government to recognize or manage the species. What an awful mess that would be. Just leave it alone.

Perhaps it's neither myth nor monster.  Maybe just misunderstood. 

What if they know bigfoot are human? That would open a HUGE can of worms.

The Fed's view of Bigfoot is a lot like my view of my neighbor's tree.  Until it falls on my roof, I don't consider it or think about it.   To the extent they might have concerns AFTER the fact I don't see one overriding government concern.   You mention various considerations which might come into play.  But they are not going to come into play until they need to come into play.   Look at what our government did on a known creature:  The Condor.      At no time did all lumbar industry shut down because of the condor.  Obviously when they knew the condor numbers were going down, they took many actions. The Bald Eagle was in trouble.  That known animal was on the endangered list.  Then, the government took many actions.  Today the bald eagle is pretty common thankfully.  At no time did they limit or stop fishing, tree cutting, and so on.  They did have big time fines and possible jail time for killing a bald eagle.  I am not saying they didn't have any restrictions.   But the whole world didn't stop.     We can see what the government would concern itself with and how it would base on some real-world examples.  I really doubt the government knows bigfoot is real.   Just like the condor, bald eagle or any other example I admit the government would take SOME action.  I just doubt the logging industry and others would suddenly come to an end.    Sure, a more dangerous animal might increase limitations of what the public could and couldn't do.  i have to think even with bears, people are able to still go into the woods.