I have been told by many older residents of areas having a significant population of these creature that the creatures were put on earth by nature or an unknown entity so that when the "civilized" humans that control it, and who are "hell bent" on destroying themselves and their man-made habitat, the creatures will be the ones to take in and care for those people that have lived in peace with them in the rural areas for generations.
I've heard that for over 50 years. Back then it did make a little sense; now it's beginning to make a h--- of a lot more sense. Think about it; if the major cities of the world were destroyed, but a part of the population survived, what would happen to them? In particular, if THIS country's largest cities, along with their infrastructure, was turned to ruins, how would the people left alive survive after all the edibles were consumed, with no fuel or electrical power. It's like the song says. " A country boy can survive." Bigfoot is the ultimate country boy; and country boys help those that can't help themselves.
This world, and this country, is fast approaching that scenario. That handwriting is on the wall.