I would both expect that response and accept it as true, because if, for example, a post commander at Ft. Lewis some 60 years or so ago wanted to know what was going on on his post with these crazy reports from his soldiers and had one of these creatures shot, I do not believe he or the commanding general would send the carcass to the Smithsonian.
The issue would officially die just like that particular sasquatch (heck, the order to figure out what was happening wasn't even "official")...........but among certain circles, there would be conversations.
This is how things remain secret, as opposed to covered up, which tends to be an illegal act purposely cloaked over in conspiracy among the guilty parties.