YEAR: Late 1980s

SEASON: Winter

MONTH: January

DATE: 14

STATE: Missouri

COUNTY: Jefferson County

LOCATION DETAILS: The area is pretty rural. I haven't been back in several years due to being in the military. I can give exact address if needed.

NEAREST TOWN: Hematite

NEAREST ROAD: Stroup Rd

OBSERVED: I can vividly remember the event. We lived on Stroup Road, which was about 10 miles west of Festus Mo. It was in the winter and there was several inches of snow on the gound. Me and my younger brother was riding our 4-wheerler on our property and was looking ahead up the trail and saw a large creature moving through some pine trees up at the end of the trail. Even though I was about 13 at the time, I had a couple years of deer hunting and had seen a black bear before, the size of the animal or creature I had saw difenatly was not either of the two. It was dark colored and and appeard to be at least 6 or 7 feet tall. I couldn't make out any real features but it scared the heck out of me and my brother. I turned around and hauled butt out of there. I drove through a small creek and up a steep hill to get back to our house, was so scared that I left the 4-wheeler running. I was just happy that the 4-wheeler made it up the hill. Just talking about this brings goose bumps on my legs and arms. I can remember this like it was yesterday. People that I have told this to chuckle at the story, but they weren't there.

ALSO NOTICED: No, was to scared to go back up there for a while. We didn't check for any tracks.

OTHER WITNESSES: It was just myself and my brother. I dont remember if he saw it becouse he was on the back of our 4-wheeler.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: It was seen in late morning or early afternoon. There was several inches of snow on the ground and was somewhat overcast.

ENVIRONMENT: Our property was wooded with oak and pine trees. At that time it was fairly thick, but haven't been there in some time.

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with the witness by phone. The following details can be added to the report:

--Animal weighed at least 300 pounds and was of a stocky build.
--The hair was dark brown, of medium length and laid flat against the body.
--The animal appeared to be casually walking through the trees and although aware of the boys' presence did not hurry.
--It was at a distance of about seventy-five yards from the boys.
--Witness was not able to see any facial features.

About BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

Stan Courtney has a special interest in wildlife audio recording. He has attended numerous BFRO Expeditions. See Stan's blog StanCourtney.com for recordings he has collected over the years.

Stan Courtney can be reached at illinois@bfro.net