YEAR: 2008

SEASON: Fall

MONTH: November

DATE: 8

STATE: Illinois

COUNTY: Macoupin County

NEAREST TOWN: Girard

NEAREST ROAD: Henry Rd

OBSERVED: I recently moved out of my house in Girard, IL. During the last year or so I have experienced several strange occurrences. I have never actually seen anything except once a large dark shape moving bipedally through the heavy fog. I have heard the sound of something drumming on tree trunks. The sound of something BIG walking in the woods, on 2 legs. I have found chunks of firewood thrown from my wood pile. And on November 25 of 2008, as I was packing to move I heard a moaning howl very close to the house. I have hunted for 20 years and I have NEVER heard the likes of this.

I stopped loading the vehicle, loaded my .45 and locked the door. I did the rest of my packing the next two nights armed but as before I had the distinct feeling I was being watched and several times large branches were broken, and there was knocking on trees.

Also there is an area of the woods where the grass and foliage is crushed down. This could be deer, but since these things have started occurring, the deer , who are usually thick as fleas have been gone.

OTHER WITNESSES: Several people have heard the knocking. I was alone when the howl occurred.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: Mostly at night.

ENVIRONMENT: Forested area on a hill. Mix of hardwood and pine. Creek runs through the back of property. Surrounding area is a mix of farm land and woods.

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:

- Although the sighting was obscured by heavy fog the witness was still able to make out a couple of details.
- The animal was about seven feet tall.
- The animal was very muscular.
- The animals weight was around 450 lbs.
- The witness was unable to make out any further details.
- The howl was coming from approximately 50 yards from the witness.
- The woodknocks were loud and similar to someone knocking on an oak door.

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