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YEAR: 2010
SEASON: Winter
MONTH: January
DATE: Jan 5
STATE: Illinois
COUNTY: Fulton County
NEAREST TOWN: Ellisville
NEAREST ROAD: Country Rd 17
OBSERVED: Late October, 2009 a friend and I was hunting for deer looking for tracks. We came across a bare footprint. Didn't really think much about it at the time.
On Jan 5, 2010 we went hunting my friend dropped me off at a house that sits on the property, that no-one lives at. He dropped me off at 6.15 am, while I was getting suited up, I heard the lowest growl I have ever heard in my life. Almost so low that the ground shook. Anyway when I heard the growl I turn my flashlight in that direction. There are horses in that field, they were running and their eyes were full of fear. Well I continued to my stand and about thirty minutes later heard a single wood knock from 3 different directions. On top of that also heard what sounded like screech owls coming from same directions as the knocks.
On Jan 11, 2010 my friend and I went to go shoot our guns with his son and nephew. My friends stand sit about 50 yards of the road with a fence about 40 yards away. We found track that come right up to the fence and stop then go back across the dirt road and that's where I heard the growl. The print were 21 inches long 4 inches at heel and 7 inches at the toes.
ALSO NOTICED: none
OTHER WITNESSES: Growl - 1 witness
Woodknock -2 witnesses
Prints - 4 witnesses
OTHER STORIES: no
TIME AND CONDITIONS: Early morning
ENVIRONMENT: Farmland
Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:
I spoke with both witnesses by phone. In summary:
- The footprint was 21 inches long, 4 inches wide at heel and 7 inches wide at the toes.
- Although there were several footprints leading up to the fence, only one retained detail.
This location is in the heart of Spoon River country.
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