YEAR: 1986

SEASON: Fall

MONTH: November

DATE: 29

STATE: Illinois

COUNTY: Putnam County

LOCATION DETAILS: Two miles south of Hennepin on Hennepin Farms Rd.

NEAREST TOWN: Hennepin

NEAREST ROAD: Illinois Rt 26

OBSERVED: In November 1986 I was on my bike (bmx). We just had snow, about one inch. I was riding it on the road. I looked down at the road and when I looked back up I saw something that I will never forget. It was bigfoot. It was only about fifty yards away from me crossing the road, all of eight foot tall, long light brown hair. I ran into the house to get a camera could not find one. Me and my sister did find footprints the next day. I live close to the river on a farm, a lot of woods. About five years ago there was a sighting about seven miles from where I live. There are people that just don't like to talk about it. I do know that they are out there.

ALSO NOTICED: We had cows and there was a time I remember one was torn up pretty bad and so was a calf. I know it was not coyotes!

OTHER WITNESSES: Just me. My sister found the footprints with me next day.

OTHER STORIES: I have heard of others seeing it in the area.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: Afternoon. Sunset. Cold clear. Fresh snow about one to two inches.

ENVIRONMENT: The area is wooded, a lot of woods and river.

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with the witness by phone.

In summary:

- The animal was crossing the road about 50 yards from the witness.
- The animal was between 7 1/2 to 8 feet tall.
- The animal appeared to weigh over 400 lbs.
- The animal was very muscular.
- The witness was unable to see any details of the face.
- Skin on the face was dark brown.
- The fur was long and reddish brown in color.

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