YEAR: 1985

SEASON: Summer

STATE: Illinois

COUNTY: Massac County

NEAREST TOWN: Metropolis

OBSERVED: When I was probably ten years old was the very first time I ever seen it. I saw the back motion light come on, I ran back to the back bedroom and peeked through the blinds.

It was digging in the trash cans, burn barrel and eating and taking the trash bags and throwing them on the ground and digging around again. I then ran back to my own bedroom. I never told anyone until about two years ago.

OTHER WITNESSES: No

TIME AND CONDITIONS: 11 p.m.

ENVIRONMENT: Woods, farms, streams

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with the witness by phone.

The witness had previously submitted another report, see: Report # 37972

The two sightings were 25 years apart at the same location. The small farm has been owned by the family for several generations. The home, which is located in an agricultural area had several fruit trees and a large pond. As well as being close to large tracts of woods it is also one mile from the Ohio River.

The witness did not tell his parents about what he saw from fear of them not believing him. He cleaned up the garbage the following morning.

• The animal stood over seven feet tall
• The animal weighed over 300 lbs.
• The hair was brownish-red.
• The witness was unable to see any facial features.
• The burn barrel was only 30 feet from the window.
• The area was lit by a motion detector light.

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