YEAR: 1996

SEASON: Summer

MONTH: June

DATE: 29

STATE: Illinois

COUNTY: St. Clair County

LOCATION DETAILS: Highway 15

NEAREST TOWN: Freeburg

OBSERVED: My sister recalled a day sighting roughly 5 pm across from our home, in the strip mines. This was roughly 20 years ago. She was riding a small motorcycle down a rock road, she came over the hill to look at the mine lake. What she thought was a man was squatted sifting water with his hands. When it heard the motorcycle it turned and took off very quickly and uncharacteristically fast towards her. She turned and left as quickly as she could. She didn't notice the body but the face had a large amount of white hair with a rough expression, the movement was very quick and bounding. When she glanced back it was gone. My dad went over to see if he saw any signs of someone staying there and there was nothing. Come to find out there are many sightings in our area of something called the "silver creek freak".

ALSO NOTICED: Nothing was found after the incident

OTHER WITNESSES: Riding a small motorcycle

OTHER STORIES: Yes, numerous sightings of what people called the "silver creek freak". Spotted near the dead end road on the other side of the mines. Along Silver Creek which runs off Jacks Run Road.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: 5:00 pm, normal weather

ENVIRONMENT: Old strip mines, no houses around at that time but rural acreage, wooded, large lake, very little people traffic.

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with both sisters, the one being the witness by phone.

In summary:

• The animal appeared to be digging in the creek 30 yards from witness.
• The animal was six foot tall.
• The animal was brownish in color and very hairy.
• The witness thought the face did not appear to be humanlike.
• The witness was impressed by how quickly the animal moved.

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