Geographical Index > United States > Illinois > La Salle County > Report # 30003
(Class A)
Submitted by witness on Monday, July 18, 2011.
Late night encounter by a motorcyclist outside of Marseilles
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YEAR: 2011
SEASON: Summer MONTH: July DATE: 18 STATE: Illinois COUNTY: La Salle County LOCATION DETAILS: From Yorkville take Illinois Rt 71 west, after you pass Norway go down the hill to Marseilles road (County Highway 15), which you can only turn left (south). It took place at the height of the first curve. NEAREST TOWN: Marseilles NEAREST ROAD: Illinois Rt 71 & County Hwy 15 OBSERVED: I work nights, and was riding my motorcycle home (Marseilles, IL) from work. At about 1 am I turned from Illinois Rt 71 south onto Marseilles road.
Immediately after the turn there are 2 sharp curves in the road. I down shifted into 2nd gear as I approached the first curve. When down shifting my pipes become quite loud and often pop. As I began the turn in an instant I saw a large figure standing near the edge of the corn along side the road (to my right). Quickly it leaned slightly forward and made a loud higher pitched sound, almost like a scream, or a call.
Looking back I would consider that perhaps my pipes scared it. This scream was incredibly loud and echoed, it was so close I honestly hit the throttle and started screaming myself. I came to the second curve, too scared to look in my mirror I took the curve a bit quick and briefly heard the scream again. In all honesty I hit the throttle and didn't look back. OTHER WITNESSES: None OTHER STORIES: I have not. TIME AND CONDITIONS: Clear night, full moon, approx. 1am. Calm winds. ENVIRONMENT: Took place at the edge of a cornfield. Due east is a small hunting area that is wooded and fields.
Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:
I spoke with the witness by phone.
In Summary:
• The animal was between seven and eight feet tall.
• The animal was stocky and muscularly built.
• The hair was darkly colored.
• The animal did not move but stood still as the witness drove by.
• The high whooping scream was similar to what is on the
BFRO sound page from 1978.
• The witness was only about 35 feet from the animal.
• Although the pipes on his motorcycle are loud the witness states that this animal's scream/calls were very loud and were easily heard over his motorcycle.
There is a creek and a heavily wooded area very close to this location, in addition to the farming fields.
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
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