YEAR: 2015

SEASON: Fall

MONTH: November

DATE: Nov. 2

STATE: Illinois

COUNTY: Jackson County

LOCATION DETAILS: I was driving south on hwy 51 what I saw was in the second set of trees just in the tree line. East side of bridge. Left side

NEAREST TOWN: De Soto

NEAREST ROAD: Hwy 51

OBSERVED: While driving my work van just as I was coming over the top of the hill (over pass) a tall dark figure passed in the tree line. It was walking too tall for a human. It was maybe 7 to 8 foot range because it was at the mid point of the trees. There isn't a rise there it's flat I checked because I drive this way 5 days a week twice a day. I watched it walk for several seconds until it disappeared into thicker tree growth. Was stopped due to bridge construction (flagman).

OTHER WITNESSES: 1 witness my bus aide sitting next to me

OTHER STORIES: Other reports on the website for Jackson County. Lots of reports for Murphysboro IL which has the Big Muddy Monster legend which is a 20 minute drive.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: It was 2:30ish pm good light, not a lot of leaves on the trees

ENVIRONMENT: Dry, by railroad tracks, sunny, flat land, trees, fields to the north of tracks, landmark JB's bar

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with the witness by phone. I was unable to speak with her bus aide.

In summary:

• The animal was walking with a determined walk on a grassy path next to the railroad.
• The animal was 7 and one half foot tall.
• The animal was solid blackish brown in color.
• The animal was thin going to muscular in build, with a thick neck.
• The witness watched the animal for a full minute.
• The witness was unable to see the animal's face.

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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