YEAR: 2017

SEASON: Summer

MONTH: August

STATE: Florida

COUNTY: Marion County

LOCATION DETAILS: Location was Hopkins Prairie in Ocala National Forest.

NEAREST TOWN: Fort McCoy

NEAREST ROAD: FR 86

OBSERVED: We were driving two jeeps through the forest, driving along the inner perimeter road of Hopkins Prairie. We saw a structure in the distance and wanted to know what it was. Found what appeared to be a concrete boat ramp in the middle of the Prairie. We didn't know the name of where we were until till we started to leave. Looking across the prairie towards the campground (which we also didn't know was there) when appeared this large creature at about 100 to 150 yards away. We just stood there not saying a word at first.

I remember saying to myself "look at those shoulders". It was moving around the edge of the campground right where the grass for the prairie starts. I wear glasses and I had them on so I could see but not as well as the others. I do remember it was just kind of walking in a small area like it was trying to decide what it was going to do and I remember its arms were long just down by its side and swaying.

I don't think it saw us. It turned and walked up into the campground and disappeared. We drove over to the camp ground still not knowing it was a campground to look around. The campground was closed so we went around the fence. We went to where we saw it and noticed a footprint in the wet ground. We also noticed spots where it walked through the tall grass. My nephew tried to step out the places it appeared to step but the stride was to wide for him.

We didn't see anyone at the campground, and it appeared that no one had been to the campground. On the way in to the prairie and before the sighting we saw an abundance of wildlife which I thought was odd. We saw turkey, deer, panther tracks (which we have a picture of) and on the way out after the sighting we saw a black bear that we took video of. All of these animals except for the bear we saw within a matter of minutes of each other. When we saw the creature we just stood there, didn't reach for cameras. I never even thought to take of picture but we did take pictures of the other animals. Mt sister in law said it was reddish brow in color.

ALSO NOTICED: Found what appears to be a large footprint at location where we saw large creature, have picture of foot print.

OTHER WITNESSES: there were 4 witnesses myself, my son, nephew and sister in law

OTHER STORIES: None

TIME AND CONDITIONS: It was Afternoon

ENVIRONMENT: it was a sunny day with white clouds in the sky. visibility was excellent.

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Matthew Moneymaker:

I spoke with the witness Matt Center. He's a credible witness. He and his family are willing to appear on camera for local media or documentary projects.

The campground he mentions is the one noted on Google Maps when you search for "Hopkins Prairie." It is in the southwest corner of the prairie. The campground is only open in winter months. After big rain events the "prairie" becomes a lake.

There were four witnesses total. The bigfoot was 100 yards away. They observed it for roughly 30 seconds.

The Florida Trail runs alongside the campground.

There is a correlation between many sightings and major hiking trails like the Florida Trail, the Buckeye Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, especially where these trails are close to isolated lakes.




This spring fed pond near the campground is the only clean water for miles around. This is where you should look for tracks if you decide to check out the area.

About BFRO Investigator Matthew Moneymaker:

Matthew Moneymaker is originally from the Los Feliz District of Los Angeles, California.

- Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

- Juris Doctorate (Law degree) from University of Akron School of Law

- Founder of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization,1995.

- Writer and co-producer of the Discovery Channel documentary "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science", 2001.

- Co-producer of the TV Series "Mysterious Encounters" for the Outdoor Life Network (OLN Channel), 2002.

- Producer of the "2003 International Bigfoot Symposium" (Willow Creek Symposium) DVD set, 2004.

- Co-host of "Finding Bigfoot" on Animal Planet Channel, 2010 - 2017.

- Current Director of the BFRO

- Available for private bigfoot expeditions and conferences. To inquire please email ContactUS@BFRO.net

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