YEAR: 1978

SEASON: Summer

MONTH: July

STATE: Kansas

COUNTY: Shawnee County

LOCATION DETAILS: Just past Fleming Foods and Payless Shoes Distribution Center.

NEAREST TOWN: Topeka

NEAREST ROAD: North US 75.

OBSERVED: I was 10 yrs old roughly my dad and cousin and I were fishing on the Kansas River west of Topeka between Topeka and Silverlake. I was about 125 yards away from them on a sand bar when I looked to the west of me and saw a large dark hairy figure in the water splashing itself as if where bathing. I froze for a minute then it looked at me and stood there. I took off running back to my dad and cousin scared out of my wits. Finally my dad was spooked too so we left the area. To me it looked like a big bear in the water but I remember its arms were way to long.

OTHER WITNESSES: Dad and cousin fishing.

OTHER STORIES: I've heard weird noises on the Wakarusa River fishing, felt like something was watching me. Never been back since about 6 yrs ago.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: Early evening dry and clear.

ENVIRONMENT: Kansas River bottom crop land near Westgate Bridge.

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with the witness by phone. The following details can be added to the report:

• The animal was seven to eight feet tall and weighed about 500 lbs.
• It had a stocky build with broad shoulders and long arms.
• Its hair was short and dark brown in color.
• The witness was unable to see any facial features because he was about 75 yards from the animal.

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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