YEAR: 2012

SEASON: Winter

MONTH: November

DATE: 4

STATE: Florida

COUNTY: Collier County

LOCATION DETAILS: about 20 miles west of Broward County

NEAREST TOWN: Everglades west of Broward County

NEAREST ROAD: Alligator Alley

OBSERVED: I was out in the everglades target shooting when I heard something making a lot of noise behind me while I was reloading. When I turned around I say a bipedal ape-like thing looking from behind a tree. I glared at it for a few seconds and I started running off. It scared the **** out of me. As I got to my car, I saw the thing running behind the trees away from me and then I left in a hurry.

ALSO NOTICED: none that I am aware of

OTHER WITNESSES: I was alone target practicing

OTHER STORIES: there has been many sightings of this

TIME AND CONDITIONS: day time clear sunny

ENVIRONMENT: Swamp near a stream

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator David Bakara:

I spoke with the witness by phone. He had pulled off the road to target shoot with his new gun. He'd only been in this spot a few minutes, enough time to set up some bottles and cans, and shoot one clip of ammo. He was reloading his second clip, and turned around to see a 6 1/2 ft tall, man-like ape standing behind a tree looking at him. It had walked up behind him, and was only about 20 feet away. He described it as covered in dark brown hair, with a face between a man and an ape. The arms were longer than a man's, and he was positive that it wasn't a bear standing on two legs. As soon as he saw this animal, it let out a deep grunt, that the witness said he felt, as well heard.

About BFRO Investigator David Bakara:

David has three daughters and a wife that shares his interest in research, both having developed a deep respect for nature and knowledge of the outdoors and wildlife. Attended Northern Florida Expedition 2011, 2012 Washington Exp., and 2012 North Florida exp. Prior US Navy and currently works as a Leasing Agent, spending his time off in the woods as often as he can investigating Bigfoot reports.

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