YEAR: 1986

SEASON: Fall

MONTH: November

DATE: 29

STATE: Illinois

COUNTY: Putnam County

LOCATION DETAILS: Two miles south of Hennepin on Hennepin Farms Rd.

NEAREST TOWN: Hennepin

NEAREST ROAD: Illinois Rt 26

OBSERVED: In November 1986 I was on my bike (bmx). We just had snow, about one inch. I was riding it on the road. I looked down at the road and when I looked back up I saw something that I will never forget. It was bigfoot. It was only about fifty yards away from me crossing the road, all of eight foot tall, long light brown hair. I ran into the house to get a camera could not find one. Me and my sister did find footprints the next day. I live close to the river on a farm, a lot of woods. About five years ago there was a sighting about seven miles from where I live. There are people that just don't like to talk about it. I do know that they are out there.

ALSO NOTICED: We had cows and there was a time I remember one was torn up pretty bad and so was a calf. I know it was not coyotes!

OTHER WITNESSES: Just me. My sister found the footprints with me next day.

OTHER STORIES: I have heard of others seeing it in the area.

TIME AND CONDITIONS: Afternoon. Sunset. Cold clear. Fresh snow about one to two inches.

ENVIRONMENT: The area is wooded, a lot of woods and river.

Follow-up investigation report by BFRO Investigator Stan Courtney:

I spoke with the witness by phone.

In summary:

- The animal was crossing the road about 50 yards from the witness.
- The animal was between 7 1/2 to 8 feet tall.
- The animal appeared to weigh over 400 lbs.
- The animal was very muscular.
- The witness was unable to see any details of the face.
- Skin on the face was dark brown.
- The fur was long and reddish brown in color.

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 [email protected]