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 [email protected]

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