Johnson County, Illinois, located in the "Little Egypt" region of Southern Illinois, has Vienna as its county seat and a population of around 13,300. Established in 1812, it's known for its rural character and is home to parts of the Shawnee National Forest and attractions like Ferne Clyffe State Park. 

Bigfoot / Sasquatch Encounter Investigation Report

Report Date: August 4, 2026
Location of Interview: Vienna, Illinois (Johnson County).
Investigators: Jim Peters and Joe Jenkins
Witness: Cyle Harner
Reference Material: Video interview of witness conducted by documentary filmmaker Joseph Tury

Background

Investigators traveled to Vienna, Illinois, in Johnson County to meet with witness Cyle Harner. Prior to the interview, investigators reviewed a video in which  Cyle recounted his experience to documentary filmmaker Joseph Tury.

Upon arrival, investigators introduced themselves and conducted an in-person interview regarding his reported encounter.

Witness Account

Cyle stated that he has hunted with his grandfather since the age of five. When he was approximately ten or eleven years old, he was permitted for the first time to hunt alone on a portion of the family’s property. The appropriate year was 2002.

• He traveled by four-wheeler to the area and then proceeded ahead on foot.
• Conditions were dark; he carried a 6-volt lantern.
• While on foot, he stopped and realized he was looking directly at a Sasquatch standing and looking at him.
• Both the witness and the creature remained stationary for a few seconds.
• He also reported that he was not frightened at the time.
• He estimated the creature’s height at approximately 7 feet.
• While looking straight ahead, he was viewing the creature’s midsection.
• The creature then turned and moved into the woods. Cyle noted that it made no sound while walking away.

When asked about subsequent activity in the area, the witness reported that he occasionally hears howls.

Supporting Materials

Included with this report are trail camera photographs that appear to show a possible hand captured on camera which was about five feet off the ground.

Report prepared by: [The Sqwatchers ]

Date of Report: August 4, 2026