Pope County: a Bigfoot hotspot

Pope County, Illinois, is a significant area for Bigfoot research and encounters, primarily due to its extensive natural landscape. With over 90,000 acres of the majestic Shawnee National Forest sprawling across the county, it offers vast, untouched wilderness that serves as an ideal habitat for elusive creatures like Bigfoot. This dense forest provides ample cover, diverse ecosystems, and secluded areas, making it a prime location for sightings and investigations. Discover why Pope County is a key focus for Illinois Bigfoot research and how you can contribute to our understanding of these mysterious beings.


Sasquatch/Sqwatchers Incident Report

Report ID: Rock in tree
Submitted by: The Sqwatchers
Incident Date: Monday, August 31, 2020 at 2:09 PM

Location:
Pope County

Summary
A large sandstone rock weighing an estimated 250 to 300 pounds was found positioned atop a 7-foot dead stump. The object appeared deliberately placed. Initial attempts to locate the feature were unsuccessful; it was later rediscovered following more precise directions. By the time of the second visit, the rock had been moved from its original position.

Detailed Description
The reporting team received information regarding an anomalous placement of a heavy sandstone rock balanced on a tall dead stump. After an unsuccessful first search, improved directions allowed the team to locate the site approximately one year later. Upon arrival, the rock was no longer present on the stump, indicating it had been removed or displaced in the interim.

Photographs of the original configuration were taken and remain in the possession of The Sqwatchers. Review of the images continues, with particular attention paid to the base of the stump for potential trace evidence such as footprints, hair, or other anomalies.

Environmental Observations
The forest was described as unusually silent during the encounter, creating an atmosphere of heightened tension. The massive stone appeared ancient and was noted as resembling a deliberate message or warning.

Evidence

  • Photographs of the rock on the stump (still held by submitters)
  • No physical trace evidence (footprints, hair, etc.) recovered

Notes
This report documents a possible structure or marker consistent with reported Sasquatch/Sqwatch behavior involving the manipulation of heavy objects in remote wooded areas. The movement of the rock between visits suggests either natural causes, human intervention, or activity by the subject of interest.

Status: Archived / Open for further analysis

End of Report



Incident Report: Unusual Nocturnal Sounds Near Residence

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 17, 2024(incident occurred around 1:30 a.m.)

Summary:

The witness woke from sleep on the couch at approximately 1:30 a.m. and noticed the headlights and cab lights were on in the parked vehicle. Upon stepping outside briefly through the rear deck door to turn off the lights and retrieve a key, two dark shadowy figures were observed running away from the car, accompanied by loud running sounds and vocalizations from the nearby forest.

Narrative:

After falling asleep around 9:00 p.m., the witness awoke and proceeded through the kitchen, observing the vehicle lights still illuminated. To address this, the back door was opened, the key was taken from the wall hook inside, and the door was closed within a few seconds.

Immediately upon returning outside, two dark shadowy figures were seen running away from the car toward the forest. At the same time, distinct heavy running and thrashing noises were heard moving rapidly through the underbrush. These were accompanied by repeated whooping sounds and deep, gorilla-like vocalizations. The figures and sounds moved away quickly into the woods, with both growing fainter as they departed.

No clear details of the figures could be made out beyond their dark, shadowy outlines, and the event lasted only a short time. The witness then turned off the vehicle lights, secured the area, and returned inside.

Observations:

  The vehicle lights were turned off promptly.

  No additional disturbances were noted afterward.

  The sounds and figures suggested large animals or individuals moving at speed through dense vegetation.

This incident appears to be an isolated encounter in the area surrounding the property. No further action is required at this time.


Incident Report: Sighting of Unknown Creature Near Residence

Date/Time: Evening hours (exact time not specified)

Summary:

A witness was relaxing on her deck in the evening when she observed what initially appeared to be a cow walking up the lane toward her. As the figure approached, she realized it was a hairy creature moving on all fours with reddish eyes. The creature continued closer until it was within approximately 20 feet, at which point the witness became frightened, left her granola bars on the deck railing, and retreated inside. She then observed the creature stand upright through the window blinds before it moved off into the woods.

Narrative:

The witness was seated on her deck, looking down the lane, when she noticed a large figure approaching. Initially mistaking it for a cow, she watched as it drew nearer and identified it as a hairy creature crawling on all fours. The creature had noticeable reddish eyes and large gray hands. It continued advancing steadily until it reached a loo distance of about 20 feet from the deck.

At that point, the witness ran inside for safety, leaving several granola bars stacked on the deck railing. From inside, she peered out through the blinds and saw the creature stand upright. It reached just short of a dusk light mounted on a tree approximately 10 to 12 feet high. The creature then turned and ran off into the nearby woods.

Observations:

  No physical contact or property damage occurred.

  The granola bars were left untouched on the railing.

  The encounter caused significant fear to the witness but ended without further incident as the creature departed into the forest.

Investigation is an ongoing process. We searched the wooded area and placed recorders in the area.Below is a few recordings we have caught in that area. The property owner is still in contact with us 

Howls recorded in area

Unknown sound


Incident Report: Multiple Loud Impacts on Residence

Date/Time: May 2025 (nighttime incident, with follow-up the following morning)

Summary:

While home alone, the witness fell asleep on the couch and was awakened by a series of four violent slaps or impacts on the side of the house. In response, she took cover in multiple locations inside the residence, armed herself with a knife, and contacted her husband and a neighbor via text. The neighbor arrived early the next morning to assist. A joint search of the interior and exterior found no evidence of intruders, animals, or damage. The witness noted that the incidents began after she stopped placing food in a habitation bucket located deep in the woods.

Narrative:

On the night in question, the witness was home alone and had fallen asleep on the couch. She was suddenly awakened by a violent slap on the side of the house. Moments later, a second strong impact occurred, prompting her to take cover. A third violent slap followed, at which point she moved to hide behind a stone wall in the center of the house. She then grabbed a knife and took cover under her daughter’s bed (her grown daughter no longer lives at the residence). A fourth powerful impact struck the house, strong enough to shake it.

While hiding under the bed, the witness texted her husband and neighbor for assistance. She remained in place until early the next morning, when the neighbor arrived outside, calling for her. Still cautious, she met with the neighbor, and together they conducted a thorough search inside and outside the house. No signs of disturbance, footprints, damage, or any cause for the impacts were discovered.

Observations:

  No injuries occurred, and no structural damage was visible.

  The witness linked the events to the recent discontinuation of placing food in a habitation bucket deep in the woods.

  All impacts ceased after the witness took cover indoors.

This investigation is ongoing.