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Submitted by The Sqwatchers 

One night in sept of 2013 three of us were camping on a bluff overhang between Garden Of The Gods and Herod Il. We set up camp and about 4 in the morning I heard my cousin Tim Stanley get up and begin to stoke the fire up. My other buddy Jim Peters then got up also and I heard them talking and being awake myself I decided to get up also and enjoy the fire.

While we were talking we heard a sound that came from the hill across the valley. I would say at least a quarter of a mile away. It started out kind of low and quickly built into an extremely loud sound that none of us had ever heard before in the woods. We have done a lot of camping and hiking. 

The sound was a very large Whoop sound that was so loud you could feel it. Whatever this was I can honestly say I know it was not human. Nor any animal that I am familiar with. Living here most of my life. I asked my friends who were just looking around what that was ? Jim spoke up and said “I can tell you what it sounds like but you guys aren’t going to believe me”. At which time he stated he had heard something like the sound on a YouTube video about Bigfoot. We were non believers but it made the most sense after what we had just heard.

About that time we heard another answer with the same kind of whoop but what seemed like a mile or more away. From the north. We talked about what had happened and could hear what seemed to be chatter

“ we now know” coming from down in the valley for approximately 30 minutes. We eventually all went back into our hammocks and went back to sleep not knowing what we had heard. After returning from the woods we began to check out sounds on the internet and believe what we heard that night was definitely a Sasquatch. 

We have been back several times but have not had the same experience.

Track Discovery Report

Report Date: July 17, 2026
Incident Date: August 23, 2018
Location: Garden of the Gods, Upper Bluff Area 

Observer Information

• Primary Observer: [Joe Jenkins ]
• Additional Observers: Wife and grandchildren (youngest grandson made the initial discovery)
• Activity: Family hike on the upper bluff trail

Incident Summary

On August 23, 2018, while hiking with my wife and grandchildren in the Garden of the Gods area, my youngest grandson discovered a series of tracks that appeared to be large footprints crossing a trail in the red clay soil.

The tracks were located on a well-traveled footpath. Approximately 15 feet away was a separate horse trail. The horse hoof prints were only about one inch deep. In contrast, the discovered footprints were notably deeper despite the ground conditions.

Physical Description of the Site & Tracks

• Soil Conditions: The ground consisted of red clay that had become very hard, almost cement-like. The area is a high-traffic trail, yet the prints remained highly distinct.
• Track Characteristics: Deep impressions consistent in shape with large footprints.
• Comparison: Significantly deeper than nearby horse hoof prints (≈1 inch deep).

Follow-up Documentation

A couple of days after the initial discovery, Jim and I returned to the site and took additional photographs, including measurements with a tape measure for scale. The attached image is one of the photographs from the site showing two clear, deep impressions in the hardened soil amid leaves and natural debris.

Evidence

• Photographs taken on the day of discovery and during the follow-up visit with measurements.
• I am able to provide the full set of photos if needed for review.

Additional Notes:
The combination of the extreme hardness of the ground, the high traffic on the trail, and the depth of the impressions made the tracks particularly noteworthy.

Submitted by: [The Sqwatchers]

Incident Report: Possible Sasquatch Interaction
Location: Garden of the Gods Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois – Indian Point Trail
Date of Incident: Summer 2017
Submitted by: The Sqwatchers
Report Compiled: July 2026

Executive Summary

On a warm summer afternoon in 2017, two experienced hikers encountered what appears to be an intelligent, non-human response while resting at the base of remote bluffs along the Indian Point Trail. The witnesses used rock-clacking to mimic sounds previously heard during a prior camping trip. Within approximately twenty seconds, two distinct clacking sounds were returned from deep in the dense, unmarked woodland to the south. No other hikers, vehicles, or signs of human presence were observed in the area before or after the incident. The response originated from a terrain with no trails, suggesting deliberate mimicry by an unknown entity.

Detailed Account

Bith Joe Jenkins and companion Jim Peters were hiking the Indian Point Trail in the Garden of the Gods area. After several miles, they paused for a break at the base of towering sandstone bluffs, surrounded by thick forest that seemed to swallow sound and light alike.

Seeking to test a theory from a previous campout where they had heard unexplained “tree knocks,” Jim picked up two rocks and struck them together twice. The sharp, echoing cracks cut through the still air.

They waited.

Roughly twenty seconds later, two answering clacks rang out from the south—farther away, deeper into the woods. The sound was unmistakable: rock striking rock. The response came from a direction with no trails, no paths, and nothing but steep, overgrown wilderness stretching half a mile. The woods there are rugged, with ravines and heavy canopy that blocks the sunlight even at midday.

The parking lot was completely empty when they began the hike and remained deserted upon their return. No other visitors were seen or heard during the entire outing.

Environmental Context

• Terrain: Rugged bluffs, dense hardwood forest, and deep hollows with limited visibility.
• Time of Day: Afternoon (exact time not specified, but broad daylight).
• Conditions: Clear summer weather, typical for the region.
• Prior Activity: Witnesses had experienced unexplained tree knocks on a previous trip in the area, prompting the rock-clacking experiment.

Creepy Observations & Analysis

What makes this encounter particularly unsettling is the precise timing and mirroring of the sound. The twenty-second delay suggests something was listening intently—perhaps assessing the hikers—before choosing to reply in kind. The response originated from terrain with no trails and no obvious signs of passage, yet no branches snapped, no foliage moved, and no further sounds followed.

Many researchers in the region have noted similar “call-and-response” behaviors attributed to Sasquatch: deliberate mimicry used to communicate, test, or even toy with intruders. The Garden of the Gods and surrounding Shawnee National Forest have a long history of strange vocalizations, rock clacks, and the feeling of being observed by unseen eyes.

Conclusion & Recommendations

This incident fits the pattern of intelligent, rock-based communication reported in Sasquatch encounters across North America. The entity did not escalate but made its presence known in a calculated, unnerving manner—enough to send a clear message: You are not alone here.

Future visitors to the Indian Point Trail and surrounding bluffs are strongly advised to:

• Carry recording equipment.
• Avoid mimicking knocks or calls unless prepared for a possible reply.
• Maintain heightened awareness of sudden silences in the woods.

The woods remember. And sometimes… they answer back.

End of Report
Status: Unresolved – Possible Class B Sasquatch Encounter 

Site 2

 

submitted by Jim Peters

Bigfoot/Sasquatch Sighting Report

Report Date: July 14, 2026

Incident Date: March 2024, morning

Location: Unspecified wooded area adjacent to Shawnee national Forest with tree line (approximately 60 yards from witness position)

Classification: Class B (sighting supported by photographic evidence and scale measurement; no clear physical traces reported)

Witness: Anonymous (described as observant individual in mid 60’s using a phone camera)

Environmental Conditions

The sighting occurred on a March morning following rainfall. Conditions were misty with lingering moisture in the air, contributing to a diffused, low-contrast light. The sky was uniformly gray, and the trees were leafless, typical of early spring. The overall landscape exhibited a pervasive gray tint, with bare branches and muted tones dominating the scene. Visibility was reduced by mist but sufficient for detailed observation at mid-range distances.

Witness Account

While observing the area, the witness noticed an anomaly near the tree line approximately 60 yards away. Something in the scene “wasn’t quite right.” Upon closer inspection through the viewfinder or later review, the witness identified a large, upright figure consistent with a Sasquatch (Bigfoot).

The figure blended exceptionally well with the background, its form and coloration merging seamlessly with the gray, leafless trees and misty environment. A prominent branch crossed the figure’s forehead area. In a follow-up investigation, this branch was measured at approximately 8 feet from the ground, providing a reliable scale reference for the creature’s height (estimated in the 8-foot or taller range based on typical head positioning). The witness captured a photograph of the area using a phone camera.

Physical Description and Behavior

•  Height: Scale reference (8-foot branch across forehead) indicates a tall, upright hominoid approximately 8 feet or greater.

•  Appearance: The face appeared hairless, while the rest of the body was covered in a lot of hair. The skull was conical in shape. The creature exhibited strong camouflage, with its body and features matching the monochromatic gray-brown tones of the early spring woodland. It remained largely stationary, relying on stillness and background blending rather than immediate flight.

•  Location/Context: Positioned toward the tree line, utilizing partial cover typical of edge-habitat behavior reported in many Sasquatch encounters.

No additional movement, vocalizations, or secondary evidence (e.g., footprints, odors) were detailed in the initial account. In the follow-up, investigators searched for prints, but the leaf clutter was thick and unable to verify any prints based on the substrate.

Analysis and Corroboration

This report aligns with numerous documented Sasquatch sightings, particularly those involving:

•  Early spring conditions where leafless trees and mist enhance natural camouflage.

•  Use of tree lines and mid-distance observations (50–100 yards).

•  Post-incident scale measurements using overhead branches or fixed landscape features for height verification.

Photographic evidence in such conditions is often initially ambiguous due to lighting and distance but reveals anomalies upon enhancement or review. The blending effect described is a recurring theme in credible reports, where the creature’s fur, posture, and immobility disrupt outlines in a manner consistent with known primate camouflage strategies.

Recommendations for Further Investigation:

•  Obtain and analyze the original photograph (including metadata for date/time and any enhancements).

•  Site visit to measure additional reference points and search for ancillary evidence.

 

This account contributes to the body of evidence suggesting the presence of an undocumented large primate in North American woodlands. Further details from the witness would strengthen the report.

End of Report

Witness Statement Report: Strange Stick Structures

Date of Report: July 15, 2026

Incident Date: March 2, 2021

Location: Saline County on property adjacent to Shawnee National Forest

Witness Account

The witness was walking through his property searching for sheds when he stumbled upon unusual stick structures.

First Structure: Approximately 2.5-foot sticks, broken on each end, were found leaning against the base of a tree and arranged all the way around it. The witness estimated about 15 sticks forming this circular pattern.

Second Structure: Located about 25 yards away, this consisted of one limb leaning against the tree with 4-foot sticks leaning on each side (approximately three on each side), forming a structure about 4 feet high.

The witness noted that these structures were found on private property and does not believe anybody would have been back there messing around to create them. He thinks they were deliberately made by something other than humans.

Physical Evidence: No footprints were observed at either location. There was some ruffling of the leaves on the ground, but no firm footprints. The property owner reported hearing no unusual sounds.

Observations and Notes

•  No audible disturbances reported by the owner.

•  Leaf disturbance noted but no clear tracks.

•  Structures appear deliberately constructed with broken sticks.

•  Witness believes the remote private property location makes human construction unlikely.

Witness Statement Report: Trail Cam Sighting of Possible Cryptid

Date of Report: July 15, 2026

Incident Date: February 2021 (initial sighting)

Location: Saline  County on property adjacent to Shawnee National Forest

Witness Account

The witness had a trail cam positioned in the woods on his private property for several months. The camera was set to record 10-second videos rather than still images. Over this period, it captured only normal wildlife activity, including coyotes, squirrels, deer, and turkey.

In February 2021, the witness pulled the memory card and began reviewing the footage. A coyote passed through the area and triggered the camera at approximately 11:00 PM. With about eight seconds of video remaining in pitch darkness, the witness observed movement between a couple of trees in the background.

The witness sent the footage to the Sqwatchers. They were able to enhance the video, revealing a hairy cryptid standing between the trees. The creature was of shorter stature—approximately 6 feet tall—and may have been a juvenile. This sighting occurred on private property, and the witness does not believe anyone would have been messing around in that remote area.

Follow-Up Investigation

Members of the Sqwatchers returned to the site for a follow-up visit. They took a photograph of one of their members standing in the same spot where the cryptid appeared in order to demonstrate the approximate size of the figure. During this visit, they did not observe any footprints or other physical signs.

The Sqwatchers subsequently deployed additional trail cameras and audio recorders at the site over the following months. No additional visual activity of interest was captured on the trail cams. However, they were able to record audio that included knocks as well as other unknown sounds.

Observations and Notes

•  The trail cam had been in place for an extended period with only routine wildlife activity prior to this event.

•  Footage was captured at night in low-light (pitch dark) conditions.

•  Enhanced video shows a hairy, bipedal-appearing figure consistent with a possible cryptid.

•  Follow-up photo provides scale reference showing the figure was roughly 6 feet tall.

•  No footprints or additional visual signs were found during the site visit.

•  Subsequent audio recordings captured knocks and unknown sounds, while trail cams showed no further visual activity of interest.

•  Witness and investigators emphasize the remote, private nature of the property, making human hoax or activity unlikely.

Witness Statement Report: Mysterious Mechanical Sounds – Bluff Campsite Encounter

Date of Report: July 15, 2026

Incident Date: [To be filled by investigator]

Location: Deep in Shawnee National Forest, on a bluff

Investigators: Jim and Joe (The Sqwatchers)

Incident Summary

While setting up camp on a remote bluff deep in Shawnee National Forest, Jim and Joe experienced a series of unexplained mechanical sounds that displayed what appeared to be intelligent behavior. The encounter created an atmosphere of growing suspense as the noise seemed to deliberately evade and possibly lure them deeper into the woods.

Detailed Account

Jim and Joe had just finished setting up their campsite on the bluff and decided to sit down, relax, and enjoy the scenic views for the remainder of the evening. As they settled in, they suddenly heard a distinct noise coming from the woods  — a sound resembling a mechanical drill or power tool.

Curious about the source, they decided to investigate. As they walked toward the origin of the sound, it abruptly stopped. Moments later, the noise resumed from a new location, slightly deeper into the woods. They changed direction and headed toward it once again, only for the sound to cease right as they approached. This pattern repeated: the sound would start in a new spot farther into the forest, draw them closer, and stop upon their arrival.

Growing more intrigued — and increasingly uneasy — the pair decided to split up. One investigator moved directly toward the sound while the other took a flanking route, hoping to intercept whatever was making the noise. Even with this strategy, the sound continued its elusive behavior. It would stop when they drew near and restart in a different direction, often away from both men.

Jim later described feeling a rising sense of nervousness. The way the sound moved with apparent awareness of their positions suggested a level of intelligence. It seemed to know exactly where they were, stopping at precisely the right moments and shifting to draw them farther from camp. The encounter had the unsettling feeling of being toyed with or deliberately led deeper into the woods.

This cat-and-mouse game continued for approximately 15 minutes. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the mysterious mechanical drilling sound stopped completely and did not resume for the rest of the night.

Follow-Up Investigation

Jim and Joe returned to the area on a subsequent trip. They remained cautious and hopeful they might hear the same sounds again. However, no unusual noises were heard during the visit. They also conducted a daytime search through the area where the sounds had originated and found nothing — no tools, equipment, tracks, or other signs of activity.

Observations and Notes

•  The sound was consistently described as mechanical, similar to a drill or power tool operating in the forest.

•  No visual contact was made with any person, animal, or object responsible for the noise.

•  The pattern exhibited what appeared to be calculated evasion and possible intentional movement to manipulate the investigators’ positions.

•  The encounter occurred shortly after camp setup, during what should have been a quiet evening on a remote bluff.

•  Follow-up visits and searches produced no additional activity or physical evidence.