A new relationship with animals, nature and each other.

Did Bigfoot Pay a Visit?

Giant footprint found in Illinois mom’s backyard

One day last month, when Michael Patrick’s mother was getting some work done on the pool at her home in Chatham, Illinois, the workmen noticed a large footprint under her apple tree.

The house backs up onto a forest, and the Patricks had heard strange noises in the past, but they assumed they were from bears or other animals.

On the night before the footprint was found, however, other neighbors had heard strange sounds. One of them said her dog, a German shepherd, had come running into the house, completely spooked.

Police were unable to identify the enormous footprint. “The responding officer stated that there was a large footprint approximately 18 inches long and 8 inches wide, and it appeared there were five claw marks,” Deputy Chief Vernon Foli said.

Michael Patrick was introduced to local Bigfoot expert Stan Courtney, who commented that there have been many reports from around the region.

As for his mother, Patrick said “She’s not scared, she continues to do her yard work, she thinks it’s neat.”

What does he think about the footprint?

“I definitely don’t think it was a hoax, and it was more than just a coincidence.You never know what you’re going to find out there,” Patrick said.

More at the Springfield State Journal-Register.

What do you say? Do you think there are unknown “bigfoot” species in our forests? Let us know in a comment or on Facebook.