Overview of the Encounter

Cheryl was a resident being driven home by her boyfriend during a late-night excursion.

Date: November 1971

Year: 1971

Location: Clearwater County, Minnesota

Land Managed By: State

Nearest Town: Leonard

County: Clearwater

State: Minnesota

Nearest Landmark: Clover Township

Witness Accounts

In November 1971, Cheryl and her boyfriend had a significant encounter while traveling on a long, winding gravel road in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It was approximately 1:30 AM, and there was a light dusting of snow on the ground at the time. As they rounded a curve, they spotted a tall white figure, estimated to be at least 6 feet tall, crossing the road in front of them. The boyfriend commented, "What was that?" as they zipped past the figure. Cheryl recalled that the creature paused near the edge of the trees, turning to look at them. She distinctly noted the positioning of its arms, stating that one arm was in front while the other was slightly behind. The movement of the figure was described as slow and deliberate, contrasting sharply with the typical erratic movements one might expect from wildlife in the area. This sighting left a lasting impression on Cheryl, who later reflected on the unusual nature of the creature's presence. Prior to this encounter, there were multiple reports of strange occurrences in the area from different witnesses. During the spring and summer of 1971, unusual three-toed tracks had been discovered around the farm of Gerald and Edna Raw located in Clover Township, Clearwater County. The tracks were described as resembling those of giant birds and were found impressively pressed into the ground. Witnesses reported that a horrendous smell often accompanied these footprints, which was particularly potent at night, leaving a bitter taste in the throat. The sounds reported included a strange high-pitched screech that would last for only a second, indicating that something unusual was occurring in the vicinity. These noises, coupled with the strange tracks and the smell, created an atmosphere of unease among the residents. The tracks were frequently found close to the house, about 20 feet away, suggesting that the creature was not only present but was perhaps moving in closer proximity to human habitation. Another sighting occurred around the same time, wherein Wayne and his friend, Bill, ventured down a logging trail in Clearwater County. They detected a foul odor reminiscent of a skunk but asserted it was different in nature. While investigating, they observed bushes rustling in a manner that hinted at something moving through the underbrush. Sounds of steps were distinctly heard, suggesting that whatever was creating the disturbance was not a deer. The men opted to remain quiet, intrigued yet cautious about what might be lurking just beyond their view. In August of the same year, two white Bigfoot creatures were seen from a vehicle in Pine County, Minnesota, about an hour's drive from Clearwater County. These creatures were described as being between 8 and 9 feet tall, with one having a more human-like muscular physique compared to the other, which was more gorilla-shaped and female. The witnesses noted that the creatures froze mid-stride as if they were aware they were being observed. An additional encounter took place in St. Louis County in 1973, where the witness described hearing a series of howls and screams while they were deep in the woods. This person, familiar with hunting and the area, expressed feelings of dread as the sounds grew closer. They noted the distinct crashing of branches and felt that whatever was making the noise was targeting them. This led them to quickly retreat to their vehicle, feeling the urgency of the situation escalate. The discussions describe another incident in Houston County from October 1975, where a hunter felt an inexplicable fear as their dogs reacted strangely to a low moaning sound in the woods. The dogs, typically unafraid, showed signs of distress and stayed close to the hunter, indicating that they sensed a significant threat nearby. The hunter reported hearing what sounded like a rock being thrown, followed by loud thuds against nearby trees. Each of these accounts, while distinct in their details, paints a broader picture of a region experiencing strange and unsettling occurrences that residents could not easily explain. The consistency in witness reports regarding the smell, sounds, and sightings of unusual creatures lends an air of credibility to the claims. Local hunters and residents expressed their concern over the absence of wildlife in the area during these encounters, attributing it to the presence of the unknown. These narratives from Clearwater County highlight the ongoing mystery surrounding Bigfoot sightings in Minnesota. The accounts indicate that the area has been a hotspot for such encounters, with multiple witnesses attesting to the presence of unusual creatures and strange phenomena. The combination of smell, noise, and sightings creates a compelling narrative that continues to intrigue those who are fascinated by the lore of Bigfoot. The witnesses provide invaluable insight into their experiences, contributing to the growing body of evidence regarding the existence of these mysterious beings in rural Minnesota.

Source

YouTube

Note: Information above was collected and summarized by A.I. Dates, name and location could be inaccurate or wrong.