This is the second recorded case of one or more footprints being found at a reported sighting location in the Lake Michigan Mothman investigation—the first came as a result of an onsite investigation in Woodstock performed by Tobias and Emily Wayland. However, that impression more closely resembled a large, bare, humanoid footprint.

Strickler first shared the photographs with other members of the Phantoms & Monsters Fortean Research Team prior to making them public. Various animal prints were considered when speculating about their origin, and a similarity with the impressions left by hares and rabbits was noted. That explanation is complicated by the staggered gait evident in the prints. A hare or rabbit normally leaves impressions in a more-or-less straight line, rather than the alternating left-to-right pattern seen here. As a result, there is no definitive explanation for the tracks at this time, although one relatively popular hypothesis is that the tracks might have been caused by two rabbits travelling side-by-side.

The sighting location is six miles west of Lake Michigan, and within several miles of many of the other reported sightings in the Chicago area.

This is the latest in a string of ‘Mothman’ sighting reports from within a few hundred mile radius surrounding Lake Michigan, including every state bordering the great lake. The sightings ostensibly began in the spring of 2017, but more historical accounts are being reported as more people become aware of the phenomenon. Sightings of weird winged beings around Lake Michigan have been reported at all hours, often in or near a park, and around water. Witnesses consistently describe a large, gray or black bat or bird-like creature—although in a small number of cases the creature was described as insect-like—sometimes with glowing or reflective red, yellow, or orange eyes; and humanoid features such as arms and legs are often reported. Many of the sightings are also of something seen only briefly or are described only as a flying creature with few details, which leaves open the possibility that a large avian being could explain some encounters. Sightings of anomalous avians, including thunderbirds and pterosaurs, are often reported in or near the same locations as those where witnesses have reported winged humanoids.

To report a sighting, reach out to us directly at the Singular Fortean Society through our contact page.

You can view a timeline of the Lake Michigan Mothman sightings so far here, and an interactive map here.