Toddler-Sized 'Bat Creature' Reported near Barrington, Illinois

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Lon Strickler of Phantoms & Monsters came across the following account on social media site Reddit last September 29th.

I am so happy I stumbled onto this [subreddit]! This happened two days ago and I'm still so confused. I was driving home from work on a bright, sunny day. I [was] about a mile from my house. I live in a wooded area [in] Northern Illinois about an hour outside of Chicago. As [I was] making my way down an unoccupied street, this creature [ran] in front of my car about two car lengths in front of my car. It was DEFINITELY a bat creature of some sort. I could clearly make out the shape of bat wings. But it wasn't flying. It was running like a gorilla. It would extend its wings out in front of itself and push itself forward, just like a gorilla does when it runs at full force. This thing was also SO black that [it] looked almost flat. And it was HUGE. It was at least half the size of my dog, who is a 70-lbs Pitbull/Boxer mix.

I tried to search for giant bats in the area and I found some sightings of giant bats flying over Chicago over the last two years. I've also found some references to the Mothman and the Jersey Devil, but I don't think this thing was as big as a man. And none of the stories I've read mention these giant bats running. However, I did learn that vampire bats are the only species of bats that run. And based on videos of vampire bats running, this creature moves in a very similar manner. So, now I'm nervous about letting my dog out alone. Any theories are appreciated.

"I contacted [the witness] through [Reddit's] message portal and then talked to her by telephone," Strickler said. "Her description to me was that this being was jet black and the size of a human toddler. The wigs were outstretched with attached claws, similar to a bat. It ran across the street very quickly. She did not get a look at the head, but said that the body was bat-like but more streamlined. The legs were long and resembled a canine's hocked leg with clawed feet."

This sighting took place near Barrington, Illinois, just after the witness had turned onto Meadow Hill Road from West County Line Road, which is bordered to the south by the Spring Lake Nature Preserve, and is approximately 25 miles from Lake Michigan.

This is the latest news in a string of ‘Mothman’ sightings from within a few hundred mile radius surrounding Lake Michigan, including every state bordering the great lake. These 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 sightings so far here, and an interactive map here.

To report your own encounter with the impossible, reach out to us directly at the Singular Fortean Society through our contact page.

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