Report Received From: The GCBRO Online Report Submission Form.
 
Report Posted To GCBRO Web Site On:   October 4, 2007

DATE:    October 2006 
 

TIME:     Approx. an hour after sunset 
 

LOCATION:   Lucas County, Iowa 
 

TERRAIN:    Abandoned rail bed, some woodland, farmland surrounding that 
 

OBSERVED:    While I did not actually see anything, something very strange occurred. My friend and I, and my tough little terrier, were hiking the Cinder Trail. We had flashlights as we arrived late, and wanted to hike several hours. Going south on the trail we came upon police "do not cross" crime tape stretched across the trail; undeterred we ducked under and kept going. Perhaps 100 yards later we came across another tape line. We continued on, all the while my dog was darting here and there, seeking to chase off after everything he heard or saw or smelled. When the sun set, and twilight was settling we decided to turn back. Upon coming across the first tape line we ducked under, and immediately were hit by an incredibly strong, musky odor. It was something like a lion house at the zoo, or a skunk. My dog immediately glued to my friend's leg (he was walking the dog) and remained there as we moved on to the second tape. All the while I felt as if there was something there, something watching, and kept turning around and shining my flashlight back behind us as by this time it was quite dark. We finally got to the other tape line, ducked under, and kept on; the odor disappeared not long after we moved away from the tape line. I don't know what that was all about, but the weird feeling, the actions of my dog, and the incredibly thick, musky odor leads me to want to report this. Please contact me; I hike on a regular basis, and would be willing to assist in any further field research which might be undertaken.
 

Activities of Witness:   Out hiking a bike/hike trail in the evening/after sunset hours 
 

Description of Creature:  Did not actually sight the alleged creature
 

Other Notes:    I haven't a clue what this encounter was. As are many, I remain skeptical, but open-minded. All I know is that in a very confined but open area of a trail -- no one was on the trail at this time either -- I encountered the strongest, muskiest odor I have ever smelled, like being in a lion house at the zoo, which is a confined area, but much stronger.
 

Other (Informational or Encounter History in the General Area) Notes:    Unknown to me, reports of cougar and bobcat exist, but I don't think the odor would be so strong if what I sensed was a cat
 

Additional Notes and or Follow up Comments:  Oh yes, I was just in contact with my friend about this.  I asked him to think back and tell me if he remembered anything, and he wanted me to state that he thought he had heard a low growl, or "chuffing" sort of noise.  I didn't hear this, however.