Reports from the Void: 'There's Something Standing up in the Tree'

*(Tobias Wayland / Singular Fortean Society)*

The Singular Fortean Society was sent the following report in December of 2018 from Jesse Durdel of the National Cryptid Society. Durdel had originally received the report from a witness, and decided to pass it along based on the Society’s work investigating ‘Mothman’ sightings around Lake Michigan.

The following account reportedly took place on October 31, 2018, in Peoria, Illinois.

Me and my husband were walking home from his aunt's house around 9 p.m. on Halloween, and as we walked past this house on the corner my husband said "Look, there's something standing up in the tree."
So, me and his nephew look up and it followed us all the way around the tree, but it was like it was floating because there was no branches for it to stand on. Then all of a sudden it just floated up the tree and flew away. It was really creepy; it reminded me of the creature from ‘Jeepers Creepers.’ It was so tall and so scary; I'll never forget it.

In addition, Durdel said he received the following statement in response to some follow-up questions he had for the witness.

The creature was all black and about seven feet tall. When he spread his wings to fly away, it looked like a giant bat. It scared my husband and all he could say was "just keep walking it will be okay."

Investigator Tobias Wayland was given the witness’ contact information and sent an email to ask for an interview, but received no response—despite the witness giving consent to be contacted.

Peoria is roughly 150 miles southwest of Lake Michigan, which is the epicenter of ‘Mothman’ sightings in the region.

Given the description provided in the report received by Durdel, this encounter could be related to the string of ‘Mothman’ sightings 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.

Reports from the Void is a repository to share those stories for which we do not have enough information to make a full report. This is usually because of little or no communication from the witness following their initial submission. The Singular Fortean Society will always provide as much information as possible regarding any correspondence during our attempts to speak with those involved.

This series is meant only to present you with the full breadth of the information sent to us, and makes no judgments towards the veracity of any stories shared within it.

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