Hi all,
Long time reader, first time poster.
I'm a college biology prof, botany and ecology.
Here is my record of possible activity in northeast KS; this has been reported previously to the BFRO, talking to Stan Courtney (a great guy, by the way):
1. late February, 2005, looking for early wildflowers at Perry Lake--found this old, large footprint (image available upon request) while looking at mosses, on Mad Mile trail that detours near Perry Lake;
2. Mid-March, Perry Lake--heard grunting, bushes moving wildly across park road near large pond on old horse trail--sounded like an asthmatic horse! Continued for about 5 mins, scaring my wife who made us leave the area immediately.
3. Late March, trails near Cedar Crest, Topeka--about 4:35pm, heard 3 whoops (sounds like Snoqualmish whoops), then 10 seconds later, train comes through--warning others?
4. early April, Cedar Crest ponds near road, found this very unusual footprint in mud next to frog pond (again, help with image please!)--the night before was near freezing, and the mud had to be as cold--the image shows a triangular foot, very distinct toes.
5. late April, windy day, late afternoon, walking down into woods, wife and I freeze when a huge branch/limb comes crashing down over to our left, but the nearby trees show no breakage--maybe thrown as a warning?
Since then, no activity has been noted. Perhaps they use the Kansas River as a migration route in the late fall and early spring?
If someone will email me, I'll attach the pics so they can post them here.
Thanks!
plantman60@hotmail.com