In Focus: Tuttle Bottoms Monster in Illinois

Deep in the boggy parts of southern Illinois lurks (perhaps) an extra-sized anteater/ape type creature. Sixty or so years ago reports started coming in regularly to authorities about an abnormal creature skulking about around the Saline River watershed near Harrisburg Illinois, although it has also been believed to frequent the Big Muddy River area west of Harrisburg, closer to Murphysboro too.

Saline River Middle Fork near Harrisburg, Illinois

The name given to this creature is the Tuttle Bottoms Monster. The reports have said that it is eight feet long or tall, depending upon whether it is upright on two feet, or down on all fours. Big, hairy and muscular with a long nose like an anteater.

Average sized anteater minding his own business

Read More: Are These Monsters of Legend Still Lurking in Missouri and Illinois?

The creature was originally seen and reported by area youths in the 1960’s who would often park in the bottoms area, and would be startled by the creature. Many local teens would wander out into the boggy areas with rifles to hunt the monster, who was known to be active at night.

There is speculation that the Tuttle Bottoms Monster has died, as it has not been seen in several years. Also, the creature is believed to have been released into the area by either the federal government, or was set loose by a rural zoo owner who did not have the state and federal licenses to operate a zoo, or have some of the animals that were on the grounds, and instead of relocate the animals, set several loose.

Read More: Would you Trek to Find The "Snawfus" in the Missouri Wilds?

Get our free mobile app

Giant anteaters can appear muscular, are definitely hairy, can stand up bipedally, and do grow quite large, but not 8 feet tall. Giant anteaters are found in central and south America not southern Illinois. But if one were to have been released onto the Land of Lincoln, its natural predators aren’t here. So theoretically it could grow and forage for ants and termites without fear.

A Drink Named After the Monster

BONUS! – There is a Tuttle Bottoms Monster cocktail that has been devised that includes honey, Genepy, sour mix and Sexton Irish Whiskey.