Residents Report Bigfoot Sighting Near Rock Creek Road; Some Remain Sceptical

 By Staff Writer – Herald Comical

ESTILL SPRINGS — Several residents have reported an alleged Bigfoot sighting near Rock Creek Road this week, prompting renewed discussion—and skepticism—about the legendary creature’s presence in Franklin County.

Witnesses described a “tall, broad, hairy figure” moving through the tree line just after dusk Monday evening. According to one resident, the silhouette appeared to be “at least seven feet tall, maybe taller,” with an unusual, loping gait.

“It was big, it was dark, and it definitely wasn’t a deer,” said local resident Carol Dempsey. “I know what I saw. I’m not saying it was Bigfoot for sure… but it wasn’t NOT Bigfoot.”

Another eyewitness reported hearing “a deep grunt, like a grown man trying not to cough,” followed by what sounded like heavy footsteps in the brush.

Not Everyone Convinced

Despite the excitement, not all locals are prepared to declare a cryptid roaming the hills.

A number of Estill Springs residents believe the sightings may simply be Left Leg Lester, a well-known area wanderer whose name derives from an old story involving a lawnmower mishap and a misunderstanding about which leg was actually injured.

“He’s out there all the time,” said one man who asked not to be named. “He blends in with the woods better than he does with people. Folks who ain’t used to seeing him get spooked.”

Lester, who is occasionally spotted carrying what witnesses describe as “miscellaneous car parts,” is known to frequent the region around Panter’s Salvage Yard.

“He’s usually on the prowl for catalytic converters,” said another resident. “Bigfoot don’t care about catalytic converters. Lester does.”

Authorities Respond

Local officials say they are treating the reports seriously but cautiously.

“We’ve received several calls,” said a representative from the Estill Springs Police Department. “We are not ruling anything out, except aliens. That’s a county matter.”

The representative added that patrols in the Rock Creek Road area have been increased “for safety and curiosity.”

Ongoing Investigation

Meanwhile, community members remain divided.

Some insist the creature was too large to be Left Leg Lester “unless he bulked up,” while others say the description—particularly the mention of a limp—lines up perfectly with him.

The truth, for now, remains uncertain.

Anyone with additional sightings is encouraged to contact local authorities, though residents are reminded not to approach large mysterious figures, whether mythical or named Lester.