Momo is the name of a local legend, similar to the Bigfoot, which is reported to live in Missouri. The name Momo is short for ‘Missouri Monster’ and it is reported to have a large, pumpkin-shaped head, with a furry body, and hair covering the eyes, which resembles a shag carpet.
First reported in 1971, near Louisiana, Missouri by Joan Mills and Mary Ryan, Momo was first reported up and down the Mississippi River with later sightings documented further west by travel of water ways.
Following sightings in 1972 beginning at 3:30 pm July 11, first reported by Terry, Wiley, and Doris Harrison, and lasting for about two weeks, tracks were found and submitted to Lawrence Curtis, director of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. He deemed the tracks to be that of an unknown primate species.
In his book, “History, Mystery and Hauntings of Southern Illinois,” author Bruce Cline wrote the following account from June 25, 1973:
“Two visitors to Riverside Park in Murphysboro were parked in a car when they heard a loud screaming sound in the wooded area and observed a large creature approximately 7 feet tall. The creature appeared to have lightcolored hair matted with mud. The creature appeared to be walking on two legs and was proceeding toward their car.”
When officers responded to the area to investigate, they actually found tracks in the mud. Further, there were reports of an overpowering stench in the area as well. Some witnesses said they heard a blood-curdling scream come from the creature. Despite a lengthy investigation, officers weren’t able to prove or disprove the case. Somewhat surprisingly, it remains an open investigation to this day.