Fife Lake, Michigan - 2008

"Recently my wife and daughter accompanied my mother and her co-worker at a cabin on Island Lake (near Fife Lake) in northern Michigan. The lake, which is private, had a paved road that circled around to both extents, but did not connect around the lake.

As an avid outdoorsman, and former DNR employee, I have spent a considerable amount of time viewing nature. Noticing many of the trails that vented into the forest around the lake I decided to hop on my mountain bike and explore. While I saw nothing unusual at first, the last day of my stay in the area is when I saw something that will change my perception of nature forever.

It was nearly 6 pm, I ventured off on a different trail that I previously rode, not knowing where it ended up, I figured I would turn around anyway and go back after some time. After pedaling nearly a mile through dense pines, I noticed a small clearing to my right, and a very old abandoned camper. Several paths crossed and went into what looked like two-tracks in various directions. Gathering my bearings I stepped off my bike, suddenly, what sounded like two dogs viciously fighting and growling came from the trailer.

Startled but not frightened, I glanced back at the trailer, and out of its window stared what looked like a canine head, but with incredibly bright eyes. Its paws rested on the window ledge, as if it was standing up against the wall of the trailer to get a better view of me. Suddenly the figure retreated into the darkness of the gutted trailer, followed by a loud thump. Frantic I crashed my bike into the stump of a pine, but I did not look back. As I flew through the forest, what I did hear can only be summarized as a coyote but with a much deeper howl. Pedaling for what seemed like eternity, the two tracks I was on led to the main road. I was never more thankful in my life to be OUT of the woods.

After this event, I began researching dog breeds to better understand and rationalize what I saw. I never had heard of this legend having lived in Michigan all my life.

I am a grown man and have mountain biked in many states and hiked several national parks. I am not ashamed to say, I will never bike or hike alone..again.

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