I saw one next to my house last year walking on a hill about 100 yards away.Went outside to look and it was gone. I didn't call anybody cause I didn't want them to think I was nuts.But earlier this year the had a sighting in lynnwood il which is near me. And yes we are only 30-40 south of chicago. They also found one up by the wisconsin border last year dead. I think they are here there is alot of food for them and they have huge ranges.