When walking in the woods or any other wildlife areas, be very cautious. I walk 7 days a week all year round. My Husky loves going for walks and car rides; I love nature walks and I bring along my camera since I absolutely LOVE nature photography. I can't tell you how many times I've stumbled across things that look suspicious. Sometimes I find areas where it looks like homeless people are living, sometimes drinking/party areas, or abandoned vehicles. If you happen to come upon a homeless person or their living quarts, don't mess with them, they can be violent. If you see an abandoned or stranded car, don't touch it...you're finger prints may incriminate you! If you see people that look like they may be up to no good, do not say anything to them, you don't want a confrontation on your hands out where no one can intervene. 

6/29/07

I recently noticed this scene in an area I frequent at least 3-4 times a week. It looks like someone is living there. It's not a night time party spot for teenagers, there is no sign of alcohol or anything like that. Just food scraps and empty water bottles. The thing that bothered me was the camp fire. Every time I passed by, the camp fire was slightly rearranged indicating that it was being used on a daily basis. The last thing I want to see is someone recklessly burning down the beautiful forest! I flagged down a Cook County Forest Preserve vehicle and reported this. The woman driving the truck wanted to see the area so I walked her back there. Once back there she abruptly ran away. I walked back to my car and was then detained (locked in the back seat of a squad car) by the police for over an hour and was being referred to as "the offender"...no one ever even told me why! I was eventually told I was free to go, but this thing could have easily gone the other way and I could have been charged with something I didn't do. As much as I felt abused & violated, I made sure to be nothing but polite and courteous, I was not going to let my conduct give them more reason to hold me. Not only was thing humiliating and embarrassing, but it was a total nightmare!

A word of warning...DON'T GET INVOLVED! Go to a payphone and report suspicious activity ANONYMOUSLY!