Possible footprint found on edge of Chatham witnessed in Sangamon County, Illinois

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We happened to notice a large complete footprint under an apple tree in our backyard measuring about 18". We live at the edge of a subdivision that backs up to a deeply wooded stream that eventually leads to a large man-made lake. Our lot is rather extensive and towards to back we have several varieties of fruit trees including apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and pears. The foot print was found under the most mature and biggest of apple trees with a level muddy area under it amongst a sloping yard that leads to the stream. Coincidentally, the area on the apple tree directly above the print was devoid of apples while the remainder of the tree was more abundant with fruit. We've also noticed in years past that we see fruit growing on all of our trees but by the time it's near maturity it all disappears. We just figured it was raccoons but apparently not. Our next-door neighbor has a cuddly german-shephard who roams leash-free around his yard but rarely comes into our yard u...