Mothman

The Mothman

Also known as: None (commonly just “Mothman”)
Location: Point Pleasant, West Virginia, USA
First Reported Sighting: November 1966

The Legend

The Mothman is described as a tall, winged humanoid with glowing red eyes and a wingspan of 10 feet or more. Witnesses often report feelings of dread when they see the creature. Unlike many cryptids that hide in the wilderness, Mothman’s sightings cluster around a specific place and time, making it one of the eeriest legends in cryptozoology.

Famous Sightings

• November 15, 1966: Two couples reported a giant, winged creature chasing their car near an abandoned munitions plant in Point Pleasant.

• 1966–1967: Dozens of sightings followed, with reports of a red-eyed being flying over homes, fields, and the Ohio River.

• December 15, 1967: The Silver Bridge collapsed during rush-hour traffic, killing 46 people. Many locals linked the disaster to the Mothman sightings, believing the creature to be a harbinger of doom.
  
  

Explanations

Skeptics suggest the Mothman was a misidentified bird, such as a sandhill crane or owl, whose features became distorted in the dark. Others propose mass hysteria, fueled by fear and local folklore, played a role in the widespread reports.

Modern Investigations

Since the 1960s, Mothman has been sighted in other places, often before disasters—earning it a reputation as a global omen. Researchers and enthusiasts continue to gather eyewitness accounts, but no physical evidence has ever been produced.

Cultural Impact

Point Pleasant has embraced the legend, with an annual Mothman Festival and a dedicated museum. Books and films—most famously The Mothman Prophecies—have cemented its place in American folklore.

Conclusion

Whether a misunderstood bird, a supernatural messenger, or something beyond explanation, the Mothman remains one of the most haunting cryptids of modern times. Its story reminds us that sometimes legends don’t live deep in the past—they can take flight in our own lifetimes.