If cryptozoology had a popularity contest, Mothman would definitely be in the Top 3. Even people who don’t know about cryptozoology tend to recognize this West Virginia native. A frightening pursuer, harbinger of misfortune, and possibly named after a Batman villain, Mothman is surrounded by layers of lore.
The first article documenting a sighting of Mothman was published in the Point Pleasant Register on November 16, 1966. “Couples See Man-Sized Bird… Creature… Something” declared the headline. Two young couples were driving through the woods when they spotted what looked like a “man with wings” and large eyes that glowed red in the dark. The creature was reported to be six to seven feet tall with a 10 foot wingspan. As the couples drove away in fright, the creature followed them, chasing their car going 100 miles an hour with ease. The group made it back to town, where the creature seemed deterred by the lights. They wanted to call the cops, but had no proof, so they drove back to the forest. Seeing the creature once more, they drove to a nearby drive-in and told the owner to call the police.
This article soon turned into several, with many newspapers sharing the strange encounter of what would soon be dubbed “Mothman”. A few other residents shared similar stories of a strange humanoid creature they had seen in earlier days. Spectators visited Point Pleasant to try and find the creature (or to watch the seekers turn up with nothing).
After the initial reports, there were over 100 sightings from the people of Point Pleasant of the strange creature who would eventually be named Mothman. Many of these reports included accounts of electronics and cars malfunctioning, along with some folks who claimed they had premonitions and saw things moving after encountering the creature. These sightings took Point Pleasant and the surrounding area by storm for the next year. However, they may have been lost to time if not for a tragedy that would become entertwined with Mothman forever.
On December 15, 1967, rush hour traffic along with Christmas shoppers traveled across the Silver Bridge between Point Pleasant and Gallipolis, Ohio. Suddenly, the bridge collapsed, sending 31 cars into the Ohio River. Tragically, 46 people died and 9 people were injured. Investigators would discover that the reason for the bridge’s failure was a stress crack in an eyebar link, which was difficult to find. The Silver Bridge collapse would begin to intertwine with the Mothman sightings as many wondered if his intent was to warn the population of the bridge’s fate.
So, what was Mothman? There were theories that Mothman was an alien or perhaps from another universe entirely. Those with a more critical eye thought this was a case of a sandhill crane, heron, owl or some other bird with reflective eyes and a large wingspan. A few theories positied that it could be a bird affected by the chemicals from the TNT area. As years have passed, there has been speculation that Cold War paranoia- turned mass psychogenic illness brought Mothman to life.
Today, Mothman or similar creatures have turned up in various places throughout the world. UFOlogist John Keel wrote a book about his experiences and studies, which became a successful film and increased the general public’s awareness. A man who claimed to know nothing about Mothman took a photo of a strange Mothman-like creature in 2016. He said the creature was jumping from tree to tree. Many Point Pleasant residents believe in Mothman, and will share stories of sightings. Point Pleasant is now a tourist destination, with a Mothman Museum, Mothman statue, and a Mothman Festival in September. Corners of the internet have embraced Mothman and he became so popular there is now a Build a Bear plush of him!
Mothman has turned from a terrifying oracle into a beloved icon. Both a hometown mascot and internet darling, Mothman’s unique story has been cemented into West Virginia folklore forever.
Check out this article showing the (now decade old) image of Mothman. Do you think it is real? What makes it more or less believable?
To watch the mothcam (Mothman statue livestream) click here
The rest of my sources for this article can be found here!
