The Mothman Legend Continues Nearly 30 Years Later

A plaque, outside of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, gives a brief description of the legend of the Mothman. A legend that began in the mid 60's, and continues on to this day. A legend that brought terror to those that encountered it, and cast a cloud upon the town of Point Pleasant.

Between November 12, 1966 and December 15, 1967, this strange creature terrorized the residents of this West Virginia town and the surrounding area. More than 100 people reported or made claims to having witnessed this creature during this yearlong period. Sightings still are reported to this day, though they have declined sharply in number.

In his book The Mothman Prophecies, author John A. Keel stated that reports of the creature described it as being man shaped, generally gray or brown, and somewhere between five and seven foot tall. It had a body that appeared broader than that of a man, and had nothing that appeared to be a head. It had "eyes" that appeared to be set in the upper chest area of the creature. The "eyes" of the creature were described as either glowing red, or reflecting red much like a taillight reflects light. It walked on human type legs, and was reported to have a shuffling walk. Strangely, no feet were seen. All reports indicated the creature had no arms, but in the place of arms, it had large bat like wings. Flapping of the wings was not reported. The creature was reported many times flying, but never, ever during flight, were the wings reported to flap. Many reports indicate the creature would ascend upward in a nearly vertical ascent, like that of a helicopter, but again, the wings were never seen flapping.

Reports indicate the creature flew very fast, and was reported to keep pace with cars going in excess of 100 mph. During flight, it was reported to emit a loud humming sound, and on occasion, a loud screeching sound, similar to a woman screaming.

It was never identified, and no known photographs exist. But one thing is sure; many of the people that made reports of this creature were reputable citizens, law enforcement officials, and even members of the military. They all reported the same general description of the creature, height being the main difference in accounts, and they all were equally terrified by what they saw.

Real or imagined, just what occurred in this West Virginia town during this time has been the subject of books, a motion picture, and endless hours of discussion. And I am sure the discussions, as well as the occasional sighting, will continue for many years to come.

For additional Mothman information, visit www.themothmanlives.com/