Hidden Cryptids of West Virginia
They walk among us
West Virginia is home to a wide number of legendary cryptids, some of which have achieved national fame. While others remain lesser known within the field of cryptozoology. Notable examples include Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster, Sasquatch (Bigfoot), and the Grafton Monster.
Among these, the Mothman is probably one of the most famous Cryptids. This fascinating entity has inspired both the Mothman Museum and the annual Mothman Festival, held in Point Pleasant, West Virginia each year. Together, the Mothman museum and Mothman Festival attract tens of thousands of visitors annually my self-included. The initial sighting of Mothman occurred on November 16, 1966, with the final sighting reported on December 15, 1967—the same day the Silver Bridge, that connects Gallipolis, Ohio to Point Pleasant, WV collapsed. Descriptions typically depict Mothman as a tall, winged, bipedal creature, roughly six feet in height, with glowing red eyes. What makes Mothman particularly interesting, in my opinion is the large volume of eyewitness accounts. Most cryptid encounters have very few witnesses. According to folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand, there may be as many as a 100 witnesses, possibly more. Interpretations of Mothman’s role vary: some believe it was a harbinger of impending tragedy, while others posit that it may have had a causal role in the disaster. Today, a statue of the Mothman stands prominently in downtown Point Pleasant, commemorating the enduring mystery (Mothman Museum, Wikipedia).
Another well-known figure in West Virginia’s cryptozoological landscape is the Flatwoods Monster, it has its own museum and annual convention in Sutton, West Virginia. On the evening of September 12, 1952, the lives of several children would change forever. They were at a local elementary school and saw a bright object fly across the sky and descend toward a nearby hillside. The group that investigated the incident included Neil Nunley, Tommy Hyer, brothers Freddie and Edward May, their mother Kathleen May, and Eugene Lemon, a member of the West Virginia National Guard. Upon reaching the location, they reported encountering a towering figure—approximately 10 feet tall—wearing what appeared to be a metallic, dark-colored garment. The creature possessed a spade-shaped head, glowing orange eyes, and twisted, clawed hands. Witnesses said that it hovered above the ground, enveloped in a heavy mist. The group fled as the creature approached, and although local authorities conducted a search, allegedly no physical evidence was found. Subsequent sightings were reported in Heaters, West Virginia, and approximately eighteen months later, a couple stranded roadside claimed a similar encounter, this time describing a reptilian facial structure. This later account aligns with certain abductee reports that associate reptilian beings with extraterrestrial phenomena (BraxtonWV.org, WVEncyclopedia).
West Virginia also home to the Bigfoot Museum and Bigfoot Festival in Sutton, WV. While Bigfoot is not exclusive to this region, it remains one of the world’s most famous cryptids. Sightings in West Virginia are numerous and geographically widespread. Data from the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) reveals clusters of sightings, particularly in Randolph County, which alone accounts for ten reported encounters. These statistics further support the notion of West Virginia as a prominent locale in Bigfoot research (BFRO).
The Grafton Monster is another interesting cryptid folklore figure, first reported on June 16, 1964, near the Tygart Valley River. Witness Robert Cockrell documented the sighting in the Grafton Sentinel, describing the creature as standing between seven and nine feet tall, with pale, grayish skin. Though multiple sightings followed, Cockrell’s account is generally regarded as the most credible. The Grafton Monster was reintroduced into popular culture in 2018 through the video game Fallout 76, which renewed interest in the legend (WBoy).
Lesser-known but equally interesting is the Sheepsquatch, reported primarily in the 1990s. This cryptid has been described as an all-white, quadrupedal or bipedal creature with horns, claws, and a canine-like face. Sightings have occurred near Charleston and Point Pleasant—the latter being the same region associated with Mothman sightings (WVTourism).
Another cryptid of historical note is the Blue Devil, reportedly observed in West Virginia between 1939 and 1940. Although documentation is scarce, the creature has been described as a glowing blue entity with a ghostly howl. This account remains largely anecdotal and is primarily referenced through folklore databases and community forums (Urban Legend Wiki).
West Virginia seems to be a significant epicenter for cryptid activity. Point Pleasant and its surrounding areas, in particular, are frequently cited as paranormal hotspots. Whether cryptids represent as-yet-undiscovered biological species, interdimensional entities, or extraterrestrial visitors remains a matter of speculation. Nevertheless, the consistency and frequency of sightings suggest that people are indeed witnessing phenomena that defy conventional explanation. Continued investigation, both scientific and folkloric, may one day illuminate the true nature of these mysterious beings.
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References
Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO). (n.d.). *West Virginia Bigfoot sightings*. https://www.bfro.net/GDB/state_listing.asp?state=wv
Braxton County Convention & Visitors Bureau. (n.d.). *Visit the Flatwoods Monster Museum*. https://braxtonwv.org/the-flatwoods-monster/visit-the-museum/
Mothman Museum. (n.d.). *About the Mothman Museum*. https://www.mothmanmuseum.com/
Urban Legend Wiki. (n.d.). *Blue Devil of Grassy Creek*. https://urbanlegend.fandom.com/wiki/Blue_Devil_of_Grassy_Creek
WBOY. (2021, October 26). *What is the Grafton Monster?*. https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/paranormal-w-va/what-is-the-grafton-monster-paranormal-w-va/
West Virginia Encyclopedia. (n.d.). *Flatwoods Monster*. https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/2530
West Virginia Tourism. (n.d.). *West Virginia cryptids road trip*. https://wvtourism.com/west-virginia-cryptids-road-trip/
Wikipedia. (2023, March 8). *Mothman*. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mothman
Wikipedia. (2023, March 8). *Silver Bridge*. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Bridge
About the Creator
Brian Godhard
I am the founder and lead investigator of Cryptid Paranormal LLC cryptidparanormal.com. I am a life long investigator and researcher of Cryptids and anything and everything paranormal. Bigfoot, Mothman,Ghost,Demons,Aliens,lost civilazations
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