The Mothman Sightings

From November 1966 through December 1967, the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia was terrorized by sightings of a large, winged creature with glowing red eyes. The “Mothman” sightings ended abruptly when the Silver Bridge collapsed on December 15, 1967, killing 46 people—forever linking the creature with disaster in local folklore.

The First Sighting

On November 15, 1966, two young couples—Roger and Linda Scarberry and Steve and Mary Mallette—were driving near an abandoned TNT plant outside Point Pleasant when they saw a large, grey figure with glowing red eyes.

The creature had wings folded against its back. When they fled in their car, it pursued them at speeds exceeding 100 mph, its wings not flapping. They reported to the Mason County Sheriff.

The Creature

Witnesses consistently described:

• Height of 6-7 feet
• Grey or brown coloring
• Wingspan of 10-15 feet
• Large, red, glowing eyes (often the most prominent feature)
• No visible head—eyes appeared set in the chest or shoulders
• Ability to fly at tremendous speeds without flapping wings
• Terrifying presence that induced panic

The Wave

Over the following months, over 100 people reported Mothman encounters:

November 16: Newell Partridge saw glowing red eyes in his field; his dog ran toward them and was never seen again.

November 24: Four people saw the creature near the TNT area.

November 25: Thomas Ury was pursued by the flying creature while driving.

December-January: Multiple sightings continued, many near the TNT plant.

The TNT Area

The abandoned World War II munitions plant, known locally as the TNT area, was the most common location for sightings. The complex of igloos (bunkers) and dense woods created an eerie environment.

Some researchers later noted the area was contaminated with toxic chemicals that might have affected local wildlife—or people’s perceptions.

Strange Phenomena

Mothman sightings were accompanied by other unusual phenomena:

• UFO sightings increased in the region
• Reports of Men in Black visiting witnesses
• Electronic interference (TVs, phones)
• Strange sounds and lights
• Animal mutilations
• Sense of dread in the community

The Bridge Collapse

On December 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge connecting Point Pleasant to Ohio collapsed during rush hour traffic. Forty-six people died in the disaster.

After the collapse, Mothman sightings essentially ceased. This timing led many to believe the creature had been a warning or harbinger of the disaster.

John Keel

Journalist John Keel investigated the Mothman wave extensively, documenting it in “The Mothman Prophecies” (1975). Keel connected the sightings to broader paranormal phenomena, including UFOs and what he called “ultraterrestrials.”

His book inspired the 2002 film starring Richard Gere.

Theories

Giant Owl: Skeptics suggest a large owl, particularly a sandhill crane or great horned owl, could account for the sightings. However, neither species matches the described size or behavior.

Mass Hysteria: The concentration of sightings might represent social contagion. However, the initial witnesses had no prior exposure to such stories.

Unknown Creature: Some researchers accept Mothman as an unknown species, perhaps cryptid or interdimensional.

Warning Entity: Local folklore holds that Mothman appeared to warn of coming disaster.

Legacy

Point Pleasant embraces its Mothman legacy:

• A Mothman statue stands downtown
• The Mothman Museum attracts visitors
• An annual Mothman Festival celebrates the legend

The creature remains one of America’s most famous cryptids, blending elements of monster sighting, UFO encounter, and disaster prophecy into a unique mystery.