The Flatwoods Monster

On the evening of September 12, 1952, a group of local residents in Flatwoods, West Virginia, investigated a bright object that had landed on a nearby farm. They encountered a terrifying creature that has become one of the most iconic figures in UFO lore.

The Light

At about 7:15 PM, brothers Edward and Fred May, along with their friend Tommy Hyer, observed a bright object cross the sky and appear to land on the Fisher farm. They gathered additional witnesses, including their mother Kathleen May and local National Guardsman Eugene Lemon.

The Creature

Near the landing site, the group encountered a large creature approximately ten feet tall. It had a round, red face, pointed hood or head, and glowing eyes. A mist or gas surrounded it, causing witnesses to experience nausea and burning sensations.

The Encounter

When Eugene Lemon shone his flashlight toward the creature, it hissed and glided toward the group. They fled in terror. Several witnesses required medical treatment for symptoms including throat irritation and nausea.

The Investigation

Sheriff Robert Carr investigated but found no creature. However, a pungent, metallic odor persisted at the site. Burned grass and strange tracks were reported. The story made national news.

The Explanations

Skeptics suggest the witnesses saw a barn owl perched on a branch, with its luminous eyes and heart-shaped face misinterpreted in darkness. The mist may have been natural methane. However, this does not fully explain all witness accounts.

Assessment

The Flatwoods Monster encounter affected its witnesses profoundly. The consistency of their accounts and physical symptoms suggest something genuinely disturbing occurred, whether terrestrial, extraterrestrial, or something else entirely.