The Mothman
Two young couples driving at night near an old munitions site said a tall winged figure with glowing red eyes chased their car.
What was reported
On the night of 15 November 1966, two young couples driving near an old World War II munitions area outside Point Pleasant told police they had seen a figure taller than a man, with large wings and glowing red eyes. They said it followed their car at high speed.
Over the next year, dozens of people in the area reported something similar. The local newspaper named it the Mothman, and it later inspired a book, a film and an annual festival in the town.
Explanations offered
A wildlife biologist at West Virginia University suggested it was a sandhill crane, a tall bird with red patches around its eyes that could have strayed from its usual route. Others have proposed a large owl, whose eyes shine red in headlights. Many witnesses rejected both ideas.
- When
- November 1966 – 1967
- Where
- Point Pleasant, West Virginia, USA
- Witnesses
- Dozens of residents
- Status
- Disputed
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.