The Mothman is a cryptid that gained notoriety due to a series of reported sightings and encounters in the Point Pleasant area of West Virginia during the late 1960s. Described as a large humanoid creature with large, moth-like wings, red glowing eyes, and an imposing presence, the Mothman quickly became a central figure in local folklore and paranormal discussions.

Microsoft Designer AI generated image depicting Mothman chasing a car in a rural setting.
The first supposed sighting was when the creature flew over two gravediggers, and later chasing after cars while making a loud screeching noise. Witnesses claimed to have seen the creature hovering over the abandoned TNT area and near the Silver Bridge, which ultimately collapsed in 1967, further fueling the legend and leading to speculation about the Mothman’s possible connection to the tragic event. Mothman is even claimed to have been seen during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.
The story surrounding the Mothman has evolved over time, with some saying the creature has supernatural or extraterrestrial origins, while others see it as an omen or harbinger of disaster. The Mothman’s eerie and enigmatic nature has inspired various works of fiction, including books, movies, and documentaries.