The Mothman is one of America’s most recognizable cryptids, closely associated with Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and a wave of unusual sightings reported in the region during the 1960s. Witnesses commonly described a large, winged humanoid figure with bright red or reflective eyes, helping create one of the defining legends of modern American folklore.

Over time, the Mothman story grew beyond the original West Virginia sightings. The creature has been interpreted as everything from an unidentified animal to a supernatural warning or omen. Its association with the 1967 collapse of the Silver Bridge became an important part of the legend, although that connection remains folklore rather than established fact.

Today, Mothman sits at the crossroads of cryptozoology, regional history, paranormal lore, and pop culture. Point Pleasant continues to celebrate the legend through museums, festivals, landmarks, and visitors drawn to the original locations tied to the sightings.

Explore the Encounter Files below for individual reports and deeper history, then browse our Mothman artwork, gifts, stickers, mugs, prints, apparel, and other cryptid merchandise inspired by the legend.