This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Halloween is the time for spooky stories and legends that spread. A cryptid is an animal or creature whose existence is claimed or reported through stories and sightings, but has never been proven or verified by science. They are meant to be real-like and living in the wild. This is not to be confused with mythical creatures, which we know are not true. Hypothetically, these creatures could be real, but we have no scientific evidence to believe that. West Virginia is uniquely different from a lot of the other states in the Appalachian Mountain range. Every single county and square mile of West Virginia is inside it. Appalachia is filled with these legends, and a lot of them come from West Virginia. I love this type of stuff, so I figured I’d relay the legends to you all. I hope you enjoy what I’ve found.

The Mothman

The most popular and well-known in West Virginia is the Mothman. First sighted in Point Pleasant, WV, people described it as a large, winged creature with glowing red eyes. These encounters were also followed by electrical disturbances and sightings of the “Men in Black.” If you don’t know what they are, they are an urban legend that refers to mysterious, uniform-dressed figures who supposedly visit UFO witnesses, researchers, and contactees to intimidate them into silence. It is said that the Mothman is also linked to the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967. The legend is now celebrated by the annual Mothman Festival preserved in the town’s Mothman Museum.

Braxxie

In September 1952, a group of locals saw something strange crash near their school in Braxton County. They were curious and went to investigate. To their horror, they saw a tall figure with glowing eyes and twisted claws. It had a spade-shaped head. It was reported that the area smelled of rotten eggs. Authorities were called, and it became widespread news, but there was no physical evidence. Today, the monster from Flatwoods is affectionately known as Braxxie.

The White Thing

The White Thing appears frequently in folklore. It is particularly talked about in Boone, Mason and Kanawha counties. There’s no specific way this creature is described, rather a couple of ways. Some report a massive, albino-furred dog creature, and others report an ape-like being or humanoid figure. It’s described as silent, often related to supernatural phenomena.

Sheepsquatch

This cryptid is described as aggressive, often charging and growling. Some people say it may have been a bear, but others view it as folklore. Sheepsquatch sightings first started in the 90s in southern West Virginia. It is described as a wooly creature with goat-like horns and sharp claws.

The Grafton Monster

Grafton has a monster that was first reported in 1964. It’s described as a tall, humanoid figure with smooth skin, resembling a seal. It was initially sighted along the Tygart Valley River, of course, sparking panic. Some believe it is from government experiments or extraterrestrial origins, but there is no evidence. There are still occasional sightings to this day.

Ogua

You know the Monongahela flows right by Morgantown, but did you know there is said to be a cryptid living in it? It is described as a massive snapping turtle, lizard or snake. Native Americans and early settlers said that it was capable of dragging livestock underwater. No physical evidence has ever been found, but the tale still lives. Next time you walk on the rail trail, I know you’ll think about this thing.

Yahoo

Yahoo is said to be a bigfoot-like creature. It’s tall and hairy and ape-like. It closely resembles the Sasquatch and comes from Yowie, which is Australia’s version of a tall, hairy figure.

Be open-minded. I think it’s fun to be. I’m not putting my tin hat on and saying these creatures are 100% real, I’m saying it’s fun to believe in things that aren’t proven by science. Gives us a little whimsy in our lives. In honor of Halloween, I hope you enjoyed these legends out of West Virginia!

*If you want to learn more and this stuff seems cool to you, check out https://www.mythfolks.com/west-virginia-folklore for more information :)

URBAN LEGENDS OF WEST VIRGINIA