Cryptozoology is the study of animals whose existence is disputed (often referred to as "cryptids"). The word itself refers to the study of "hidden animals" and comes from the Greek words: kryptos, zoon and logos, which mean, respectively: hidden, animal, and discourse. There are a number of species that were thought to be extinct that have been found in recent history. Some of these formerly “hidden creatures” include the megamouth shark and the coelacanth.
Mothman is described as a bipedal, winged humanoid. Despite his name which was given to him by newspapers, he is in no way moth-like, and has an appearance more like that of a large humanoid owl. His coloration varies from black, gray, to even brown, although its is usually the darker shades. He is often reported to be about 7 feet tall, with a wingspan of about 10 to 15 feet or more, plus the ability to fly over 100 mph. He was first reported in the state of West Virginia, which has had its fair share of strange and often inexplicable events such the visitation of the Flatwoods Monster and Indrid Cold. However it was Mothman who changed the sleepy little town of Point Pleasant forever when it swooped in one cold autumn night in 1966. Newspaper went wild reporting sightings of the creature. Today however he is seen as an urban legend and somewhat of a local celebrity, with a statue erected of him in the town.
Today, Mothman is one of the most well-known cryptids in the world, made famous partly by John Keel's book (later adapted to film) The Mothman Prophecies.
Luckily Ellenfield Park is nowhere near Point Pleasant so I think we are all safe to do a little caching without fear of him swooping in. You may however, find his cache tucked away amongst the trees.
Ellenfield Park Closing Times:
DEC & JAN: 4:30pm
FEB & NOV: 5:00PM
MAR: 6:00PM
OCT: 7:00PM
APR & SEP: 8:00PM
MAY & AUG: 9:00PM
JUN & JUL: 9:30PM
Please respect this beautiful park. Bikes are not allowed and dogs must be on a lead after 11am.
Happy caching!