Do you really know who—or what—we’re sharing these mountains with? Because it’s not just Mothman.
Bat Boy
Location: Greenbrier and / or Pendleton County
Description: A young, mostly human-looking creature with large eyes and large pointed ears that resemble a bat’s.
First Reported Sighting: 1991
Fun Fact: Had an off-Broadway musical about his story.
BAT BOY ART BY EVAN CHAPMAN
Sheepsquatch
Location: Western West Virginia, with sightings as far north and east as Marion County
Description: A horned creature believed to be upwards of 9 feet tall and to walk on two legs.
First Reported Sighting: 1990s
Fun Fact: Can be seen in the 2018 video game Fallout 76.
IILLUSTRATIONS BY HAYLEY RICHARD
The Snallygaster
Location: Eastern West Virginia and Maryland
Description: A chimera composed of bird and reptile characteristics. Sometimes described with only one eye and tentacles coming from its mouth, other times with tentacles and a horned head.
First Reported Sighting: Early 1900s
Fun Fact: Reported to have died in a large container of whiskey.
Hoult River Monster aka The Ogua
Location: Monongahela River, particularly Marion County
Description: About 20 feet long and 500 pounds. Resembles an alligator snapping turtle. Said to be able to eat a deer whole.
First Reported Sighting: 1745
Fun Fact: Sometimes seen with two heads.
Snarly Yow
Location: Eastern Panhandle and Maryland
Description: A large, black creature similar in appearance to a dog with glowing red eyes, a red mouth, and the ability to walk on two legs.
First Reported Sighting: 1700s
Fun Fact: Rumored to be noncorporeal.
snarly yow art by LIZ PAVLOVIC
Vegetable Man
Location: Fairmont
Description: A tall and spindly humanoid creature with plant-like features, color-shifting eyes, and thornlike fingers.
First Reported Sighting: 1968
Fun Fact: Potentially able to communicate telepathically.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S FALL 2025 ISSUE
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