

No. 5: The Grafton Monster
Formerly a railroad boomtown, Grafton, West Virginia, today seems somewhat an anomaly -- a village of big-city architecture locked in a territory of small farms and dense woodlands. Through these woodlands prowls a monster, some say. The legend of the Grafton Monster has endured since the 1960s when sightings were at their peak. The manlike beast is said to be akin to a Bigfoot or Skunk Ape. According to the book "Monsters of West Virginia," eyewitnesses have estimated that it stands between seven- and nine-feet tall and is cloaked in pale skin that is slick like that of a seal.
Some also say it is headless, though recordings on night-vision equipment seem to show otherwise. Hazy images captured during an instance of spooked cattle and detailed in the television show "Mountain Monsters" reveal a very tall creature moving quickly through the treeline. What others might have mistaken for a headless creature appears more like a skulking monster, its head tucked close to its chest. Some say it lets out a low whistle as it stalks its prey. As the creature is thought to be a meat-eater, you best be on your way!
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Author Biography: A former police reporter, author Ted Fauster writes science fantasy adventure, a hybrid blend of sci-fi and fantasy. Follow him at Ted Fauster.
Click Box 6 below for a map of monstrous West Virginia locations.
I'd not heard of the Snarly Yowl, The White Thing, or Grafton Monster.
Quite interesting... Thank you!
Was such a joy to write this article. Thanks, David. Please let me know if you need additional stories or monster art. Safe travels!
Ted Fauster
Author of Supernatural Survival Guide: for the Appalachian Region