The Fresno Nightcrawlers
In 2007, strange footage was witnessed on a CCTV camera in Fresno, California. The owner of the home had positioned the camera to survey his front yard and driveway.
One night his dog was barking relentlessly so he decided to check the live camera footage. That’s when he noticed the strange looking white creature with a small head and long legs. He quickly woke his brother to look at the footage as well. It was claimed that small footprints had been left on the lawn, but this was never documented. By the time authorities were called to investigate the area the footprints were nowhere to be seen.
This is was the first sighting of the cryptid that became known as the Fresno Nightcrawler, but it wasn’t the last.
In March of 2011 the creature was once again captured on a security camera either in or near Yosemite National Park. This time two beings, a larger one and a smaller one, were seen slowly walking slowly down a path.
Another sighting took place in December of 2014, but this time in Carmel, Ohio. An older couple who had just moved into the area had noticed an odd occurrence on their property in the form of a perfect circle on their lawn that remained green regardless of the weather. One night the two were driving home and upon driving up a small hill they witnessed a grayish-white creature. It stood about 7 feet tall on two long legs and was very slender. The couple said the creature, which they described as an “alien”, ran across the road and into the nearby forest. This creature, though similar to the Fresno Nightcrawler, became known as the Carmel Area Creature.
In 2017 the creature was captured on a handheld camera, this time in Poland. Though the capture of the creature was quick, it appeared to be very similar to the creature captured in Yosemite.
The most recent sighting of the Fresno Nightcrawler was captured on a home security camera on April 24, 2020 in Billings, Montana. The creature was seen on the camera footage at approximately 9:45pm.
While many consider these sightings to be hoaxes creatures by practical jokers who have either worn billowy pants and walked on stilts, used a pair of pants as a puppet on strings, or just simply manipulated footage using CGI. However, some have other explanations.
It was first thought that these creatures resembled that of a creature or spirit in local Native American folklore, but this has since been debunked after research showed no evidence of any such tales amongst local indigenous tribes.
Other explanations include the creatures being a new species that is possibly primate in origin. Some also believe the creatures could be extraterrestrials.
A more likely explanation is that just like most other cryptid sightings, this is a case of mistaken identity. Some believe that what could have been captured was simply a deer standing on its hind legs and being spotted at an angle that makes them appear as though they are tall, long legged creatures.
Whatever the explanation, the Fresno Nightcrawler has become a beloved crytid amongst Cryptozoologists and fans of the supernatural. With their innocent and docile nature they have inspired many to create artwork and merchandise based on the cute two legged creature, much of which can be purchased on websites such as Etsy.
Though we may never know the truth of the Fresno Nightcrawler sightings the internet will continue to be alive with chatter and adoration for the friendly nightwalkers.
Till next time, stay curious my friends 👽
Links to video footage:
Original Fresno Footage
Yosemite Footage
Poland Footage
Montana Footage
