Ike Falber's Chilling Bigfoot Encounter and Gray Barker's Paranormal Archives

In a recent episode of the Wild and Weird WV podcast, Ike Fauber, a local researcher and paranormal enthusiast, shared his experiences and fascination with the unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and Bigfoot. Ike, who has spent decades working at Charleston Area Medical Center, has been captivated by stories of the paranormal since his childhood, growing up hearing about the Braxton County Monster and other strange occurrences in West Virginia. During the podcast, Ike recounted his visit to the Gray Barker UFO Collection at the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library. Gray Barker, a prominent ufologist and writer, was known for his work on the Flatwoods Monster and other UFO sightings. Ike shared his excitement about discovering files on UFOs and Bigfoot in Barker's collection, emphasizing how these subjects have been discussed for much longer than many people realize. One particularly intriguing story Ike shared was his personal encounter with a Bigfoot-like creature on Upper Mud River Lake in Lincoln County. While fishing at night with his brother, Ike noticed a curtain of bugs attracted to a black light they had set up on their boat. Suddenly, they heard splashing in the water and noticed large footprints on the shore. Ike described the creature as being about seven feet tall, covered in dark hair, and having a strong, unpleasant odor. Ike's story is a reminder of the rich paranormal history in West Virginia, which extends beyond popular culture portrayals. The state has been a hotbed for unexplained phenomena, with numerous reports of UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and ghostly apparitions. By sharing these stories and encouraging further investigation, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the mysteries that surround us. To learn more about Ike Fauber's experiences and the paranormal history of West Virginia, be sure to check out the Wild and Weird WV podcast on YouTube. Engaging with first-hand accounts and research is an excellent way to expand our knowledge and keep the conversation going about these fascinating subjects.