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Minerva Monster
A hairy creature stalked the Cayton family for weeks. It killed their dog and threw it against the house. Deputies saw it. Footprints measured 17 inches. The entire family eventually fled.
August 1978
Minerva, Ohio, USA
20+ witnesses
The Minerva Monster terrorized an Ohio family.
The Family
Cayton farm:
- Rural Minerva
- August 1978
- Strange events began
- Escalated rapidly
- Family fled
First Sightings
What they saw:
- 300+ pounds
- Covered in hair
- 7 feet tall
- Glowing eyes
- Terrible smell
The Dog
Violence:
- German Shepherd killed
- Thrown against house
- By creature
- Family inside
- Heard impact
Police Response
Sheriff deputies:
- Called to scene
- Saw creature
- Gave chase
- Lost in woods
- Official report
The Evidence
Physical traces:
- 17-inch footprints
- Three-toed
- Deep impressions
- Hair samples
- Analyzed, inconclusive
The Aftermath
Family departure:
- Continued harassment
- Eventually moved
- Sightings stopped
- Area quiet
- But remembered