1984 Pterodactyl Sighting in Kansas

Recently reported

By Margie Kay

Jeff Wendel contacted me to relate a 1984 sighting of a Pterodactyl in Piper, Kansas. After speaking to Ken Gerhard and discussing my experience, Ken referred Jeff to me since I study winged cryptids. 

Jeff said that he estimates the creature had at least a 20-to-30-foot wingspan. The head was typical a pterodactyl type head and its wings had two curves on the sides closest to the tail. He couldn’t see detail as it was flying very high, and he was almost looking into the sun. It was a clear sunny day in June with no clouds. Jeff saw only one small flap off the wings during the five or so minutes he observed the creature. He went inside to get his telescope to get a better view but when he went back outside, he could no longer see the winged creature.

Until recently, Jeff only told two people in his life. He told his mother at the time of the sighting, but she didn't believe the story, and his ex-wife who did believe him. Jeff said, "It’s stuck with me and recall it so vividly because I didn’t even believe my own eyes when it happened."

There wasn’t the technology we have now at that time, which rules out a drone.

Jeff said, "It’s stuck with me, and I recall it vividly because I didn’t believe my own eyes when it happened. I’m so thankful people believe they exist.  I can say with 100% certainty that in 1984, some type of pterosaur was alive and flying in Piper, Kansas."

This sighting will be added to the Winged Cryptids Map, which is viewable at www.margiekay.com.