I recently received the following account:
Hi Lon - I am Navajo and a Christian, but I do believe in the devil and I believe that Skinwalkers are demons.
I grew up in the rural community of Crystal, New Mexico. It's full of trees, mountains, and hills. The houses are scattered. The nights are pitch black at times, especially when the moon is low. My family is very humble - thankful to God for our success. We help and appreciate others, as all people should be treated. Sometimes were are tested.
One night I had a friend sleep over. We were in my room talking and hanging out. It was around 11 pm or so. Nice summer night, so my window was wide open and it was very dark outside. My dad was in the living room watching TV. As usual he dosed off on the couch. My mom had already gone to bed. My friend and I were talking, when all of a sudden we heard the screen door open and slam shut. We thought it was my dad. While that happens, my mom claims she heard footsteps going through her room toward the restroom. She thought it was my dad, but then she soon realized that she was unable to move as if she were paralyzed.
Still in my room with my friend, we soon heard the screen door open and slam again. The slam woke my dad and he came to my bedroom to check on us. He wanted to see if we were still there and not into mischief.
My mom told us the next morning about what she heard, and how she could not move. She also told us that the second time the door slammed she then heard horse hooves run by her bedroom window.
A few nights later, I was in bed asleep. I woke because something outside my open window was making noise - like a loud stomping sound. I was too scared to get up and close the window. I stayed still and continued to listen. Then I heard something running away. I slowly got up and walked over to the window. As I pulled it shut, a large dark shadow formed outside. I ran back to my bed and pulled the covers over my head.
The next morning, my dad told me that there was a Skinwalker visiting at night. This was the first time he ever mentioned a Skinwalker to me. He told me not to fear it - our faith will protect us.
I don't know what was on the Skinwalker's agenda, but what I do know is that my family was stronger than it. Our faith is strong and we know our savior will provide protection for our family. Every year we hike up the mountain to a high point and we pray for our community's protection from evil. JK
Navajo and the Animal People: Native American Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Ethnozoology
Hunt for the Skinwalker: Science Confronts the Unexplained at a Remote Ranch in Utah
Lost on Skinwalker Ranch: The True Story of a Property Guard and His Encounter with the Paranormal
Skinwalker Ranch: No Trespassing
