
The Presque Isle UFO Encounter
The Presque Isle UFO encounter refers to an alleged extraterrestrial sighting that took place in Presque Isle, Maine, on a summer evening in 1976. The incident involved four teenagers who claimed to have witnessed a strange unidentified flying object in the sky. The event gained significant attention at the time and has since become one of the most well-known UFO encounters in Maine’s history.
On the evening of August 7, 1976, around 9:30 PM, four teenagers—Thomas Reed, his younger brother Matthew Reed, their mother, Nancy Reed, and their friend, Mary Jean—were driving along a remote road near Presque Isle. The Reeds’ mother was driving the car, and the teenagers were seated in the back. As they approached the end of a long, desolate stretch of road, they noticed a bright light in the sky.
The light appeared to be moving erratically, changing colors from red to green and emitting beams of light in various directions. The teenagers were immediately intrigued and excitedly urged their mother to stop the car so they could get a closer look. Nancy obliged and pulled over onto the side of the road.
As they stepped out of the car, the teenagers witnessed a large metallic object hovering silently above the ground. It had a dome-shaped top with multicolored lights encircling it. The object was estimated to be approximately 80 feet in diameter and 20 feet in height. The witnesses later described it as resembling a classic UFO.

In a state of awe and confusion, the teenagers stood there, staring at the object, when suddenly a beam of light shot down from the craft and engulfed the entire group. The next thing they remembered was being inside the object, in what they described as a bright, sterile environment with a metallic sheen. They claimed to have lost consciousness during this time and woke up in different locations within the craft.
Inside, the teenagers reported encountering three non-human entities that appeared humanoid but with distinct differences. They described them as being about 4 to 5 feet tall, with large heads, slanted eyes, and long, slender limbs. These beings communicated with the witnesses telepathically, assuring them that they would not be harmed and that they were there to observe and study humanity.

After what felt like a brief period, the teenagers found themselves back outside the craft, watching as it silently ascended into the sky and disappeared at incredible speed. Confused and overwhelmed by the experience, they quickly returned to their car and drove home.
The Reed family’s encounter with the Presque Isle UFO did not end there. Over the years, they claimed to have experienced recurring dreams, paranormal phenomena, and encounters with strange beings. They also underwent hypnotic regression sessions to retrieve more details about their encounter.
The incident gained widespread media attention, and the Reeds’ story became a subject of interest within the UFO community. Many researchers and investigators explored the case, conducting interviews and analyzing the evidence. The Reed family’s accounts remained consistent throughout, and they stood by their claims despite facing skepticism and criticism from skeptics.
The Presque Isle UFO encounter continues to be a highly debated and controversial case in the field of ufology. While some people believe the Reed family’s story to be a genuine extraterrestrial encounter, others remain skeptical, attributing the experience to misidentifications or psychological factors.
To this day, the Presque Isle UFO encounter remains an intriguing and puzzling event, with no definitive explanations or consensus reached. It stands as a testament to the enduring mysteries surrounding unidentified flying objects and the profound impact such encounters can have on those who experience them
Other UFO Encounters in the Northeastern US
- The Allagash Abductions (Maine, 1976): Four friends reported being abducted by a UFO while on a fishing trip in Allagash Wilderness Waterway. They underwent hypnosis, which revealed detailed accounts of their alleged abduction experience.
- Exeter Incident (New Hampshire, 1965): Numerous witnesses, including a police officer, reported seeing a large object with red lights hovering and moving in the sky. The object emitted a strange noise and pursued a teenager’s car.
- Hudson Valley Sightings (New York, 1983-1986): Over several years, thousands of witnesses reported seeing large, triangular-shaped objects with bright lights flying silently over the Hudson Valley. These sightings received significant media coverage.
- Loring Air Force Base Incident (Maine, 1975): Military personnel at Loring Air Force Base reported a series of UFO sightings over a period of several hours. Radar operators also confirmed the presence of unidentified objects in the area.
- The Berkshire UFO Incident (Massachusetts, 1969): A UFO sighting was reported by multiple witnesses in the Berkshire County area. The witnesses described a disc-shaped object with flashing lights and erratic movements.
- The Pine Bush Phenomenon (New York, ongoing): Pine Bush, New York, has been a hotspot for UFO sightings and paranormal activities for several decades. Many residents and visitors have reported seeing unusual lights and objects in the sky.
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