The “hitchhiker effect” at Skinwalker Ranch is a phenomenon in which anomalous objects or entities appear to follow or accompany individuals who have had previous encounters with paranormal or anomalous phenomena at the site. This effect has been reported by numerous witnesses and has been documented in several scientific investigations of the ranch.
According to reports, individuals who have experienced anomalous activity at Skinwalker Ranch may begin to experience additional anomalous phenomena outside of the site. For example, they may report seeing strange objects or entities following them, experiencing unexplained sensations, or hearing unexplained sounds.
The exact cause and nature of the hitchhiker effect at Skinwalker Ranch is still not fully understood, and there are several competing theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon.

One theory suggests that the hitchhiker effect may be related to the presence of dark energy or dark matter, which are invisible and mysterious components of the universe that are thought to make up the majority of its mass. According to this theory, the anomalous activity at Skinwalker Ranch may be related to the influence of dark energy or dark matter on the environment, which could potentially cause objects or entities to become “stuck” to individuals who have had previous encounters with anomalous phenomena.
Another theory suggests that the hitchhiker effect may be related to the influence of consciousness on the environment. According to this theory, individuals who have had previous encounters with paranormal or anomalous phenomena may become more sensitive to the subtle influences of the environment, which could potentially cause them to attract additional anomalous phenomena.
Additionally, some researchers have proposed that the hitchhiker effect may be related to the multiverse theory, which suggests that there may be multiple parallel universes or dimensions that exist alongside our own. According to this theory, the anomalous activity at Skinwalker Ranch may be related to the crossing over of objects or entities from other dimensions or universes.
Ultimately, the cause and nature of the hitchhiker effect at Skinwalker Ranch remains a subject of ongoing research and investigation, and there is still much that we do not understand about this phenomenon. By continuing to study and document the anomalous activity at the site, we may be able to gain new insights into the mysteries of the universe and the nature of reality itself.
Hitchhiker Effect Incidents
There have been several reported incidents at Skinwalker Ranch that involve the “hitchhiker effect,” in which anomalous objects or entities appear to follow or accompany individuals who have had previous encounters with paranormal or anomalous phenomena at the site. These incidents indicate a pattern as they precede nearly identical incidents reported by the current team. Here are a few examples:
The Orb Incident: In one incident reported by scientist and researcher Colm Kelleher, he and his team were driving near Skinwalker Ranch when they encountered a large orb of light hovering in the sky. As they watched, the orb suddenly shot down toward them and hovered directly in front of their vehicle. After a few moments, the orb shot off into the distance and disappeared.
Following the incident, Kelleher reported experiencing strange phenomena outside of the ranch, including seeing orbs of light following him and his team, and experiencing unexplained sensations and sounds. These phenomena continued for several weeks after the initial encounter, suggesting the presence of the hitchhiker effect.
The Strange Entity Incident: In another incident reported by former ranch owner Terry Sherman, he reported encountering a strange entity that appeared to be following him outside of the ranch. According to Sherman, he and his son had been investigating anomalous activity on the ranch when they encountered a humanoid figure that appeared to be made of metal and had glowing red eyes.

Skinwalker Ranch – KSL – fair use
After encountering the entity, Sherman reported experiencing strange phenomena outside of the ranch, including seeing the entity following him and his family and experiencing unexplained sounds and sensations. The entity reportedly followed Sherman and his family for several days after the initial encounter, suggesting the presence of the hitchhiker effect.
The Vehicle Incident: In one incident reported by former ranch owner Robert Bigelow, he and his team were conducting investigations on the ranch when they encountered a strange vehicle that appeared to be following them. The vehicle, which had no apparent driver, appeared to be made of a metallic material and emitted a strange humming sound.
Following the encounter, members of Bigelow’s team reported experiencing strange phenomena outside of the ranch, including seeing the strange vehicle following them and experiencing unexplained sensations and sounds. These phenomena continued for several days after the initial encounter, suggesting the presence of the hitchhiker effect.
The Light Anomaly Incident: In another incident reported by the Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS) program, a member of their team encountered a strange light anomaly while investigating the ranch. The anomaly, which appeared as a bright orb of light, followed the team member as he drove away from the ranch and continued to follow him for several miles before disappearing.
Following the encounter, the team member reported experiencing strange phenomena outside of the ranch, including seeing the light anomaly following him and experiencing unexplained sensations and sounds. These phenomena continued for several days after the initial encounter, suggesting the presence of the hitchhiker effect.

The Hitchhiker Effect and Skinwalker Ranch TV Show
Skinwalker Ranch is the subject of the History Channel show “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.” The show requires a crew to be stationed on the ranch and film events. As we would expect, if the phenomenon is real, the crew have reported symptoms and experiences similar to the cast and scientists studying the ranch.
One incident involved a crew member who reported experiencing strange and unexplained phenomena after encountering anomalous activity at the ranch. According to the crew member, he experienced a series of vivid and terrifying nightmares following his initial encounter, which continued for several days and left him feeling drained and exhausted.
Another incident involved a camera crew who reported experiencing technical malfunctions while filming at the ranch. According to reports, cameras and other equipment would suddenly shut down or malfunction without any apparent cause, making it difficult to capture consistent and reliable footage of the anomalous activity at the site.
Additionally, several members of the TV crew reported experiencing strange sensations and feelings of unease while filming at the ranch, and some reported seeing strange objects or entities that they could not explain.
While these incidents do not necessarily indicate the presence of the hitchhiker effect, they do suggest that the anomalous activity at Skinwalker Ranch can have a profound and potentially unsettling effect on those who experience it. The reports from the TV crew also highlight the challenges of conducting scientific investigations at the site, given the potential for interference from external sources and the difficulty of capturing reliable and consistent data.
According to reports, in the early 1990s, ranch owner Terry Sherman and his family encountered a strange upright canine creature on the ranch. The creature, which was described as being around six feet tall and having glowing red eyes, appeared to be following the family and was spotted on multiple occasions over a period of several months.
Following their encounters with the creature, the Sherman family reported experiencing additional strange phenomena outside of the ranch, including seeing the creature following them and experiencing unexplained sensations and sounds. These phenomena continued for several weeks after the initial encounter, suggesting the presence of the hitchhiker effect.
Reports of similar upright canine entities have been documented in other parts of the world as well, including in the United States, where they are often referred to as “Dogmen” or “Skinwalkers.” While the exact nature and origin of these entities remain a subject of debate and speculation, the reports suggest that they may be related to the anomalous activity at Skinwalker Ranch and other sites of reported paranormal phenomena.
Physiological Response to the “Hitchhiker Effect”
There have been several reports of the “hitchhiker effect” at Skinwalker Ranch in which individuals who have encountered anomalous phenomena at the site report experiencing physical effects on their immune system. Here are two examples:
The Radiation Exposure Incident: In one incident reported by former ranch owner Robert Bigelow, members of his team encountered anomalous radiation readings while investigating the ranch. Following the encounter, several members of the team reported experiencing symptoms of radiation sickness, including nausea, headaches, and fatigue. Which are also symptoms of Havana Syndrome.
Interestingly, after leaving the ranch, these symptoms persisted for several days, despite medical tests showing no signs of radiation exposure. Some members of the team also reported experiencing other unexplained physical symptoms, such as rashes and sores, suggesting that the hitchhiker effect may have had an effect on their immune systems.
The Mysterious Illness Incident: In another incident reported by researcher Christopher O’Brien, a group of individuals who had previously encountered anomalous phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch reported experiencing a mysterious illness. According to reports, the individuals experienced symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and memory loss, which persisted for several months after leaving the ranch.
Medical tests conducted on the individuals showed no signs of a physical illness or infection, leading some to speculate that the hitchhiker effect may have had an effect on their immune systems. It is worth noting, however, that these reports are anecdotal and have not been scientifically verified through publicly released information.
Scientific Study of the Ranch and Hitchhiker Effect Theories
There are several scientists and researchers who have studied the physiological effects of the “hitchhiker effect” at Skinwalker Ranch, in which individuals who have encountered anomalous phenomena at the site report experiencing physical effects on their immune system. These researchers have proposed several theories to explain the potential health effects of encountering paranormal or anomalous phenomena, as well as the mechanisms behind the hitchhiker effect. Here are a few examples:
Christopher O’Brien: As a researcher and author who has extensively studied anomalous phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch, Mr. O’Brien has proposed several theories to explain the potential health effects of the hitchhiker effect. One theory suggests that the anomalous phenomena at the ranch may be related to the presence of strong electromagnetic fields or other forms of radiation that could potentially have negative health effects on individuals who encounter them. Another theory proposes that the hitchhiker effect may be related to the influence of consciousness on the environment, and that the human mind may have the ability to influence the physical world in ways that are not yet fully understood.
Dr. Eric Davis: As a physicist and researcher who has studied the potential mechanisms behind the hitchhiker effect, Dr. Davis has proposed that the anomalous activity at Skinwalker Ranch may be related to the presence of exotic matter or energy that is not yet understood by modern science. He has suggested that this matter or energy may have the ability to influence the physical world in unpredictable and potentially dangerous ways, and that the hitchhiker effect may be related to the way that this matter or energy interacts with the human body and immune system.
Dr. John Alexander: As a retired Army intelligence officer and researcher who has studied paranormal phenomena, Dr. Alexander has proposed that the hitchhiker effect may be related to the influence of consciousness on the physical world. He has suggested that the human mind may have the ability to influence the environment in subtle and unpredictable ways, and that encounters with paranormal or anomalous phenomena may trigger a response in the human body that results in physical effects on the immune system.
Dr. James Houran and Dr. Brian Laythe: While Dr. Houran and Dr. Laythe’s studies were not directly related to the “Hitchiker Effect”, their findings may offer some insight into the effect.
Their primary goal was to use research to build a better understanding of hauntings and related paranormal phenomena.
Haunted People Syndrome was one of the primary theories built out of this research.
Laythe and Houran propose four core features of Haunted People Syndrome, namely:
Forbes, Mark Travers – Jun 18, 2022
- The meaning-making or narrative created around haunting experiences is influenced by personal backgrounds, beliefs, and personality characteristics
- Anxiety and distress regarding hauntings are a function of the nature, closeness, and spontaneity of anomalous experiences
- Distress and unease make anomalous experiences more likely to occur
- Anomalous experiences tend to be contagious, i.e, anomalous experiences can spread to others
A comparison of the individuals who have been affected by anomalous experiences at Skinwalker Ranch against the characteristics identified in the “Haunted People” studies may show a correlation.
These incidents highlight the potential physical effects that the hitchhiker effect may have on individuals who encounter anomalous phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch. While the exact cause and nature of these effects remain a subject of debate and speculation, they suggest that the anomalous activity at the site may have powerful and mysterious influences on the human body and immune system. Further research and investigation will be necessary to fully understand the potential health effects of encountering paranormal or anomalous phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch and other sites of reported paranormal activity.
Furthermore, these incidents indicate a pattern of harm. This indicates there is a public health risk to the phenomenon. While keeping these incidents quiet may seem prudent to those in power…imagine you’re the one being affected. These people have nowhere to turn. The parallels between the symptoms and physiological effects of the hitchhiker phenomenon and cases of “Havana Syndrome” are apparent and worthy of further study.










