Pavan, that's pretty darned funny. Did you say anything to him?
I've had a few interesting experiences. Some had explanations, others not so much.
I lived in Alaska for most of the 1990s and for several lived in a little 12x16 cabin set amongst some huge fir trees. I had electricity, but no running water. There was a little creek that ran within 20 yards of the cabin, and, although it was only 3 feet across and less than a foot deep, it would get packed with salmon every August. Black bear were constantly peeking in my windows and standing on my porch. More than once I couldn't open my door to go to work because of a huge black bear enjoying his breakfast.
One night I was laying on my cot, listening to the rain and the salmon splashing in the creek when I thought I heard a child scream. I was in that really relaxed state of mind and thought maybe I imagined it. To be sure, I got up, went outside, and stood on my porch. There weren't any houses nearby and it would have been really strange for someone to be out in that area in the middle of the night.
I stood there for several minutes, listening as hard as I could. That forest was always really strangely quiet. There were no insect or animal noises at all. Just the sound of the creek and the small drops of rain. I figured I must have imagined that scream and turned to go inside.
Right as I turned the doorknob, I heard it again. There was no mistaking it this time. And it was much louder. I'll tell you, every hair on my body stood on end. I figured I had to see what the heck was going on, so I pulled on my boots, grabbed my flashlight and took off towards where the noise came from.
I didn't turn my flashlight on just yet. I could see just enough to make my way. I had gone maybe 50 or 60 yards when I heard a distinctly different bunch of noises. The first was a loud huffing sound. Like something large breathing in and out as fast as it could. Then I heard a low gutteral growl, then a bunch of limbs and sticks breaking. Then all hell broke loose. There was wailing and roaring and teeth popping and limbs breaking and, in the midst of all that, the sound of a baby squalling for its mama.
Mind you, I'm standing there in the woods, in the dark, in my shorts and rubber boots with all of this going on within 30-40 yards from me. I thought I'd better retreat and find safe haven.
I flew back to the cabin, locked myself in and grabbed my shotgun. I was rattled to say the least. My heart was pumping out of my chest. There was no way I would sleep that night.
The next morning, I did a little reconnaissance mission to see if I could figure out what the heck went on. Armed with my Benelli full of 00 and slugs, I made my way to the scene. There were huge tufts of black hair everywhere. Newly broken limbs and branches were littered about and the ground was torn up in a 20 square yard area. Several of the trees had scrape marks up and down them.
To shorten up a long story, it appeared that a big black bear boar had tried to take a cub. Mama bear was probably fishing nearby and upon hearing the baby squalling, came zooming in to the rescue. By all accounts, she did an admiral job.
I'll tell you one thing, it is quite an experience to hear that much commotion go on yards in front of you and not be able to see it.
I'll share some other storys later.