50 Of The Creepiest Things People Have Ever Encountered While Exploring The Forest

There’s something magical about the forest. Gorgeous green trees provide the freshest air your lungs will ever take in, and the silence can be extremely calming for individuals who are used to constantly being bombarded with city noise. The forest provides a peaceful environment to slow down, sit with your own thoughts and connect with nature.

Your stress can melt away when you’re surrounded by greenery, wild berries and chirping birds. Plus, if you’re going on a hike, trail run or bike ride through the woods, you’re improving your health at the same time! We can’t all live in an isolated cabin (even though many of us say that would be the dream), but we all deserve to spend some time appreciating nature whenever we can. 

As with all good things in life, though, the forest isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. We want nature to remain preserved, which means that there are sometimes creatures roaming about that you would not want to encounter. Ever seen a grizzly bear while out hiking? I certainly hope not, because if you have, you’re lucky to have lived to tell the tale.

It’s wise to be aware of all potential dangers when exploring the wilderness. According to Survival Kompass, we should be mindful of all animals in the forest, even ones that may seem cute or harmless. Nobody wants to return from a camping trip with a tick, rabies or a parasite. So do your best to keep a safe distance from all wildlife.   

Your own tools can also pose a danger in the forest. Use extreme caution when using any sharp tools and weapons, and know exactly what your plan of action will be if you end up needing medical attention.

At the same time, it’s important to always keep an eye on the weather. A beautiful day can turn into a nightmare quickly if a thunderstorm starts creeping up. And temperatures can become dangerous if they drop overnight or become scorching during the heat of the day.

In the forest, fire can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Be careful when starting a campfire or cooking food. Make sure that you always create a safe fire pit and extinguish the flames when you’re finished. And on the topic of food, don’t put anything in your mouth unless you’re absolutely certain that it won’t p****n you. That berry or mushroom may look enticing, but it's not worth the risk of taking a bite if you're not confident that it's healthy.  

Considering how many horror films, novels and fairy tales are set in the forest, it’s no surprise that many people have a fear of the woods. But is it actually rational to be scared of the wilderness?

Well, the European Wilderness Society notes on their site that this fear can be linked to a variety of other phobias. For example, many people are scared of the dark, and many are terrified of wild animals. The forest also can trigger many people’s fear of the unknown, as “every step in the forest means surprise.” 

But the media certainly hasn’t done much to convince us that the forest is a safe, welcoming place to be. I mean, just think of all the horror movies set at summer camps. A rural cabin in the middle of nowhere is, apparently, the perfect place to get away with a crime. And there are plenty of places to get rid of a body, whether you want to dig a hole or dump them in the lake. No wonder so many of us are perfectly content staying in the city!