Stalker in the forest

I was taking photographs alone in a secluded wooded area when I noticed a person repeatedly passing the entrance to the trees. The person had parked nearby and kept looking at me for an unusually long time each time they passed.

After a short while, the person returned and walked directly toward me with an odd limp. They stopped several times to stare, made low grunting sounds, and moved closer. I began packing away my camera and held my tripod in a way that could help me defend myself if necessary.

When the person came close enough, I realized they were wearing a wig and clothing that made their appearance difficult to read. They stopped at the edge of the path, grabbed a pile of leaves, threw them around, continued making strange sounds, and then wandered into the woods.

I called a friend and asked them to stay on the phone while I finished packing. For several minutes I heard leaves crunching as though someone were circling me, but I tried to convince myself it was wildlife. Eventually the sounds stopped.

I waited, took a few final photographs, and then left the path. The person’s car was gone, but I soon saw the same individual approaching from the entrance, now wearing different clothing. They passed me with a grin that made me feel immediate dread.

I hurried back to my vehicle. As I did, I saw the person emerge from the lane I had just left, stop to look around, and then walk deliberately toward my car. I recorded the approach and drove away quickly. I also reported the encounter to the police because I believed the person might hurt someone.

I still do not know what the person intended. The repeated watching, the disguise, the circling sounds, and the deliberate approach to my vehicle made the encounter feel less like a misunderstanding and more like an attempt to frighten or follow me. I have no desire to meet that person again.