A listener writes “My family owns a cabin in Sullivan County, PA, and we go up for bear season every November. Last November, we picked out our spots the day before, and I decided to go left while everyone else went right and down. Everything started out normally; I was enjoying the quiet woods with just the sound of some raindrops. Around 9:00 AM, the sun came out briefly before going behind the clouds, and it suddenly got dark, as if it had gone back to dawn. Then, a thick fog rolled in. After the fog lifted, it returned to an overcast day.
I was facing north, looking down toward where a stream runs out from a swamp on top of the mountain. To my back right, about 40 yards away, were thick pines and deadfalls. Suddenly, I heard what sounded like people talking, almost like a Native American chanting. I was in shock, wondering if I was really hearing it or if it was just other hunters driving the mountain to move the bear.
Then, the situation became terrifying. What I initially thought was a huge owl hooting turned into something else entirely it sounded like a 500-pound owl hooting from the thick pines. About 100 yards out, to the right and up the mountain, another one answered. It was so loud that the sound echoed. I stood up, facing the noise in total disbelief and fear. I even took the safety off my 30-06, which I never do until I’m ready to take a shot.
I finally pulled out my phone to record and managed to capture the final sound before it stopped. I’m disappointed in myself for not taking my phone out sooner.”