A listener writes “I’ve been backpacking for around 10 years and a wildland firefighter for 3. Back in August or September 2018 I experienced something I can’t quite explain.
Backpacking with my two daughters on a short trail in the Mendocino National Forest I was woken in the middle of the night by a large animal breaking through brush, breaking branches and making a very loud almost hissing sound. Repeatedly making the sound with what sounded like every exhale. I could hear it coming from the hill above our tent and coming directly towards us.
It came within I’d say 10-20 yards of us before it hit the trail we hiked in on and headed the other direction. It was big. At least elk sized but I never set eyes on it. I’ve never heard anything like it in the forest. My girls somehow slept through the whole thing. The closest thing I’ve ever heard to the hissing sound would be an air compressor releasing air. I was wondering if you’ve heard of Sasquatch making these sounds. The area I was in is next to the Round Valley Reservation, Covelo, CA.”
Karen B
I’ve heard strange hissing that was unmistakenly directed towards me and a twig break off a trail near Possum Kingdom Lake in Texas. It wasn’t like anything I’ve heard before; I immediately turned around and vacated the area. I still have a photo of the trail’s warning sign, which was very interesting in itself.
South of that area, I turned onto a somewhat remote road called Devils Hollow Rd (how could I not? lol), drove the length of it and pulled over on the way out to look at the Brazos River. About thirty seconds later something nailed the road marker by my car with what sounded like a big dirt clod. I got the message and went home. That was literally my first outing since moving to Texas from Southern California. Been here two years, now living in Northeast Texas 45 minutes south of the Red River and Oklahoma.
They. Are. Everywhere.
toomuch
I too have heard the hissing sound, maybe 10 years ago in the Cuyahoga Valley. It was around midnight, making my way towards a wood line. The hissing sound stopped me in my tracks as well. To me, it almost sounded like a hiss of a bottle rocket without the bang. Your air compressor is a better comparison. Thanks for sharing. Thought I was the only one.
CJ M
I find it extremely interesting that the first time I ever hear about a hissing sound that I hear two other people say Me too!.