17 Horrifying True Stories That Happened To Real Campers (That Will Make You Never Go Outside Again)

16. Stepped on by an elk

“Bedded down for the night on my tarp, a few minutes later heard some rustling coming from my immediate left. Turned on my flashlight to see a bear’s ass literally 2 feet from my nose, using one of its front paws and face to rifle through my pack. I’d like to say I let out a manly war cry to scare it away (brown bear) but it came out more of a “h-hoooooooooooOOOH”. Bear scampers forward, trips on the pack, face plants into a fallen log. Looks back at me like it’s my fault, then runs off.

Then another time, an elk stepped on me while I was asleep. Hurt like a mother, fortunately didn’t pierce my wrap canvas. I yelled in pain, elk gave one of those whistle bugle cries and stomped off. That was scarier than the bear, if it had stomped on me I’d have a minimum of a few broken ribs.

At night at my fire, getting ready to cook up some food, this damn coyote (I think, was kinda dark) sneaks up, grabs my food bag and just runs off with it. I didn’t see it until he had the satchel in his mouth, so I take off after it. It drops the sack under some trees, runs a bit further, and turns around to watch me. As I stopped to grab my food I hear more coyotes from in front of me, close, and to the right. First one was still looking at me. Didn’t sleep much that night.”

17. Attacked by a brown bear

“Got bluffed charged by a brown bear, bear maced it and left it crying in the woods while I ran away like a bitch.

Found a empty campsite, full of tents and supplies no people around. Called out and got zero response.

And finally, had to take a massive shit, random dude called out ” you too?” Apparently it was a popular shit spot.”

The end.” Thought Catalog Logo Mark

Holly is the author of Severe(d): A Creepy Poetry Collection.

Keep up with Holly on Instagram, Twitter and Amazon

More From Thought Catalog