I was on the phone with my mother just the other day while hiking through the woods when something stopped me in my tracks.  

Though I couldn’t quite tell what it was from a distance, I knew it was a wild animal, something I love to see — from afar. Unfortunately, this wild animal happened to be at the only exit to the trail, so I had to either wait it out or try to move past it.  

I decided to wait. While I stood there, my mother took the opportunity to lecture me about walking alone in the woods. She reminded me that it’s not just wild animals one needs to be cautious of — but people, too.

“Fearless” is how most people who know me would describe me. When I studied abroad in England, I used to take day trips to London by myself just to explore — if my mother only knew!  

In my twenties, I once took a late-night walk to enjoy the air and night sky. I actually got lost and called my best friend for directions. 

In my peripheral vision I saw a tall figure come toward me from the right. He began hollering at me. My friend (on the other end of the phone) began screaming. I just stood there, phone to my ear, speechless, staring up at this person shouting in my face. He must have been over six feet tall.  

Luckily, I had just told my friend my exact location, and she was able to send the cops immediately. I threw myself in front of a white car coming down the street, which was enough to startle, well, pretty much everyone. My attacker left. The people in the car drove off. And I ran and hid behind a parked vehicle until the police arrived.  

Fear has not and will never stop me from going on a hike in the woods or visiting a foreign country alone, Though I suppose I should start sharing my whereabouts with someone when I do venture out, and maybe even carry some protection against wild animals or other predators.

Mace won’t work, as I’d likely spray it in my own face accidentally. A blow horn, maybe? I am open to suggestions …

This week’s Life section happens to be all about the Mother Nature. I went on a hike with a wonderful woman who shares my love for nature.  

Please visit the News You Can Use section as it has some important protection about ticks and the DIY about creating a safe bird bath for our feathered friends. The new East Bay Life page is now live on the website and I hope to add these two sections of the paper on there soon. In the meantime, go check it out, as you will see if you scroll to the bottom a community calendar where you can feel free to add your events.

By the way, that wild animal, it was a fisher cat. I eventually decided to face my fear and walk past it …

Michelle Mercure is editor of the East Bay Life section. Contact her for story ideas, comments, and suggestions at mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com.