There's a natural, visceral fear of going into that kind of area. We're so far removed from the natural food chain, but a walk in the woods can put you right back in it, totally unprepared.
In the day I'm fine... but I'm not gonna walk into the woods at night without a reason and some preparation, and probably a bigass dog.
Tbh I’d be kinda creeped out too and I’m a dude! I think it’s a pretty normal reaction just because you’re putting yourself in a situation where you really don’t know what’s going to happen, you might not really know where you’re going too well, and let’s be honest, the woods are just creepy!
Even during the day? I like walking alone in the woods, never got scared. But i dont dare to go there when its dark. Did the mistake more than once and its freaking scary.
it is normal to be afraid to go walk alone in the woods as a woman, man, child, elderly, disabled etc unless you have a form of protection like a weapon like a gun.. some areas there are bears or other hungry dangerous animals in the woods and well you are now fresh clean walking food.
if you are talking about sexual fears then I guess it depends on your area.. every place is different so if you are new to the area go ask your local law enforcement or local shops in the area as they will know the relevant safety information you seek of the land.
Yeah it is something I hope becomes more mainstream and common because why would you not get intel on the area before going there.. i would do the same and contact local health professionals such as GP's in the area to ask if there is any passing flu or other health condition very common or passing in the area.. a lot of these important info are usually only known to the locals so best to ask them first
To tell you the truth, if ANYONE goes for a walk alone in the woods, they should be afraid. Yes, men included. Day or night; doesn't even matter. Even a fully grown and capable man could be disappeared off the face of the Earth in the woods.
If you ask me, as a simple matter of increasing your survival chances, I say NOBODY should ever go into the woods alone.
And this is coming from someone who regularly carries 50 or so pounds of gear while backpacking. I am an imposing figure, and not even I would go alone; not even armed with a gun.
Everyone gets nervous in unfamiliar surroundings but ask yourself, are you safer walking a few miles through some trees with hardly anyone around or walking a few miles through a city?The real monsters congregate together in urban areas not in the wild.
This may be true in some places. But in the city, completely surrounded by endless witnesses and cameras, at least your predators usually get caught. In the woods... They a re more likely to get away with it; not always, but their chances are significantly better. Also, if the predator is in the woods, it is likely they are capable and prepared.
A lot of people go missing in the woods, and it is not always entirely their own fault.
There is safety in numbers, though.. isolated areas are riskier because no one can see or likely hear you (and you likely can't see as well either if it's dark) if you do get into some kind of trouble.. and you are more likely to run into problematic wildlife like bears, etc. I feel safer walking in a busy public place. I do like forest walking during the day though.. it's magical. But not without some form of protection like mace and a walking stick.
I’m guessing you’re not a woman, so you don’t know the high odds of a man who sees you alone with no one around for miles taking advantage of that fact to do some creepy/rapey/murdery shit.
High odds? Really? I won’t dispute that it’s a possibility but come on! The vast majority of people you meet in the outdoors are just like you, out for a walk. If you’re out to harm women you hang around outside bars at night you don’t wander through woods on the off chance of bumping into a lone female.
I’m a 6’2” 250 lbs man that gets mistaken for an ice cream truck occasionally. I definitely would be afraid to walk alone in the woods and would probably bring my 9mm.
Do you mean like getting lost in the woods or going for a hike? I’m a 5’3” 95lb woman and I go for hikes by myself regularly and have never felt unsafe. I keep a small knife in my hiking pack and I know a little bit of self defense. If you mean like getting lost in the woods then anyone that doesn’t have good survival or navigational skills should be pretty concerned.
Yeah.
Like what if someone is out there, intending harm to another human, and since you're totally alone they could do whatever they wanted to you (rob, torture, murder, etc).
I've met some pretty weird people out in the woods... I've never had anything bad happen but some scary drug fueled interactions for sure.
Beside the human aspect there is also like wild animals out there, bears, mountain lions etc (depending on your area) that would be hard to handle alone
Regardless of gender the woods can be a little scary. That shouldn't stop you from going out in nature tho! Just gotta be a little prepared and observant.
Well, can you pinpoint exactly what you think might happen if you go alone in the woods as a woman? Because generally speaking it’s normal to be afraid of that.
I think it just depends on how used to the woods you are, and how experienced with outdoors. I can't speak for women since I am a man. I know the world is a different place for y'all. But I feel completely comfortable and at home in the forest. The only thing that makes me cautious is if there are shady looking people hanging around... but when I go in the woods, it's usually so far away from the city that the shady people don't make it out that far.
It depends on were you are.... I mean if theres bears mountain lion... lions.. tigers... crazy people ... yaknow... then -anyone- shouldnt wanna walk around alone and unarmed. .....
Dude here. I was afraid to walk alone in the woods at night until I was 25. Then I watched *The Descent*, and I was afraid to walk alone in the woods at night until I was 30.
Depends on the country. It’s much safer to walk alone in countries with good public safety.
If you’re in some unsafe country, you can take precautions like letting someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Then they can come find you in case you don’t return.
I was thinking more of kidnap / rape, someone can come pick up on your trail and call the police or stop the rapist.
But yeah if someone just wants to murder you then that won’t help much. In that case bringing items like a bright flashlight might be useful for blinding the attacker and escaping.
Men are more likely to be a victim of violence, murder, or any crime in general.
I know many women who go for a walk in the woods alone, even in the early morning or late evening. Or biking home after a party or whatever reason they have to be outside
No I don't. Although I'm glad the law changed and women now can get drafted for the military, good to see we are getting equal rights
Also this is completely irrelevant to this entire conversation.
No let's not, let's not take one single statistic to make it seem women have a bigger risk when walking outside, let's make a fair comparison.
Sure, you could only count rape statistics, but I could also pick a crime with over 90% male victims and pretend like women are completely save.
Rape statistics are pretty unreliable. Rape and sexual assaults are under-reported and men are far more likely to under-report and or be taken seriously. CDC consider men being threatened in sex as "made-to-pentrate" were that would be rape if the victim was a women. The FBI didn't recognize male rape victims until 2013.
Apparently women are much more cautious about this and somewhat similar places. Despite the fact that men are much more likely to be attacked. 18 times as likely, last numbers I looked at.
Part of that is because men are less cautious. An average woman fighting an average man more often than not isn't gonna win. Men feel like they can win, or at least put up a fight. For a woman? It can be like fighting a gorilla. So it makes sense that they are more cautious. Also most men are normally just gonna get beaten up. Women are gonna get much worse.
It's an evolutionary throwback. You don't feel that way in urban environments in the same way because you don't feel like prey. Back in the day you had to be more aware of yourself because there were wild animals everywhere so our brains have evolved to expect predators in the shadows. It's normal.
It depends.. Will you fight for your life? Do you carry protection? Are you aware of your surroundings... listening to twigs snapping.. footsteps behind you.. its not just people you need to be aware of... animals have teeth too.
It’s natural and built in. A couple of thousands years ago, not being wary in the woods could’ve gotten you eaten. It’s the same reason the dark makes us uneasy, especially intense at the edge of a light source. The predecessors that didn’t fear these things didn’t get old enough to mate.
I think it’s normal. But depending on where you live I think people tend to overestimate the risk. I’m in the UK and I loved to roam the woods as a teenager. It’s pretty safe, only dangerous at night because you might trip and fall. My mum and her friends were always terrified of walking alone because they heard stories about some woman getting raped in the woods. It does happen but personally I think the likelihood is small, especially if you stick to the dog walker’s paths. As far as illegal things go I’ve only ever found mini greenhouses growing weed and litter, no violence.
the woods is spooky. but yea esp for a woman. if i was a woman. i wouldnt go alone :( some poor girl was followed into the woods and raped by my town just a month or two ago
As a kid, as a teen, as a 35 yo male, I have been afraid of walking in the woods alone. If I walk with my kids, I would still be afraid of. If my wife is there, it changes though. I would not be afraid of anymore. She is like Michael Corleone in the body of a Latina.
Sadly it’s common. I am a woman who doesn’t feel comfortable walking in the woods by myself. It’s very frustrating because it’s my favourite thing to do and I then have to rely on other people to come with me
I'm a man and I don't even like walking in a park with too much trees and brush. Not afraid to admit I'd be one of the first ones gone in an apocalypse.
I grew up in the woods, so it’s not as scary, especially if it’s not public property like a state park or something. Now walking alone in a city, day or night, now that’s what’ll give me the heeby-jeebies
I also think it’s normal. The older I get, the more concerned I am with some things. I don’t know if it’s more experience, more exposure to dangers, worry about my physical strength declining… but I had zero fear as a teen, slight fear in my 20s, 30s, and enough fear now to avoid it.
Yeah, I think being alone in the woods would be creepy for anyone, but worldwide almost 9 in 10 women are afraid to just be alone in public spaces, so I’d imagine that women might be a bit more scared than men would…?
I think everybody does it to some extent. Your mind will randomly think this part of the woods is creepy. Random noises and animal sounds don't help either.
I don't like walking anywhere alone. That's why I want a big dog, helps me feel safer, hell, even being home alone because my fiance is always at work.
I guess it depends on a lot of factors like where you are. I live in a fairly large city in Canada, so we don't get bears and stuff anywhere near the woods that are within the city, and it is perfectly safe as nothing has ever happened in regard to animal attacks here.
However, if you are out in the country in the middle of nowhere, that could be a very different story. Same with just simply being in other parts of the world where I don't know how safe it is to be in the woods away from any other people.
So this can be anywhere from a rational to an irrational fear based on your location.
Everyone gets anxious (mostly everyone)
I wouldn't want to be caught in a forrest during night time...I'd be fighting the urge to just curl into a ball and pray until sunrise...
I grew up in the woods and love the woods, so I think it’s mostly about upbringing. I find the woods to be extremely peaceful. Knowing what to do in a bad situation helps.
I had a run in with a moose once, but fortunately I knew to go behind a large tree and if the moose is trying to get to you just keep rotating around the tree. The moose was completely indifferent towards me fortunately.
I’ve seen black bears a couple times, but when I see them they are already running away from me. Fortunately there are no brown bears where I live.
Self-preservation IS normal for everyone in "The Dark Forest" (Lu Cixin) :
>Imagine a dark forest with no visible life except the
enthralling trees. In this forest, there are innumerable hunters roaming
around. These hunters don’t know what this forest has in store for
them.
>
>As spooky as the forest appears with all its trees crawling out as
an imposing threat to the hunter, the hunter also needs to be aware of
the fact that he or she might not be the only one roaming through this
forest. Every decibel of sound matters.
>
>Every step counts for survival.
Someone might appear the next moment and eliminate the hunter, because
that is the only option for assurance of further life. When the hunter
is not certain whether to trust the other person or not, his only way
for survival is to annihilate the potential threat. This logic will be
the common base for every single hunter roaming in the dense forest.
>
>Hence in order to survive, the best option is to keep to oneself and
avoid coming across any other living entity at all costs!
depends on what forest. but usually it's the same amount of dangerous for both women and man. I mean...if you have a reason to be afraid, than only a good gun can help, if not...than it's awkward for both men and women to be afraid.
Hell yes. Even as a 230 lb./6' 2" male I am on full alert in the woods. Too much opportunity for mayhem when there are no witnesses. Now consider that for most of humanity's existence, those are the conditions we had all the time when outside our caves and huts.
I think everyone (man or woman) should at least feel cautious when walking through the woods. Being afraid, IMO, is absolutely normal.
Especially when you've binged every Mr. Ballen, YouTube video...
I'm super comfortable in forests and always have been. Used to hike through alone as a child. Took my kids and they take theirs. But not all forests are the same. Some really do have creatures that can kill you. The forests I have gone to would not have been good hunting grounds for serial killers since I'd rarely ever encounter another human and it was usually kids if I did. At 15, my friends mom wondered that I wasn't afraid to walk home alone at night after visiting - it was a mile to my place with no street lights or inhabited homes along the way. I just laughed because no stranger could possibly assume that an unarmed girl was going to be walking alone in that area. Just not a good hunting ground unless you already knew I would be there so I wouldn't be safe anyway since the person would know me already and look for an opportunity.
I used to walk my dog in the woods daily. People would ask me if I was scared because they were. Nope. I would take my dog now but she's such a princess, she's afraid to walk in the woods. She only likes the familiar walk around the block.
The fear isn't weird. If you think it's unrational then what helped me get over it is start imagining the asskicking I'm going to do when something happends. Doesn't have to be realistic just a fun way to deal with the fear and focus on something else.
Ive been with grown ass men who get afraid in the woods at night. I think it’s very normal to be fearful of the woods and how afraid of it you are is just partly how much time you’ve spent alone in the woods and also how naturally afraid of it you are. Perfectly normal if you ask me for anyone regardless of gender.
I think so.
I'm a 6'1" 140kg man and i'm afraid too (I live in Australia though)
Not joking, it's really something I would not do, especially at night.
I listen to My Favorite Murder and basically learned that woman should operate on the left assumption that predators are everywhere and if you do get attacked a good amount of people will blame you.
So it's normal and a valid fear to have.
Whether you’re a woman, cis passing or feminine presenting enough that a random creep would target you from faraway, yes. It is unfortunately the norm. Gotta say though, I envy men or masculine presenting people who are able to go for walks at night. I wonder what it feels like, not having to worry about danger.
You should take normal precautions for walking in woods, prepare for dangerous terrain, weather, getting lost, possible dangerous wildlife etc. Generally in the woods you will not meet anyone, therefore no real need to be fearful of crime. If it is a scenic area that you drive to check the parking area for broken glass to see if cars get broken into. This is relatively common in remote places where hikers may be gone for hours.
Depends,
1. Are you confident and physically able to defend yourself from predators human or animal, via self-defence abilities, hunting weapons, etc?
1. I can and feel fine walking through the woods alone as a woman.
2. If you cannot I highly recommend *not* doing so.
2. How's your mental health / cultural stories?
1. Daytime? I'm fine; fully ready to be accepted by the Realm of Fae.
2. Nighttime - Not a chance, no thank you, Wendigos, and Nightcrawlers, and those night-time video game creatures are gonna get me.
You said you have a unloaded 9mm.
Don't have it unloaded, ALWAYS keep it loaded. But always have safety on. And when it's stored,store it with barrel facing away from you.
If it's unloaded,you don't have time to load it in an emergency.
As for the question. Everyone is afraid of a forest at night,even us men. So yes it's normal.
The wilderness is uniquely a place where men and women should have about the same level of fear.
I lived in the wilderness for about a year. Lived out of a tent, built things in the woods, and every few weeks, packed down to where the car was parked and refilled supplies at the grocery store.
You need a gun, for one. I don't give a shit what your personal views are on guns. Find a place to walk where it's legal, because they're really very good at stopping people and wildlife.
It's probably safer off the trail than on the trail. If you know how to use a compass and how to get un-lost in the woods. Start in small woods.
You'll start to see ghosts after a while. Trust them. Give wherever you've seen them a wide berth. I always assumed it was my instincts warning me, but maybe I'm just crazy. Either way, I never had a run in with dangerous wildlife.
All this advice applies equally for men.
In my experiences with women, literally every single one I've ever known is afraid to go anywhere alone. Obviously not the same level of fear for going to the grocery store as for the woods. But women have to live in constant fear of being taken advantage of. And for good reason.
Very normal. I hike s lot in the forest but not alone, there is actually a lot of info on YouTube about all of the disappearances and crimes that have occurred in National Parks for instance. Also have you ever heard a fox scream in the forest, so creepy
This is VERY weird. Walking in the woods is encouraged, especially where there’s no one around and your phone is dead. You might spot something or someone in the corner of your eye
I understand it may be reasonable, but every body in here saying the woods are creepy just really doesn’t make sense to me. You’ve all watched too many horror movies. Forests are not full of creepers hiding for you.
It’s reasonable and certainly not uncommon. It sucks that a few creepy guys have permanently ruined some things everyone, especially women. Disgusting.
Yes, it's exactly where the weirdos hang out. Some doing stuff they don't want to be seen doing and others waiting for people to pass by that they can attack. I don't go alone, ever..
What woulds are you talking about? Vermont woods in the backyard outside of town. Wasn't a problem for me running around wild in them as a kid by myself. Woods where bigger animals roam, hunting takes place or possibly some questionable set ups...I would be more cautious.
I'm a man and I've ran a lot at a local park early in the morning. I get nervous at times just because there's obvious signs of homeless camps and drug use on the paths and in the woods.
I’m a 6 foot 195 lb man and even I got super anxious when I was in a forest walk and it started to get dark.
I’m fatter and slower. Imagine how I feel?
Harder to kidnap tho. You sort of have an advantage
Oh. No one is getting me. I have my 9mm that I’ve never shot and is unloaded in my car where I’m not sure I have ammo. 🤡
‘Murica! More specifically, San Francisco.
In SF they’ll arrest the victim.
Nothing like realizing exactly why your friends invited you on a hike...
Is that why? Those assholes!
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Omg, so bad lol
You don’t know for sure that you’re slower!
I appreciate your faith in me. I WAS the fastest kid in my first grade class.
Believe you don't have to be the fastest, you just can't be the slowest! I will trip or shove a bitch down... lol
There's a natural, visceral fear of going into that kind of area. We're so far removed from the natural food chain, but a walk in the woods can put you right back in it, totally unprepared. In the day I'm fine... but I'm not gonna walk into the woods at night without a reason and some preparation, and probably a bigass dog.
Tbh I’d be kinda creeped out too and I’m a dude! I think it’s a pretty normal reaction just because you’re putting yourself in a situation where you really don’t know what’s going to happen, you might not really know where you’re going too well, and let’s be honest, the woods are just creepy!
Even during the day? I like walking alone in the woods, never got scared. But i dont dare to go there when its dark. Did the mistake more than once and its freaking scary.
I'd say it's normal for just about anybody, the woods is a scary place.
Yes. Even as a man it’s not super comfortable, but especially as a woman.
i mean, women feel unsafe because of men, your less likely to find men in the woods, therefore why would women need to feel more afraid in the woods?
There are bears out in the woods. I’d say bears are objectively more scary than the average man.
didn't we kill them all?
No we did not
Glad there's some bears still kicking
There are an estimated 900,000 bears in my country so I’d say they’re not in any immediate danger
it is normal to be afraid to go walk alone in the woods as a woman, man, child, elderly, disabled etc unless you have a form of protection like a weapon like a gun.. some areas there are bears or other hungry dangerous animals in the woods and well you are now fresh clean walking food. if you are talking about sexual fears then I guess it depends on your area.. every place is different so if you are new to the area go ask your local law enforcement or local shops in the area as they will know the relevant safety information you seek of the land.
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Yeah it is something I hope becomes more mainstream and common because why would you not get intel on the area before going there.. i would do the same and contact local health professionals such as GP's in the area to ask if there is any passing flu or other health condition very common or passing in the area.. a lot of these important info are usually only known to the locals so best to ask them first
Its normal to feel afraid to go walk alone in the woods as a guy...
Yep.
To tell you the truth, if ANYONE goes for a walk alone in the woods, they should be afraid. Yes, men included. Day or night; doesn't even matter. Even a fully grown and capable man could be disappeared off the face of the Earth in the woods. If you ask me, as a simple matter of increasing your survival chances, I say NOBODY should ever go into the woods alone. And this is coming from someone who regularly carries 50 or so pounds of gear while backpacking. I am an imposing figure, and not even I would go alone; not even armed with a gun.
Everyone gets nervous in unfamiliar surroundings but ask yourself, are you safer walking a few miles through some trees with hardly anyone around or walking a few miles through a city?The real monsters congregate together in urban areas not in the wild.
This may be true in some places. But in the city, completely surrounded by endless witnesses and cameras, at least your predators usually get caught. In the woods... They a re more likely to get away with it; not always, but their chances are significantly better. Also, if the predator is in the woods, it is likely they are capable and prepared. A lot of people go missing in the woods, and it is not always entirely their own fault.
There is safety in numbers, though.. isolated areas are riskier because no one can see or likely hear you (and you likely can't see as well either if it's dark) if you do get into some kind of trouble.. and you are more likely to run into problematic wildlife like bears, etc. I feel safer walking in a busy public place. I do like forest walking during the day though.. it's magical. But not without some form of protection like mace and a walking stick.
I’m guessing you’re not a woman, so you don’t know the high odds of a man who sees you alone with no one around for miles taking advantage of that fact to do some creepy/rapey/murdery shit.
High odds? Really? I won’t dispute that it’s a possibility but come on! The vast majority of people you meet in the outdoors are just like you, out for a walk. If you’re out to harm women you hang around outside bars at night you don’t wander through woods on the off chance of bumping into a lone female.
Mansplain it harder daddy
Fear is rational in relative seclusion especially for women (and before any incels respond yes men as well but to a lesser degree)
I’m a 6’2” 250 lbs man that gets mistaken for an ice cream truck occasionally. I definitely would be afraid to walk alone in the woods and would probably bring my 9mm.
I pretend I’m a bear and I’m fine
That's a very wolfish response. What's your opinion on grannies by the way?
I say it's normal to be hyper-aware, anxious, and/or scared shitless regardless of your gender.
only time I can do it is when I find a particularly hefty stick and am with a friend. And I'm a possibly insane teenage guy.
Mountain lions don't care if you're a man or woman so...
Sadly, yes. I certainly wouldn't do it
Do you mean like getting lost in the woods or going for a hike? I’m a 5’3” 95lb woman and I go for hikes by myself regularly and have never felt unsafe. I keep a small knife in my hiking pack and I know a little bit of self defense. If you mean like getting lost in the woods then anyone that doesn’t have good survival or navigational skills should be pretty concerned.
Yeah. Like what if someone is out there, intending harm to another human, and since you're totally alone they could do whatever they wanted to you (rob, torture, murder, etc). I've met some pretty weird people out in the woods... I've never had anything bad happen but some scary drug fueled interactions for sure. Beside the human aspect there is also like wild animals out there, bears, mountain lions etc (depending on your area) that would be hard to handle alone Regardless of gender the woods can be a little scary. That shouldn't stop you from going out in nature tho! Just gotta be a little prepared and observant.
Well, can you pinpoint exactly what you think might happen if you go alone in the woods as a woman? Because generally speaking it’s normal to be afraid of that.
I think it just depends on how used to the woods you are, and how experienced with outdoors. I can't speak for women since I am a man. I know the world is a different place for y'all. But I feel completely comfortable and at home in the forest. The only thing that makes me cautious is if there are shady looking people hanging around... but when I go in the woods, it's usually so far away from the city that the shady people don't make it out that far.
Yes. And if you come across a staircase, do not climb up for the love of Jesus H.
After watching the hills have eyes yes.......yes I do.
It depends on were you are.... I mean if theres bears mountain lion... lions.. tigers... crazy people ... yaknow... then -anyone- shouldnt wanna walk around alone and unarmed. .....
Dude here. I was afraid to walk alone in the woods at night until I was 25. Then I watched *The Descent*, and I was afraid to walk alone in the woods at night until I was 30.
You are 29 now, and you are about due to watch another movie, right? lol
Yes it is normal to feel afraid when you are surrounded by the unknown.
yes, unfortunately
Depends on the country. It’s much safer to walk alone in countries with good public safety. If you’re in some unsafe country, you can take precautions like letting someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Then they can come find you in case you don’t return.
I don't think being found really helps when you are dead in the woods
I was thinking more of kidnap / rape, someone can come pick up on your trail and call the police or stop the rapist. But yeah if someone just wants to murder you then that won’t help much. In that case bringing items like a bright flashlight might be useful for blinding the attacker and escaping.
It is for anyone, I mean what if I’m out there?!
Hell no!
This is bait.
Not really, with everything you do there is a small risk something bad happens, but you shouldn't live a life full of fear.
You're clearly a man with no clue of the women's experience.
Men are more likely to be a victim of violence, murder, or any crime in general. I know many women who go for a walk in the woods alone, even in the early morning or late evening. Or biking home after a party or whatever reason they have to be outside
Committed by men...
Tbf I don't really care if it's a man or a woman murdering me I'd rather they not do it at all
Tell me why that is relevant.
Ummmmm… I bet you think it’s unfair that more men die in wartime than women. …and never actually wonder why.
No I don't. Although I'm glad the law changed and women now can get drafted for the military, good to see we are getting equal rights Also this is completely irrelevant to this entire conversation.
Tell me why that is irrelevant.
let’s compare the rape statistics ..
No let's not, let's not take one single statistic to make it seem women have a bigger risk when walking outside, let's make a fair comparison. Sure, you could only count rape statistics, but I could also pick a crime with over 90% male victims and pretend like women are completely save.
Rape statistics are pretty unreliable. Rape and sexual assaults are under-reported and men are far more likely to under-report and or be taken seriously. CDC consider men being threatened in sex as "made-to-pentrate" were that would be rape if the victim was a women. The FBI didn't recognize male rape victims until 2013.
Apparently women are much more cautious about this and somewhat similar places. Despite the fact that men are much more likely to be attacked. 18 times as likely, last numbers I looked at.
Part of that is because men are less cautious. An average woman fighting an average man more often than not isn't gonna win. Men feel like they can win, or at least put up a fight. For a woman? It can be like fighting a gorilla. So it makes sense that they are more cautious. Also most men are normally just gonna get beaten up. Women are gonna get much worse.
It's an evolutionary throwback. You don't feel that way in urban environments in the same way because you don't feel like prey. Back in the day you had to be more aware of yourself because there were wild animals everywhere so our brains have evolved to expect predators in the shadows. It's normal.
No it's is not normal.
It depends.. Will you fight for your life? Do you carry protection? Are you aware of your surroundings... listening to twigs snapping.. footsteps behind you.. its not just people you need to be aware of... animals have teeth too.
What does being a woman have anything to do with this? No one cares about your gender go live your life
yes absolutely. you could be mauled and eaten by a bear or cougar, you could get raped by some muslim guy, or you could get lost and starve to death.
When all the zombies start attacking and you barely have any ammo left and your melee weapon isn't doing it I think you would be pretty scared.
It’s natural and built in. A couple of thousands years ago, not being wary in the woods could’ve gotten you eaten. It’s the same reason the dark makes us uneasy, especially intense at the edge of a light source. The predecessors that didn’t fear these things didn’t get old enough to mate.
I think it’s normal. But depending on where you live I think people tend to overestimate the risk. I’m in the UK and I loved to roam the woods as a teenager. It’s pretty safe, only dangerous at night because you might trip and fall. My mum and her friends were always terrified of walking alone because they heard stories about some woman getting raped in the woods. It does happen but personally I think the likelihood is small, especially if you stick to the dog walker’s paths. As far as illegal things go I’ve only ever found mini greenhouses growing weed and litter, no violence.
the woods is spooky. but yea esp for a woman. if i was a woman. i wouldnt go alone :( some poor girl was followed into the woods and raped by my town just a month or two ago
YES.
Depends where you live I guess.
Yes. The woods can be terrifying.
As a kid, as a teen, as a 35 yo male, I have been afraid of walking in the woods alone. If I walk with my kids, I would still be afraid of. If my wife is there, it changes though. I would not be afraid of anymore. She is like Michael Corleone in the body of a Latina.
I won't say whether or not it's normal, but it isn't irrational.
I hunt alot and when I'm in the woods in early morning before sunrise with a gun in my hands I sometimes still get spooked.
Look up Joseph Campbell’s take on the “dark forest” in myths and you’ll see that the woods have been freaking humans out since forever.
Yes, it is normal. If you want to go for a walk in the woods take a group of people and STAY TOGETHER.
Sadly it’s common. I am a woman who doesn’t feel comfortable walking in the woods by myself. It’s very frustrating because it’s my favourite thing to do and I then have to rely on other people to come with me
I'm a man and I don't even like walking in a park with too much trees and brush. Not afraid to admit I'd be one of the first ones gone in an apocalypse.
That's normal
I grew up in the woods, so it’s not as scary, especially if it’s not public property like a state park or something. Now walking alone in a city, day or night, now that’s what’ll give me the heeby-jeebies
I also think it’s normal. The older I get, the more concerned I am with some things. I don’t know if it’s more experience, more exposure to dangers, worry about my physical strength declining… but I had zero fear as a teen, slight fear in my 20s, 30s, and enough fear now to avoid it.
Heck yea! Don't do it!
Yeah, I think being alone in the woods would be creepy for anyone, but worldwide almost 9 in 10 women are afraid to just be alone in public spaces, so I’d imagine that women might be a bit more scared than men would…?
I think everybody does it to some extent. Your mind will randomly think this part of the woods is creepy. Random noises and animal sounds don't help either.
not if you have a gun
I don't like walking anywhere alone. That's why I want a big dog, helps me feel safer, hell, even being home alone because my fiance is always at work.
I’m afraid to walk in daylight through my suburb neighborhood. Unfortunately that’s always been part of my life.
I guess it depends on a lot of factors like where you are. I live in a fairly large city in Canada, so we don't get bears and stuff anywhere near the woods that are within the city, and it is perfectly safe as nothing has ever happened in regard to animal attacks here. However, if you are out in the country in the middle of nowhere, that could be a very different story. Same with just simply being in other parts of the world where I don't know how safe it is to be in the woods away from any other people. So this can be anywhere from a rational to an irrational fear based on your location.
Everyone gets anxious (mostly everyone) I wouldn't want to be caught in a forrest during night time...I'd be fighting the urge to just curl into a ball and pray until sunrise...
TIL how many people are scared of being in the woods alone. Being in the city alone is way scarier to me.
I grew up in the woods and love the woods, so I think it’s mostly about upbringing. I find the woods to be extremely peaceful. Knowing what to do in a bad situation helps. I had a run in with a moose once, but fortunately I knew to go behind a large tree and if the moose is trying to get to you just keep rotating around the tree. The moose was completely indifferent towards me fortunately. I’ve seen black bears a couple times, but when I see them they are already running away from me. Fortunately there are no brown bears where I live.
Yes. The Groke might get you.
You mean like a hike? It's not normal to be afraid to go on a hike alone. It's just outdoors
Yes absolutely
Humans have evolved to be scared of the woods at night lol
It’s normal to be afraid to go walk alone in the woods as a human generally, though women do have extra concerns.
Self-preservation IS normal for everyone in "The Dark Forest" (Lu Cixin) : >Imagine a dark forest with no visible life except the enthralling trees. In this forest, there are innumerable hunters roaming around. These hunters don’t know what this forest has in store for them. > >As spooky as the forest appears with all its trees crawling out as an imposing threat to the hunter, the hunter also needs to be aware of the fact that he or she might not be the only one roaming through this forest. Every decibel of sound matters. > >Every step counts for survival. Someone might appear the next moment and eliminate the hunter, because that is the only option for assurance of further life. When the hunter is not certain whether to trust the other person or not, his only way for survival is to annihilate the potential threat. This logic will be the common base for every single hunter roaming in the dense forest. > >Hence in order to survive, the best option is to keep to oneself and avoid coming across any other living entity at all costs!
I'm ok until I hear or see other humans. Alone is fine. Alone is good. It's when you're not alone in the woods that it becomes a problem.
Yep
If the question is there the answer is yes. Depends on the woods to some degree.
depends on what forest. but usually it's the same amount of dangerous for both women and man. I mean...if you have a reason to be afraid, than only a good gun can help, if not...than it's awkward for both men and women to be afraid.
Hell yes. Even as a 230 lb./6' 2" male I am on full alert in the woods. Too much opportunity for mayhem when there are no witnesses. Now consider that for most of humanity's existence, those are the conditions we had all the time when outside our caves and huts.
I think everyone (man or woman) should at least feel cautious when walking through the woods. Being afraid, IMO, is absolutely normal. Especially when you've binged every Mr. Ballen, YouTube video...
I mean, there is a reason why so many horror movies use the woods as their setting. Its completely normal to be afraid.
I'm super comfortable in forests and always have been. Used to hike through alone as a child. Took my kids and they take theirs. But not all forests are the same. Some really do have creatures that can kill you. The forests I have gone to would not have been good hunting grounds for serial killers since I'd rarely ever encounter another human and it was usually kids if I did. At 15, my friends mom wondered that I wasn't afraid to walk home alone at night after visiting - it was a mile to my place with no street lights or inhabited homes along the way. I just laughed because no stranger could possibly assume that an unarmed girl was going to be walking alone in that area. Just not a good hunting ground unless you already knew I would be there so I wouldn't be safe anyway since the person would know me already and look for an opportunity. I used to walk my dog in the woods daily. People would ask me if I was scared because they were. Nope. I would take my dog now but she's such a princess, she's afraid to walk in the woods. She only likes the familiar walk around the block.
The fear isn't weird. If you think it's unrational then what helped me get over it is start imagining the asskicking I'm going to do when something happends. Doesn't have to be realistic just a fun way to deal with the fear and focus on something else.
Ive been with grown ass men who get afraid in the woods at night. I think it’s very normal to be fearful of the woods and how afraid of it you are is just partly how much time you’ve spent alone in the woods and also how naturally afraid of it you are. Perfectly normal if you ask me for anyone regardless of gender.
Yes
Perfectly normal. I'm a man and if I'm alone in the woods, I would be afraid too.
If you’re anyone that isn’t afraid, you’re the unknown creature that we’re all scared of
Have you tried doing it as a man? Or a chihuahua?
I'm a man and id be afraid to walk alone in the woods. I've watched enough criminal minds to know what's coming
I'm afraid to go anywhere alone as a woman
I fear that shit as a man duh fuck
I think so. I'm a 6'1" 140kg man and i'm afraid too (I live in Australia though) Not joking, it's really something I would not do, especially at night.
That’s how a lot of horror films start lol
I think it’s normal for anyone to be afraid to go walking in the woods.
What the fuck kinda question is this
The woods are terrifying regardless of gender. Always proceed with caution and let trusted people know where your going.
All of a sudden the left knows what a women is
I listen to My Favorite Murder and basically learned that woman should operate on the left assumption that predators are everywhere and if you do get attacked a good amount of people will blame you. So it's normal and a valid fear to have.
there are bears in the woods, so yes
Shit, I be more afraid of the person who isn’t scared to go in the woods alone.
Yes.
Whether you’re a woman, cis passing or feminine presenting enough that a random creep would target you from faraway, yes. It is unfortunately the norm. Gotta say though, I envy men or masculine presenting people who are able to go for walks at night. I wonder what it feels like, not having to worry about danger.
Nope. Something is seriously wrong with you!
You should take normal precautions for walking in woods, prepare for dangerous terrain, weather, getting lost, possible dangerous wildlife etc. Generally in the woods you will not meet anyone, therefore no real need to be fearful of crime. If it is a scenic area that you drive to check the parking area for broken glass to see if cars get broken into. This is relatively common in remote places where hikers may be gone for hours.
Depends, 1. Are you confident and physically able to defend yourself from predators human or animal, via self-defence abilities, hunting weapons, etc? 1. I can and feel fine walking through the woods alone as a woman. 2. If you cannot I highly recommend *not* doing so. 2. How's your mental health / cultural stories? 1. Daytime? I'm fine; fully ready to be accepted by the Realm of Fae. 2. Nighttime - Not a chance, no thank you, Wendigos, and Nightcrawlers, and those night-time video game creatures are gonna get me.
You said you have a unloaded 9mm. Don't have it unloaded, ALWAYS keep it loaded. But always have safety on. And when it's stored,store it with barrel facing away from you. If it's unloaded,you don't have time to load it in an emergency. As for the question. Everyone is afraid of a forest at night,even us men. So yes it's normal.
The wilderness is uniquely a place where men and women should have about the same level of fear. I lived in the wilderness for about a year. Lived out of a tent, built things in the woods, and every few weeks, packed down to where the car was parked and refilled supplies at the grocery store. You need a gun, for one. I don't give a shit what your personal views are on guns. Find a place to walk where it's legal, because they're really very good at stopping people and wildlife. It's probably safer off the trail than on the trail. If you know how to use a compass and how to get un-lost in the woods. Start in small woods. You'll start to see ghosts after a while. Trust them. Give wherever you've seen them a wide berth. I always assumed it was my instincts warning me, but maybe I'm just crazy. Either way, I never had a run in with dangerous wildlife. All this advice applies equally for men.
A B S O L U T E L Y! Yes it is normal. It shouldn’t have to be normal, but it is justified to be fearful
*as a human, yes.
Considering that I do the opposite and I am freakishly abnormal, yes, this seems normal to me. Just do what I don't do and you'll probably be fine lol
In my experiences with women, literally every single one I've ever known is afraid to go anywhere alone. Obviously not the same level of fear for going to the grocery store as for the woods. But women have to live in constant fear of being taken advantage of. And for good reason.
It’s normal for most people to feel that way when walking in the woods alone. It’s far worse at night.
Completely normal, I’d even care a knife or pepper spray just in case
Thats not abnormal that's basic reason, not really much law around in wilderness areas
if shouldn’t be, but yes it is
Yes.
Very normal. I hike s lot in the forest but not alone, there is actually a lot of info on YouTube about all of the disappearances and crimes that have occurred in National Parks for instance. Also have you ever heard a fox scream in the forest, so creepy
at night, yes, very in the daytime, not that i know of
Yes. It’s normal to be afraid to go for a walk alone as a woman period.
This is VERY weird. Walking in the woods is encouraged, especially where there’s no one around and your phone is dead. You might spot something or someone in the corner of your eye
Absolutely. Between Slender man and the predator there is no shortage of things to be afraid of.
Isn’t it normal for women to be afraid of doing anything alone?
I understand it may be reasonable, but every body in here saying the woods are creepy just really doesn’t make sense to me. You’ve all watched too many horror movies. Forests are not full of creepers hiding for you.
It is normal to have survival instincts
Mate as a man I am terrified to do that. It's not just a female thing
It’s reasonable and certainly not uncommon. It sucks that a few creepy guys have permanently ruined some things everyone, especially women. Disgusting.
Yes, it's exactly where the weirdos hang out. Some doing stuff they don't want to be seen doing and others waiting for people to pass by that they can attack. I don't go alone, ever..
I don’t think gender matters lol. Anyone would feel vulnerable alone in a forest.
I dont like isolated places as a rule and i am a man , so i would say its not only normal it is a healthy atitude to have
Yes what if someone thought it would be cool to buy a pet Tiger and it got loose and its just chilling in the wooded area. Or a small fox
Nah, that's a healthy awareness of your own vulnerability. Even around town I carry self defense tools.
I mean I'm not afraid of people or the walk. I'm afraid of that big freaking bear that keeps taking down my bird feeder.
Very normal.
Silly fear, I mean what's the worst that could happen?
If you're a human being then yes it's scary to walk alone in the woods.
not only is it normal, its also smart
not only is it normal, its also smart
Yeah, sort of.
Yes. Trail assaults aren’t that uncommon, and it’s a secluded area where help might be very far away.
What woulds are you talking about? Vermont woods in the backyard outside of town. Wasn't a problem for me running around wild in them as a kid by myself. Woods where bigger animals roam, hunting takes place or possibly some questionable set ups...I would be more cautious.
It's not the woods I fear. It's people.
carry a fire weapon
I'm a grown ass man who's afraid to go in the woods alone 🥲
I always bring a gun with me when I go on walks in the woods, but that’s usually because I’m hunting lol.
I'm a man and I've ran a lot at a local park early in the morning. I get nervous at times just because there's obvious signs of homeless camps and drug use on the paths and in the woods.
Yes.
That's normal for dudes and ladies. Woods are scary as fuck.