I know some guys who claim to have had an encounter in a snowstorm on Mt. LeConte in the Smokies, they were bedded down in a park service cabin and it was not happy that they were there. Quite large, very violently pounding on the door. Very distinct, unpleasant odor. Not a bear, at least the tracks certainly didn’t appear to be, whatever it was.
They are known as Boogers in the South. I live in the mountains of southeast Kentucky and have heard stories from people over the years. Some are believable, some I totally discount.
I live in the mountains and can say I have had some strange things happen around my house at night. Most can be explained and I am not saying it was a booger, but what happened made no sense whatsoever and if it were a person they came damned close to dying.
I know about the Mt. Leconte story. If done right, it would make for a great “scary” re-enactment on a movie or TV show.
Probably the Ranger’s wife thought he had company in there.