I believe you!
I have had my own encounters. I lived in a remote cabin in Arkansas for a few years. I never saw one, but I have heard what I believe was them.
One night, pitch black outside. No wind. Silent. I was on front porch and thought I heard a faint, deep hmmmm sound. I walked to the edge of the porch and peered out into the darkness. I listened as closely as could.
Suddenly it dawned on me what I was hearing. It was a deep growl. Not loud, but by a very large animal that didn’t want me standing there. Maybe within 10-15 feet of me. I did the quickest 180 ever... and got in the front door!
There were other occasions. I’ve been close. But I would love to see one, under the right conditions... and armed!
PBooks
You knew a predator there. We are and do have instincts for them.
Good job getting safe.
I don’t rule out anything just because I haven’t seen one. They are constantly finding new species and species that were supposed to be extinct. I’m open minded about that kind of thing.