It could have very well been a deer. At night, and if the animal did not smell you yet, sometimes curiosity takes over. A couple more steps and it may have bolted.

I've never had a problem in the woods at dark in my state. There's nothing in Jersey that will attack you and kill you. I've always felt at the top of the chain, with no worries......until the black bear population started to grow. Since the sightings have increased the thought of walking up on a mother and cubs has popped in my mind several times. I'd definately feel much safer carrying one of my sidearms, but our state is the absolute worst when it comes to hand guns. I've thought of just carrying one anyway when I'm hunting spots that are in deeper woods,but the thought of doing time in jailwith a wife and son at home tips the scale to the legal side.