Encountering Hooded People In the Woods

While most head into the wilderness seeking solitude, sport, or scenery, a handful of hunters, hikers, and outdoorsmen have returned with chilling tales of something far more disturbing—secretive rituals and hooded people in the woods. Concerns include encountering Mexican organized crime elements involved in rituals like those that took the life of a Texas student back in the 1990s.

In a remote area along the U.S.–Mexico border, a Border Patrol agent on routine patrol noticed a flickering glow beyond a ridgeline. As he approached on foot, he observed a group of hooded figures gathered around a fire. No one spoke, and the moment they noticed him, they disappeared into the night. The agent later reported finding signs consistent with ritual activity—animal bones, carved symbols, and scorched earth.

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A similar account came from a private security guard patrolling a sprawling ranch in West Texas. One night, he spotted a group of individuals in robes conducting what he described as a ritualistic ceremony. Chanting could be heard, but the language was unrecognizable. When he returned with backup, the area was deserted—but the remnants of a fire and strange markings remained.

Three teenage boys also came forward with a chilling encounter while hiking a river trail. They discovered a makeshift altar surrounded by cryptic symbols scratched into the soil. Before they could process what they were seeing, they noticed a hooded figure watching from the treeline. They left immediately—and never returned to that spot.

Thanks to Chris James of Strange Things with Chris James for contributing one of these mysterious accounts.

While it’s tempting to brush these off as campfire tales, each event was reported by credible sources. If you’re venturing deep into remote territory, it’s worth remembering that not everything in the woods is wildlife.

Safety Tips for the Deep Outdoors:

  • Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return.

  • Carry a GPS tracker or emergency beacon, especially in isolated areas.

  • Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.

  • Avoid approaching unknown groups or structures. Observe from a distance and leave quietly..

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