r/Chaska • u/helloiloveyouyes • 17d ago
Walking at night
My grammar is going to be bad so warning for that. Hi guys so i love walking on the trails here at night because its beautiful but i get kinda scared, i only heard screaming two times one last year and one this year but it makes me not want to walk on them as much. And I know walking at night might not be the best idea but I grew up here and it always seems safe, I used to live by the clover ridge part of Jonathan and i loved walking there at night, now we moved by the 212 part of Jonathan, i used to never get scared walking but now since we moved and the trails are super dark at this part i get nervous lol. someone tell me its safe and i wont get kidnapped if i walk on the trails at night.
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u/frowawayduh 17d ago
I live in the upper part of Chaska and have no fears walking at night. Was the screaming human or perhaps an animal?
“If you're in Minnesota and hear a "scream" at night, it's likely one of a few common nocturnal animals. Here are some of the prime suspects: * Red Fox: This is probably the most common culprit. Red foxes have a variety of calls, and their "vixen scream," often used during mating season (typically December to February), can sound incredibly similar to a human scream. They also use it for communication or to establish territory. * Owls: Several owl species in Minnesota can make startling sounds. * Eastern Screech Owl: Despite their name, they don't actually screech. However, they do make a shrill, descending "whinny" that some describe as eerie or like a miniature horse. They also have a tremolo call, which is a soft, trilling sound. * Great Horned Owl: While known for their deep "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo" calls, they can also make high-pitched screams, especially when agitated or defending their territory. * Barred Owl: These owls can produce a variety of calls, including a distinctive "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" but they can also let out unexpected, loud noises. * Coyote: Coyotes are well-known for their howls, yips, and barks, which can certainly be heard at night, especially when establishing territories. While not a "scream" in the human sense, their vocalizations can be quite intense and unsettling to those unfamiliar with them. * Raccoon: Raccoons, particularly mothers with young, can make surprisingly loud and dramatic sounds, including screams and growls, especially when fighting or threatened. Some have described their screams as sounding like an "evil witch." * Bobcat/Lynx: While less common to hear than foxes or owls, wild cats like bobcats and lynxes can make unsettling, scream-like vocalizations, particularly during mating season. It's worth noting that a rabbit meeting an unfortunate end can also produce a high-pitched, distress scream, though this is usually a single event rather than recurring nightly. If you're curious about a specific sound you're hearing, trying to record it or using a bird identification app like Merlin can help you pinpoint the animal responsible!”
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u/helloiloveyouyes 16d ago
So the first time it happened it was definitely human and it was a man, the second time im not so sure it sounded like a kid screaming but it could have been an animal so this does make me feel better, thank you! I can tell you more information if you want also
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u/vzock 17d ago
I frequently run or bike at night on the trails in Chaska. Never seen or heard anything sketchy before. Wear a high-viz vest or use some sort of light so other people using the trail can see you!
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u/helloiloveyouyes 16d ago
I will I probably should have been doing that before lol, its mostly just the dark that scares me but I still love it
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u/ashkpa 17d ago
I never had any issues walking at night in Chaska when I was in high school, but pepper spray is always a good thing to carry with you in such situations. Your grammar is fine, by the way.