I can sympathise with the knawing curiosity that you and your wife have been left with after experiencing such an encounter with "something"! Your recounting of your experience reminded me of my own similar exerience ten years ago here in Washington State.
Camping in a tent, we had three animals visiting our camp site during the night, none of which were bears. On more than one nightly "visit" by them, we recognised the unmistakable sound of a large animals walking on two feet and they seemed to be very curious about our tent coming right up to it on more than one occasion.
If you had stayed, you would likely have had a more "complete" encounter with the culprit, which I agree, does not sound like bear or antlered game. We stayed for nearly three weeks and had some very interesting experiences. I would probably not have stayed if I had children with me, your decision to leave was prudent under the circumstances. I was well armed at the time to.
If you get the opportunity to camp there again, you may never experience another such strange occurance, but I would visit the area when possible and keep my eyes and ears peeled!
I do not believe that Sasquatch is being anything but overly curious when he/she visits a camp in the manner that you describe, but it is enough to raise hair on parts of your body that you didn't think you had hair growing on!!! All in all, I would consider myself priviledged to have been paid a visit by one of the most elusive animals in the country!
The low growling sound that you mentioned is not uncommon for this animal, and was likely a warning communicated to your dog. The record indicates that sasquatch do not like dogs, they also do not get along well with bears.
Posted on Aug 20, 2002, 8:11 AM from IP address 216.64.140.40