Moose. huge bull Moose.
Everything about them is usually used comically or not look very threatening, but a big bull moose is absolutely terrifying. Nothing can really prepare you for how fucking huge that animal is. Looks all placid and calm in pictures you see, but what unnerves you, when seeing it out in the wild is knowing that it could kill you without much effort.
Was out canoeing with girlfriend. While we were portaging across a small strip of land to the next lake. Almost immediately after disembarking our canoe we noticed this bull moose pacing back and forth, back and forth, looking at us about 30 yards away or so. Did nothing but pace and snort occasionally. Moved much faster than I thought an animal that size would. We were a little wary, but again, didnt feel too threatened until it started charging at us directly.
Thankfully we didnt have time to move our canoe or our packs ashore, so the canoe was still half in water, half on land. As soon as that moose charged we freaked the fuck out and jumped back in and paddled out to the middle of the lake. Moose slowed, came to the shore and waded in a few feet, and just stared at us for awhile. We sat out in the lake and just watched it as well. When it turned around and left, we did the same. Headed back to our camp the previous lake over and decided to do something else for the day. Unnerving moment.