Death in the Forest and Strange Phantom Creatures

I was just finishing my homework for the night when I heard this high-pitched screeching noise outside.  At first I thought it was an upstairs neighbor closing a window (they are squeaky) but it was drawn out and sporadic sounding.  I went outside to make sure it wasn’t a child or pet.  The upstairs neighbor was out on his balcony also listening.  He works for the DEC and is an avid hunter, so I trusted him when he said it was a rabbit crying as it was hunted and killed.  I’ve heard that sound before and my father had told me the same thing.  My Gods, for such quiet creatures they can certainly announce their pain to the world…  My neighbor went inside after that, but I remained, listening.  I wondered what was eating it.  I could hear the faint, pleasured yips of something vaguely canine.  A lone coy dog?  A fox?  Probably a coyote based on the noises…  When the screams stopped, the forest was oddly quiet and noisy at the same time.  The crickets were more noticeable.  Had they ever stopped playing, or did I lose track of them amidst the death screams?

I said a little prayer for the rabbit as it crossed the veil.

Then the strangest thing happened…

I saw something I can’t quite explain.  I would call it a shadow but the lighting didn’t seem right for that to occur.  And if it was, where was the creature casting it?  This dark, phantom of a creature appeared for an instant and then literally vanished…  Perhaps there is a better explanation for it, but it really startled me.  I stared and stared, searching for more movement or a source…

If it wasn’t a shadow, what could it have been?  One of the more mysterious Nature Spirits?  A ghost?  A soul fleeing the scene?

Now I’m off to bed to sleep on it…