BulletMaker, you and I shared our experiences before, some time ago.
As for the existence of these things, frankly I would prefer that they NOT exist. For me, it's strictly a practical matter. I didn't want to see one, didn't ask to see one, had no interest in ever learning about them. Now that I have seen one and must acknowledge their existence, the thought of encountering one again scares the crap out of me. The things I saw were seriously frightening.
Now, whenever I'm in the woods in the evening, or at night, I cannot help but think that one might be near. Whenever I take my wife or kids camping, I confess that there are areas I will not take them, for fear that they might see one of these things and forever blow their enjoyment of the woods. It's like living in Grizzly country - it's a consideration that can turn into real worry if left unchecked.
I envy "skeptics" like Nonya. I wish I had the luxury of being as unaware as he.