Out in the wilderness, there’s no telling what might wander past your trail camera. Sometimes it’s just deer or a raccoon—other times, it’s something way stranger. This Halloween, we’re diving into the spookiest trail cam photos we've received, ones that capture a glimpse of the unknown and make you think twice about what might be wandering the woods at night. Here are some of the most bone-chilling images we've been sent that will send shivers down your spine!
(Photo credit: Brandon Cottrell)
1. Ghostly Woman
"This one still gives me the heebie jeebies to this day!" says SPYPOINT Prostaff, Brandon Cottrell. "I felt like I wasn't alone doing trail cameras the day this photo was taken. The creepy part, there was a young woman who went missing in the late 80s somewhere around this area my camera was in and they have yet to find any remains."
(Photo credit: Gregory Henderson)
2. Glowing Bird
In this chilling trail cam capture, a glowing, bird-like figure seems to float eerily in the darkness, its wings spread wide as if caught mid-flight. Its body radiates an unnatural brightness, casting an eerie glow over the scene.
(Photo credit: Darren Cummings)
3. Possessed Deer
In this bizarre capture, the “possessed deer” defies gravity to stand unnaturally upright on its forelegs in the heart of the forest. With its tail raised and body frozen mid-movement, it resembles a creature from a horror movie rather than a gentle woodland animal.
(Photo credit: Kristi Dalton)
4. Ghost or Alien?
This eerie trail cam image captures a mysterious, glowing figure that looks like it's straight out of a sci-fi horror movie. The bright, circular shape and ghostly outline stands out against the dark forest background, making it look like an apparition or maybe even an alien visitor caught wandering through the woods.
(Photo credit: Dylan Mathews)
5. The Birds
In a chilling homage to Hitchcock’s classic, a flock of black birds gather around the forest floor. Their wings are caught in motion, creating an ominous scene that feels like they could be conspiring, preparing for something sinister to unfold. Are they simply passing through, or are they watching—waiting?
(Photo credit: Henry Masters)
6. Headless Deer
Like something from a dark fairytale, this deer appears to be missing its head, as if wandering the forest aimlessly lost, haunting whoever it may come across.
(Photo credit: Noble Bloomer)
7. Unidentified Flying Object
Suspended mid-air in the darkness, this strange white shape hovers over the ground. It defies explanation, a glowing form that teases the line between supernatural and extraterrestrial. Is it a spirit in flight or an alien visitor scoping out Earth’s most secluded places?
(Photo credit: Launch Outdoors)
8. Mutant Bobcat
With glowing eyes beaming into the darkness, this bobcat looks as if it escaped the evil science lab where it was dropped into a radioactive soup. Don't look too closely, as its eyes may have the power to steal your soul!
(Photo credit: Kevin Boyer)
9. Ghostly figure
On this capture from Halloween day 2023, a ghostly white figure appears to be clinging to an old tree. Its form seems almost human, blurred and ethereal, as though drifting between our world and another. Is it just a trick of light, the sun casting eerie patterns through the branches, or is it something—or someone—who’s been here all along?
These trail camera images are a reminder that the woods hold secrets, some of which may never be fully explained. Whether these photos capture creatures, wandering souls, or tricks of the light, they all share an unsettling feeling. This Halloween, if you’re out exploring or setting up a trail camera, keep an eye out—you never know what might end up on film.
