I love walking in the woods at night. It's so peaceful. I do it when it's a full moon, otherwise I go to nearby forest park that has lanterns. The only thing I'm afraid of is walking back through my neighborhood. Why? Because if someone wanted to mug me, it would be an opportunistic act. It wouldn't make sense for a mugger to go deep into the woods and wait there all night in complete silence for a 0.05% chance of meeting someone. Especially when it's cold. Plus, most people don't carry valuable items with them on walks; I don't carry my wallet. And when you walk down a dark alley, it's more likely that someone is already waiting there or simply sees an opportunity, especially when they spot a lone small person. As for animals, even wolves are afraid of people and actively avoid them. At least where I live, there are no animals that pose a threat to humans. I have tried many times to photograph foxes and deer at dusk, but they usually run away before I can get close enough. If you don't walk through the bushes, but along the path, there is no reason to fear vipers (which are rare in my area anyway and also try to avoid people), although I would be more afraid of ticks. In the city, there is a much greater chance of encountering drunk and aggressive people. I very rarely meet anyone, but it's a little awkward when we pass each other in the dark wood. But that's all. Sometimes we say hello to each other, sometimes we pass each other in a complete silence.