travel and rhum

Hey, y'all. Hope you're doing well.

I'm currently hiking up in northern Minnesota, by Grand Marais. I just got off of a trail that was a sort of mini mountain/very tall hill, and towards the top I smelt something that I can only akin to rotting leaves. At the same time, I had this overwhelming sense that I needed to get off the trail right then and there, and that something was following me; I felt that way the entire way down until I was back to my car.

Could that have been a mountain lion? I didn't hear or see anything, I just had that sense/smell. I also experienced this last week on a trail further south, by Silver Bay. Neither Google, nor my very out-doorsy husband knew, so I figured I'd ask here.

Thanks in advance!