That was more then likely an owl. I have had them follow as well. Way back when I lived in PA I night rode jacobsburg often and encountered this where an owl picked a mole right in front of me. I've seen the owl last year night riding barberry with @Fat Trout.
I'll throw in Ninham on the NY side.
If you need a guide I maybe can hook you up as a good friend lives in Brewster and knows the park well. I wouldn't do it solo off trail forks because you'll miss all the goodies.
Haha I already got and tested out the demo pros and also got a pair of ketl mountain skid marks which are super nice. I do own a pair of the fat jacks as well but I'm down a bunch of sizes these days 😁