Scientist skeptic has early morning encounter behind gas station near Las Vegas, NM

The witness stopped at a closed gas station around 1 a.m. while driving home and walked behind the building to urinate. He sensed a presence, looked back while returning to his vehicle, and saw a large hairy animal crouched nearby. The animal then stood, moved away rapidly with heavy footsteps, and disappeared toward a treeline as the witness fled to his vehicle.