when you see people talking in a situation like this, it often seems like they don't really grasp the situation, and it leads to this perception that they're not reacting like they ought to. that's because they don't really understand the situation. it's not going to actually click until they get the call. they will convince themselves things are going to work out until the last moment that they no longer can.

given the scenario, the most likely explanation is probably predation. bear. cougar, maybe.