We are getting a lot of coyotes in Southern Wisconsin. Some of them are rabid. What's happening here is that the wolf packs are moving back into the northern part of the state. That's a good thing, by the way. In most forests in Wisconsin, the wolves are at the top of the food chain. They see the coyotes as competition, so they drive them away.
Incidentally, as one who grew up in the woods, it ain't natural for a wild animal to check you out that long, especially a predator. Most animals have a healthy fear of humans and won't hang around too long once they spot you. Yes, it is true that some animals will freeze when they see you, but those are generally prey. For them, it's a way of seeing what you are going to do before they make a move. Following you is NOT a natural thing to do. Getting out of there was smart.
And, depending on where you live, you might have wolves near you and never know it. Wolves will not attack humans. They are very good at hiding.