Murphy residents say town split about feelings for Rudolph.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Robert F. Moore

CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ As a teen, Eric Rudolph would lose himself in the woods near his Western North Carolina home and not come out for days.

He knew the terrain well, current and former FBI officials said. He knew how to survive.

That knowledge, along with the possible aid of sympathizers, may have helped the suspected serial bomber, outdoorsman and former soldier evade arrest for more than five years.

A stubble-faced Rudolph was carrying a flashlight and wearing tennis shoes when he was arrested early Saturday in Murphy, about 90 miles southwest of Asheville. But, officials wouldn't say whether Rudolph's appearance _ blue work pants, a camouflage jacket and running shoes _ was an indication someone housed or helped him. His appearance was in sharp contrast to the image of a survivalist.

"He felt comfortable in those woods," said Woody Enderson, a retired FBI agent and former head of the Rudolph manhunt. "He knew them better than we did. We never had any evidence that he was anywhere else but in Western North Carolina."

Officials said anyone who helped Rudolph would be charged.