a giant beetle bug

I actually have no idea what type of bug this is. it seems like I see one somewhere on long island every couple of years. it was moving so fast up this tree when I first started photographing him. then he suddenly slowed down and tried to cram his head under a piece of bark. I have a feeling he sensed a larger being invading his space which may explain that rather pointy orange tail that appeared out of nowhere.

"If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos."
~ Edward O. Wilson 

I do my best not to harm any insects. well, except for mosquitoes.