Have they changed, specifically deathsquetos?

Ive never had so many suddenly appear behind me after clearing out a section on the plains. It's constant, I kill them, find a rock so I can see around that there's no more. Then boom, while I'm fights ng something like abtar pit, I keep getting hit from behind.

Haven't died yet, but it was very very close a few times.

That's not challenging, that's rubbish.