Another explanation.

Lots of miners died up in them hills back in the gold rush days.

Might be the 'haints" got 'em.


The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men.
In it is contentment
In it is death and all you seek
(Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)

member of the cabal of dysfunctional squirrels?