List members:

I too have had to address animal vs. human behavior in not-too-dissimilar
situations and would have to agree with Mary Beaudry at Boston Univ.
concerning rodent activity.  After mitigating numerous railroad-related
construction camps here in southern Nevada, the only standing structural
features are those of domed rock ovens.  The interiors of these ovens are
filled with all kinds of cultural material representative of the larger
camp refuse scatter including bone (burnt/unburnt), cans, bottles, denim
cloth, hard clothing items, shoe/boot leather and parts, etc.  Such
cavities are the favorite haunts of pack rats as part of their nesting and
collecting habits (the urine smell makes for excellent excavation
conditions don't you know).  Since I cannot perceive of a human behavior or
cultural practice that would necessitate the placement of such abandoned
items to the interior of the ovens, then it must be associated with critter
activity.....ww