Yes, isolation, but also factor in the higher percentage of men in the rural northwest (vs midwest) who live there because they crave the rugged isolation. Independent, pioneering spirits that sometimes succumb to the negative impact of isolation.

Amazing! I was walking on a snowmobile trail and on my way back home I saw cougar tracks over my footprints. His tracks stayed by mine then went into the powder over a hill. Walked backwards all the way home trying not to have my first heart attack at 12 lol. Never seen one, how many have seen me??