Snags in an old lava flow, McKenzie Pass, Oregon

What killed these trees? Some people think that the trees lived a marginal existence in the lava flows, and died during years of drought or heavy snow. But, there is a legend of a remarkable animal called a "splintercat". During dark and stormy nights these fierce animals fly head first into trees hoping to find a hollow one full of bees or raccoons which are their favorite food. The collision kills the trees and knocks off the branches, leaving these spooky snags.