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The difference is that hikers die quickly and they are lost, randomly walking around. This guy was not lost, so he probably had preferred spots where he'd like to go for food, water, etc. Besides, he made large holes and possibly made other changes to his environment that made him easier to spot. Also, even if he was not spotted for months or a year, he'd be completely fine (maybe even thankful). So, time is always on the side of whoever is searching for him.