The DP9 died at the beginning of February, but their bodies were not found for almost a month (temporarily excluding the possibility that the case began on February 6, as some paperwork seems to indicate).
Mansi people lived in this area and were certainly more familiar with it than any of the Russian visitors, the way we are all familiar with our own neighborhoods; for instance, I have read that the cedar area was a resting place for Mansi hunters.
During the month that the bodies were not found, is it likely that one or more of the Mansi at least saw them? If so, what would that Mansi have done? Maybe nothing, just gone home and talked about it. Or maybe have moved the bodies in an attempt to respect and care for them? The two under the cedar do look as if they have been moved and positioned.
This question is likely not "important" in helping solve anything, but I have long wondered about it.