//they’ve never come across any bear, wolf, or other large animal skeleton either//
I always noticed and wondered about that too, how about you?
I’ve come across many large skeletons in drier climates. Traipsing around in Minnesota or Western Washington - can’t recall ever seeing any. I don’t think it takes long for the bugs and worms to decompose everything.
As a youth I spent some time in the woods. I don’t recall ever seeing a full skeleton, or even a recognizable section.
I always assumed that scavengers made off with the bits.
Any “woodsy” folks know the real answer?