Why was bill more worried than usual about his dog team in the story The Phantom Dog Team by Harry Paddon?

In "The Phantom Dog Team" by Harry Paddon, Bill was more worried than usual about his dog team due to the ominous signs he observed in the wilderness, including unusual animal behavior and the eerie quietness of the surroundings. These indicators heightened his anxiety as he feared for the safety of his dogs amidst potential dangers. Additionally, his growing sense of foreboding was amplified by the legends and stories surrounding the area, which contributed to his unease about the journey ahead.