According to Gherini, early island maps show that the volcanic caves within the ranch area were used as "dairy caves" to store dairy products. Prior to refrigeration, the caves offered the coolest place on the island for these items. Doors were constructed at the entrance way to protect the food from animals such as mice, foxes, ravens, and skunks. Today, Townsend's big-eared bats sometimes roost in these small caves.