It was not my intention to respond to this thread as I have no knowledge concerning this matter. However, I was browsing the Bukhari Hadith collection on the USC site and came across this Hadith. It doesn't exactly answer your question, but it may lead you to understanding the situation.
Volume 3, Book 40, Number 560:
Narrated Zaid bin Khalid:
A man came to Allah's Apostle and asked about Al-Luqata (a fallen thing). The Prophet said, "Recognize its container and its tying material and then make a public announcement about it for one year and if its owner shows up, give it to him; otherwise use it as you like." The man said, "What about a lost sheep?" The Prophet said, "It is for you, your brother or the wolf." The man said "What about a lost camel?" The Prophet said, "Why should you take it as it has got its water-container (its stomach) and its hooves and it can reach the places of water and can eat the trees till its owner finds it?"
Once again :blind: I know it doesn't answer your question much, but I thought it may help.:X