Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Remains of human foot found in backyard now thought to be a bear paw

The partially decomposed body part found in a North Springfield backyard Jan. 20 that was initially identified as a human foot is now believed to be a bear paw, the Fairfax County Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced.

A resident of the 5900 block of Brunswick Street had called the police after the gruesome discovery. A search of the surrounding area by police officers netted only animal bones.

The Medical Examiner’s Office reviewed photos of the body part and initially determined that it was a human foot.

After a more thorough investigation of the remains and consultation with an anthropologist, “it’s now believed the remains are likely a bear paw, and not human,” the Fairfax County Police Department states. “Final confirmation should come with the results of forensic tests, which will take several weeks.”

2 responses to “Remains of human foot found in backyard now thought to be a bear paw

  1. I didn't know it would be so hard to distinguish between the two. I guess I've been watching too many nature documentaries; those folks tend to know what they're talking about.

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