Forensics is the application of natural and physical sciences to the resolution of legal matters. Wildlife forensics applies scientifically–analyzed evidence to public discourses on legal issues involving wild animals. An animal may be linked to evidence because the animal is the victim, the perpetrator or the witness. The Forensics Unit of the Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory focuses on the use of DNA analysis for the examination of evidence for a variety of legal issues involving wild animals. This state–of–the–art DNA laboratory is capable of working with any biomaterials in the recovery and analysis of nucleic acids. Methods of analysis are available for both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Once DNA is recovered from the sample, a number of analytical methods may be applied to determine:
- Species of origin
- Gender
- Single species or multiple species content in mixed sample
- Individual identity
- Parts matching
- Identity matching
The resultant analysis can be used as evidence in the pursuit of criminal prosecution for the case. Samples that are submitted can be any biomaterial:
- Tissue
- Skin
- Hair
- Blood
- Feather
- Talon
- Claw
- Horn
- Antler
- Saliva
- Bone
- Tooth
- Egg
- Semen
- Buccal swab
The form of the sample may not always be obvious, especially if the sample is mixed, cooked, tanned or processed in some way. Natural processes of decay and degradation may also alter the sample beyond physical recognition. Though these processes contribute to the difficulty of DNA recovery; DNA, especially mitochondrial DNA, can typically be recovered from even the most degraded samples. Amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of target short tandem repeats (STRs) in nuclear DNA and short highly conserved regions in the mitochondrial DNA can be analyzed and produce useful evidence. Occasionally a sample will not yield any DNA but this is rare.
The Wildlife Forensics Unit has an arsenal of molecular tools to deal with almost any situation and continues to seek, develop and utilize new technology as it becomes available.
Forensic Services
 Case Submission Form — Request for Service
Expert Testimony Request Form
Example Report — Parts/Identity Matching, Gender, Mixture and Minimum Number of Animals
DNA Sample Collection Protocols and Crime Scene Processing Techniques for DNA Recovery — Available soon!
DNA Evidence Sampling Kit and Supplies — Available soon!
Links to Pertinent and Useful Information
The information found at these sites and links provides a sound background in the use of DNA evidence in forensic cases. The information is presented in a non-technical format but will be useful for the novice as well as the experienced user of forensic DNA services. Though most information is directed towards human DNA forensics, many of the principles apply to animal forensics. We suggest that you review this information as it will address and answer many questions you may have. If you have any other questions not covered by this information, please contact the laboratory.
 DNA Analysis In Wildlife Forensics
Forensic DNA Fundamentals for The Prosecutor: Be Not Afraid
Evaluating Forensic DNA Evidence: Essential Elements of a Competent Defense Review
What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence
How DNA Evidence Works (Printable Version)
What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence — Advance Level Training Module (Online interactive training, focus on the "DNA Evidence" but other tabs are worth investigating)
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