Believed skeletal remains of child found near Mountain Home

What are believed to be the skeletal remains of a child were found Saturday just north of Mountain Home inside a badger hole, according to the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.

The remains, believed to be of a child between 1 and 5 years old, were found partially uncovered by Idaho Fish and Game officers.

Members of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Fish and Game, and the Bureau of Land Management recovered the remains after consultation with archaeologists and a tribal representative.

It is clear by the condition of the remains that they have been buried for a considerable amount of time, according to the Sheriff’s Office. There were no fibrous materials, such as clothing, located with the remains.

A BLM archaeologist found that the skeletal remains did not exhibit Native American characteristics, based on the terrain location examined Monday.

An investigation is ongoing. The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office has not ruled out criminal activity.

This story was originally published April 17, 2017 at 6:47 PM with the headline "Believed skeletal remains of child found near Mountain Home."