Bones found identified as either elk or deer

by Eric Mullens
LA VETA — There was more than a little excitement for staff and customers of a La Veta business on Wednesday, August 22 when some bones were discovered at the restaurant/hotel facility.
Initially Huerfano County Sheriff’s staff, along with the La Veta Marshal’s Office responded to a report of possible human bones found in the patio area of the La Veta Inn. The incident was turned over to the LVMO and Huerfano County Coroner Della Duran was dispatched to the location.
Duran told the Huerfano World Journal on Aug. 28, the material turned out to be animal bones, most likely from an elk or deer. Duran called in Dr. Kelly, a forensic pathologist from the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office in Colorado Springs, for formal identification of the bones.
Duran said discovery of bones, animal and human alike are not uncommon in rural southern Colorado.
She did caution however, that if residents come across bones that appear to be human, to not touch or disturb them in any way. Forensic examination of the items need to be made for determination if law enforcement or state archeologists need to be notified for assistance as the items could have, historial/Native American significance, or be a part of a crime scene.
If you find bones on public or private property call Huerfano County Dispatch at 738-1044 or your local law enforcement agency.