March 7, 2008

Cheyenne, WY - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Wildlife Forensic Laboratory is the proud recipient of a new DNA sequencer, thanks to Chief Game Warden Jay Lawson and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming.

"Men To Match Our Mountains," Lawson's new book, chronicles the life histories of some of the most colorful outdoor men and women of early 20th Century Wyoming, including trappers, cowboys, forest rangers and early game wardens. Proceeds from book sales are donated to the Foundation's Fund for the Advancement of Wildlife Forensics. Funds from initial sales have been transferred as a grant to the laboratory and used to purchase the DNA sequencer.

The Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, located in Laramie on the University of Wyoming campus, provides analytical and technical forensic services to the Game and Fish, and conducts investigations for many other wildlife agencies on a fee basis. The lab has analyzed evidence from elk, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, pronghorns, turkeys, moose, bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. In addition to tissue samples, the lab analyzes bloody knives, arrows, guns, antlers and horns, bloody clothing and entrails. Other items the lab has analyzed for evidence include beer cans, boards, sink strainers, claws, mats and containers of every shape and size.

After the laboratory determines the species of origin for a sample, the analysis moves into the DNA realm. DNA is the unique genetic code contained in all living things Using a technique where DNA is replicated millions of times, the lab can determine if the sample originated from a male or female.

Following that determination, the new Li-Cor® sequencer comes into play, allowing the lab to determine whether two or more evidentiary items originated from the same animal. For example, a game warden might find a headless carcass abandoned in the field. The lab can later match a mounted head or a package of meat to that carcass. This is key to solving many of the most serious wildlife violations.

Thanks to Chief Game Warden Jay Lawson and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming - the wildlife resources of Wyoming will receive better protection.