An investigation is underway after human remains were discovered by a family walking their dog in Vancouver's Pacific Spirit Park Friday afternoon.
University RCMP says the discovery was made by the family in the area of Imperial and W. 16th Avenues near the University of British Columbia around 3 p.m.
The dog emerged with what appeared to be a human bone after scavenging in the woods.
Officers were called to the scene, and searched the heavily wooded area covered in deep snow and pools of water.
Forensic examination confirmed the bone is human, but its origin has not yet been determined. Police say the remains are likely a few months old.
The area is popular with dog walkers, and there has been some homeless activity in the nearby woods as well.
Liz, who preferred to be identified by her first name only, often walks her dog in the park.
“It makes people worried about walking alone and being in the woods by themselves, and it should be a beautiful, sacred place to take your dog for a walk,” she said. “My first reaction makes me feel very sad that there’s a dead body in the woods here.”
An investigation that includes the RCMP and the BC Coroner’s Office is ongoing in the area where the bone was located. Police say “thick forest underbrush, deep snow and ice” is complicating the search.
Users of Pacific Spirit Park are asked to report any suspicious circumstances in the area to University RCMP.
Police say the discovery is not being considered suspicious at this time.
