EDMONTON - Alberta Sustainable Resource Development's forensic lab can now analyze wildlife DNA samples-helping Fish and Wildlife officers successfully prosecute poachers.

"No other provincial government lab in Canada has this capability," said Mike Cardinal, Minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. "This testing will provide officers with strong evidence, where none was available before."

Department forensic biologists analyze animal blood, tissue, bone or hair samples collected by Fish and Wildlife officers investigating wildlife crimes. Not only can they determine the species of a piece of packaged meat from someone's freezer, they can match it back to evidence found at a crime scene.

For example, if an officer discovers bloodstains in a game sanctuary where hunting is not allowed, and later spots a deer carcass at someone's campsite, DNA analysis will reveal if the animal's blood matches that found in the sanctuary. Also, if a bear attacks someone and officers trap a bear they think may be the offending animal, DNA testing will confirm if it is actually the problem bear.

Wildlife DNA analysis provides another method for helping protect Alberta's wildlife resource. It is expected to save the province money by increasing officer effectiveness and reducing court time.

Forensic DNA tests have been developed for deer and cougar, and the development of tests for other species is underway.

Media contact:

Dr. Rick Jobin
Forensic DNA Specialist, Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
(780) 422-3194

Tom Packer
Forensic Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
(780) 427-3518

John Lear
Public Affairs Officer, Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
(780) 427-8636