Which type of evidence does the USFWS Wildlife Forensics Laboratory primarily examine?

The USFWS Wildlife Forensics Laboratory primarily examines other physical evidence related to wildlife crimes and issues. This includes samples such as animal remains, tissues, and other biological materials that can provide insights into illegal activities affecting wildlife, such as poaching or trafficking of endangered species. The laboratory's role is to utilize scientific techniques to analyze these physical specimens, which can then be used to support investigations and prosecutions of wildlife crimes.

The focus on physical evidence is crucial because it provides tangible, scientific data that can be critical in establishing connections between suspects and wildlife violations. By assessing biological samples, the laboratory can determine species identification, geographical origins, and even details about how a crime was committed, all of which are important for enforcing wildlife protection laws. Other types of evidence listed, such as digital records, financial documents, and insurance claims, do not fall under the laboratory's primary function, which is strictly oriented towards forensics in wildlife cases.