SCIOTO COUNTY — A mushroom hunting expedition in the Shawnee State Forest Monday evolved into something more than a leisure pursuit.

Scioto County authorities are investigating the

discovery of what appears to be skeletal remains found by local residents in a remote, wooded area of the forest. The skeletal remains have been sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification for further evaluation to identify the person and to determine when and how the person died.

Detective Denver Triggs said some information may be available within a week to three weeks. He said he is anxious to see if the remains are those of people reported missing.

“We do have a lady who was reported missing in August of 07, Amber Howard,” Triggs said.

Sheriff’s office detectives, Portsmouth police and state division of forestry officials searched an area in excess of 500 square yards gathering information for the investigation.

The remains were discovered at approximately 11:45 a.m. Monday.