Idaho: Bones found in badger hole are remains of 2 children

BOISE, Idaho – The fluke discovery of children's bones protruding from a badger hole in Idaho has investigators trying to determine if they're dealing with a double homicide or the disturbed grave of young 19th century emigrants who died going west on the Oregon Trail.

Authorities thought one body was found earlier this month in high desert sagebrush steppe.

But a forensic anthropologist determined the bones are from two children.

Elmore County Undersheriff Greg Berry said Tuesday that carbon dating results expected in several weeks should determine when the children died.

That should help investigators decide whether the site was an Oregon Trail grave or a possible dumping spot for homicide victims.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game workers stumbled across the bones sticking out of the badger hole on U.S.-owned land.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com