A forensic science student is using hair from a 120-year-old museum bear to help solve wildlife crimes. Hayden Leigh, a researcher at Staffordshire University, is studying fur samples from Boris, a taxidermy brown bear kept at the Museum of Chelmsford. His goal is to create new methods to protect wild bears from illegal hunting and trafficking.
Leigh uses a microscope to analyze the hair's outer cuticles, layers, and DNA. While DNA analysis is effective, examining physical hair characteristics under a microscope can offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative for forensic investigations. By studying fur from different parts of Boris's body, Leigh hopes to help investigators identify animal hairs found at crime scenes.
Before starting the project, Leigh contacted about 30 zoos and museums before the Museum of Chelmsford agreed to support his work. Using preserved museum specimens allows scientists to study real animal hair safely and ethically without disturbing live animals. Local officials noted that while historic taxidermy collections can be controversial, using them to help protect living wildlife shows their scientific value today.