BAXTER STATE PARK (AP) – The state medical examiner’s office plans to analyze what was believed to be a human bone fragment found last week by Appalachian Trail hikers near the south end of Baxter State Park.

The bone may be examined by a forensic anthropologist and undergo DNA testing, said Jim Ferland, administrator in the medical examiner’s office.

The piece of bone looked like a human bone fragment, said Trooper Matt Grant of the Maine State Police.

The hikers took the bone to the gatekeeper at Togue Pond, who reported it to police.

If the bone is human, it could be linked to one of a few missing persons whose disappearances in the park region have remained unsolved.

Among them is Thomas Jacoby, 18, of Pennsylvania, who left his father’s home in 1991, drove to Maine and disappeared in the north woods carrying a .38 caliber revolver. His vehicle and some personal items were recovered over the years, but no one has heard from or seen him.

AP-ES-06-22-04 0914EDT