Identification of Hair Sample of an Unknown Mammal Species Using Electron Microscopy and DNA Sequencing

Abstract

We received a sample of a tuft of animal hair trapped in the wooden plank of the boardwalk from Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park Naples, Florida. This poses a threat to pedestrians who use the boardwalk everyday. Based on the claw marks and the hair sample color and size we confirmed the animal to be a mammal. We will analyze the hair sample using electron microscopy and DNA sequencing. By comparing the microscopy and DNA sequencing data with all possible mammals present in the State Park area we will be able to identify this animal species.