Authorities responding to a report of possible human remains under a bridge in Nicholson confirmed Tuesday that the remains were not human.

The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, working with Pearl River County Coroner Derek Turnage, began investigating after receiving a report of suspected human remains discovered beneath a bridge on Jackson Landing Road on the night of April 1. A state pathologist later confirmed the remains were animal in nature.

Officials said the dumping of animal carcasses is illegal and cited the waste of public resources, including law enforcement, the coroner’s office, and the Nicholson Fire Department, that resulted from the incident.

“The dumping of animal carcasses negatively affects the public, traffic, adjacent landowners, and law enforcement,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.

Under Mississippi law, illegally discarding dead wildlife or waste is considered a misdemeanor. Offenders may face fines of up to $400, be required to perform community service, and pay for investigative and prosecutorial costs.

The sheriff’s department encouraged the public to report illegal dumping and photograph vehicles or individuals involved when possible. The non-emergency dispatch number is (601) 749-5482.