Probe into buffalo shootings nears end

DENVER, March 29 (UPI) -- An investigation into the shooting deaths of 32 buffalo in Colorado's South Park basin should be finished next week, officials say.

Officials said based on the findings, the case could be presented to the district attorney's office, The Denver Post reported Saturday.

Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener said the discovery last week of the bison carcasses in the Rocky Mountain region was being taken seriously.

"The decision will affect a lot of lives in our community and is not being taken lightly," Wegeber said.

Colorado Division of Wildlife officials were searching for any additional bodies, but none had been found.

The Post said 14 men had been questioned in relation to the shootings and the suspects allegedly told police they had permission to kill the animals, which were owned by two Colorado ranchers.