Police are investigating after a visitor found human skeletal remains in a wooded area at Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve in Barrington, officials said.
The Cook County Forest Preserves Police Department responded around 2:25 p.m. on February 14 to Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve in Barrington.
The main entrance to the forest preserve is located on East Dundee Road between Barrington Road and Ela Road.
A visitor of the forest preserve reported finding possible human skeletal remains, according to Forest Preserves of Cook County Communications Manager Stacina Stagner.
Police responded and confirmed the human skeletal remains were in a wooded area at Baker’s Lake, Stagner said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene to take possession of the remains.
The medical examiner’s office is working to determine the cause of death and the manner of death.
A spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office said the person’s identity remains unknown so far. No estimated age or gender was available either.
Stagner said the investigation remains ongoing and no further information is available yet.
Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve is 330 acres, comprised of a 112-acre lake and a 219-acre preserve.
It is home to one of the most significant heron rookeries in the Midwest and offers visitors, including bird watchers, the opportunity to view wildlife, according to the forest preserves.