Human bones were unearthed near the shores of Big Pine Lake, northwest of New York Mills on Thursday morning.
Crews from Arvig Communications Systems uncovered a skull, finger bone and other fragments during installation of telephone and Lake Region Electric lines.
After the Otter Tail County Sherrif's Department was called, the remains were gathered and sent to St. Paul to determine origin.
Construction has been halted in that immediate area, said Jerry Guck, construction supervisor for ACS.
"We had to vacate premises, and move to another area to work. They'll be calling us when we an resume," said Guck. "We just got out of their way and let them do what they needed to do."
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The case is under investigation by the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Department. State archeologists are also expected to be examining the remains.
