A beachgoer found partial human remains on a beach south of Damon Road on Tuesday morning.

Sgt. Chris Iversen with the Ocean Shores Police Department said a Puyallup man called 911 to report his find around 10 a.m. Aug. 17. Iversen said it’s not uncommon to receive this type of call from people who find animal or marine mammal bones on the beach, mistaking them for human bones. Officers are sometimes unable to distinguish the difference themselves in the field and an expert opinion is sought.

“On this date, however, the jawbone was unmistakably human, as there were numerous teeth intact — some with evidence of dental work,” said Iversen.

Based on the location where the bone was found, it appeared that it had just washed ashore with the recent incoming tide. A further check of the area did not reveal other bones or anything else of evidentiary value, said Iversen.

The bone, which Iversen said appeared to have been subject to the elements for some time, was transferred to the custody of the Grays Harbor County Coroner’s Office. It was to be sent from there for further evaluation and identification purposes.