Human remains found Thursday in a “thick wooded area” of north Alabama have been sent to a lab for identification, authorities said.

The remains were discovered by the Huntsville Search Dog Unit in the Valley Head area of DeKalb County “in a thick wooded area on the forest floor,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden.

“At this time, information is limited, and guidelines must be followed to assure accurate conclusions,” the sheriff said. “Once other information is provided to our office, we will release further information.”

The Center for Applied Forensics from Jacksonville State University responded to assist authorities before the remains were transported to the Huntsville Forensic Lab for identification, said Welden.