Two years ago a mismanaged fenced hunting ranch had a fence fall down and all the elk escaped. They were worried that the elk were part Red Deer and ordered the killing of them all. I remember reading in the news months later that from the elk that they tested they found no Red Deer genes from the DNA. If you want to learn more look up chief joseph hunting ranch or Rex Rammell (the moron has been discussed a lot on this website for lots of reasons).

Wow, guess this has been happening a lot in that disgusting business. Rammel had more than 160 elk on 168 acres. That's a shooting-fish-in-the-barrel operation. Calling that hunting is not even a stretch of the imagination. It's pure fiction. Too bad someone doesn't start a trophy club that is limited to animals shot only on public land or land that is open to the public to hunt. That would be the book I'd want my trophy measured for. Would go a long ways to reducing game hog leasing and phony canned hunting.

Since they are recognized as separate species, they must have distinguishable DNA, even if they can interbreed. Another point to your question is, are there reliable and available DNA testing protocols for these species?

99exploder, Something interesting that I read about the difference between Brown Bears and Grizzly bears is location. Brown Bears are located near the coast and eat mainly salmon. Grizzlies are located in the mountains and eat....whatever else. So a bear can be born a Brown Bear, wander to the mountains and change it's diet and bang, it is a Grizzly Bear. Size is attributed to the location. Something cool from the Discovery Channel.