In actuality, they take a small DNA sample at the Forest Service where you pick up your permits. It's just a swab and/or saliva sample, so it's not a big deal. Every few days, forensic scientists on special assignment from the National Park Service go out onto the trail and check samples of poop left on the trail or in wag bags discarded by the side of the trail. Often times they will find the wag bags behind the large rocks about 3/4 of the way up the switchbacks, as many hikers are too lazy or have no respect for Mt Whitney to pack out their own poop.
I'm not sure of the timeline, but from what I've been told, it takes a few weeks for the samples to be tested and retested at the lab to find the correct results. If the forensic scientists find your specific DNA, then you'll receive a bill, actually a fine from the Forest Service in your mail to the tune of $500.00 for each sample that turns up positive.
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Sorry, I couldn't help it.......but this might be a good time to tell hikers that they should respect Mt Whitney, the hikers, the help along the trail, rangers, etc. and PACK OUT YOUR POOP!!!!!
hey umm, Joe....could you help me out a little bit? I left my wallet...yeah my wallet up on the hill this past weekend. It's in a green bag.....kinda looks exactly like a wag bag. It's behind the big rock a quarter mile before the log crossing. If you could get it before the rangers do their popbag search, I'd appreciate it. Wouldn't want my wallet to be mistaken for something else.
thanks buddy!
