From 05/22/2019 newsletter:

DEC and Researchers Use Furbearers to Help Answer Management Questions

DEC biologist studies furbearer pelts.
DEC wildlife biologists and wildlife technicians from across the state teamed up with staff from the University of Rochester, Seneca Park Zoo, Cornell University, and SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry to collect biological and DNA samples from the carcasses of 60 river otter, fisher, and bobcat. The majority of the animals were submitted to DEC as a result of a vehicle collision, and some were caught incidentally during the trapping season.

DEC applauds the hunters, trappers, and other members of the public who contacted DEC and submitted the animals. Tissue samples collected from the necropsy session will be used for a number of current DNA and wildlife disease studies, and are used to monitor population expansion and health. Samples will also be archived for future use. Intact skulls were added to the Roosevelt Wildlife Collection at ESF and usable pelts were saved and will be used for educational purposes.

DEC urges hunters and trappers to report observations of these rarely seen furbearers. Report incidental capture or roadkill to your regional DEC wildlife office.