PIKE COUNTY, ILL. -- The Pike County Sheriff's Department says it's investigating what has the potential to be bones that were found near the John Hay Public Area last night.

Crews remained on scene this morning also to find what looks to be a makeshift cross.

Sheriff Paul Petty says it is unclear if the findings are bones, and if so, if they are human. The items were weathered and very aged.

Sheriff Petty says it could take up to six months to identify.