Researchers are trying to determine the origin of a mountain lion that was shot by police in Chicago last month.

There's been speculation that the animal came from the Black Hills.

An initial test of the lion's DNA matched many characteristics of lions in the Dakotas, Wyoming and Montana.

Scientists now are zeroing in on additional genetic traits to see if they specifically match those of mountain lions in western South Dakota.

A U.S. Forest Service lab in Montana is analyzing a specimen from the animal, and results are expected within a month.