An investigation is underway after hikers discovered partial human remains near the Cahaba River.

The discovery was made shortly after 3:30 p.m. Saturday along a creek bank, said Jefferson County sheriff's Chief Deputy Randy Christian. Two men told deputies they had been hiking in a wooded area behind Cahaba Forest Cove in southern Jefferson County when they discovered the remains.

The hikers left the woods and called 911. Christian said the remains were badly decomposed, and they have not yet been able to determine race or gender.

Sheriff's detectives and evidence technicians, along with the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, worked to recover the remains and any evidence. He said detectives are reviewing missing persons reports from surrounding agencies in an effort to determine the identity of the victim.

Positive identification and cause of death will be determined by the coroner's office. Authorities have not said whether they suspect foul play in the death, but said the investigation is ongoing.