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State Police May Have Seen Ambush Suspect, Find Cigarettes, Diapers

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Serbian cigarettes and dirty diapers are the latest evidence found in the search for Eric Frein, the man police say ambushed and killed a state trooper.

For the first time, police revealed they believe they've seen Frein from a distance, before he disappeared again. The latest time was Tuesday.

In fact, they say it almost seems like a game to him.

So how long can someone really last in the woods?

"Conceivably, you could last indefinitely if you have the basic tools and the basic know how," said Erik Kulick, owner of True North Wilderness Survival School.

But he says in Frein's case, there's something working for the police and against Frein.

"You have to take care of shelter, warmth of some sort. You need water and food, as well, and you also have to keep your spirits up. So to maintain those priorities, and evade, is really tough," said Kulick.

Kulick's school teaches people how to deal with emergencies when someone such as a hunter or hiker is in remote location. In those instances, people want to be found.

He says Frein's ability to live in the woods may depend on how prepared he was. Did he stockpile food and water in a shelter of some sort?

State Police believe Frein has left behind Serbian cigarette wrappers and dirty diapers, which they say he wears because of his self-taught sniper training.

"That is one of the techniques that we know he's read about to be able to stay in a position for a longer period of time. He believes that is something he should do," said Lt. Col. George Bivens.

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