There is nothing definitive in that report and no physical evidence, ei: tracks, scat, hair or anything to support the OPINION of the investigator.

If it indeed was a WILD ML, why has no other verifiable evidence surfaced since 1993?

Nice try, but it is simply a field report lacking any proof whatsoever.
It does show the DEC does investigate credible reports contrary to what many conspiracists would claim.

Steve