could have been an old collar. manufactuers etch a date of sale into collars for warrenty purposes. Could be the date of sale rather than the date installed. If that is infact a Wildlife brand tracking collar, then it could very well still be used today. They make good collars. The only skepticism I have is how well the collar itsself help up after 17 years and there arent any wear marks on her neck, and if the collar stayed in the same place, it didnt choke her. I'm not discrediting the story. I dont discount anything this day in age, just some things to think about.