Articles producció científica> Història i Història de l'Art

Ascertaining the manner of death: Distinguishing killing from carcass scavenging

  • Identification data

    Identifier: imarina:9367049
    Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9367049
    Authors:
    Arilla MRosell JJordana IABlasco R
    Abstract:
    This study presents a documented case of a bear (Ursus arctos) predator attack on a foal, employing osteological analysis to determine the manner of death. By analyzing bone surface and structural modifications, we distinguish between injuries inflicted during the killing event and those resulting from scavenging or post-mortem consumption. A variety of bone modifications are recorded and documented, with a particular emphasis on a linear fracture on the body of the C4 vertebra and a double arc puncture on the proximal metaphysis of the left metatarsal. The former wound signifies a direct attack, while the latter signifies a defensive injury. This study case underscores the importance of taphonomic analysis in detecting instances of wild animal attacks on domestic livestock. Particularly in scenarios where visual evidence and conventional necropsies concentrating on soft tissue examination fail to confirm mauling occurrences, taphonomy provides valuable insights. © 2023 The Authors

  • Others:

    Author, as appears in the article.: Arilla M; Rosell J; Jordana IA; Blasco R
    Department: Història i Història de l'Art
    URV's Author/s: Blasco López, Ruth / Rosell Ardévol, Jordi
    Keywords: Attack Bone surface modifications Brown bear Catalonia Pyrenees Reintroduction Taphonomy
    Abstract: This study presents a documented case of a bear (Ursus arctos) predator attack on a foal, employing osteological analysis to determine the manner of death. By analyzing bone surface and structural modifications, we distinguish between injuries inflicted during the killing event and those resulting from scavenging or post-mortem consumption. A variety of bone modifications are recorded and documented, with a particular emphasis on a linear fracture on the body of the C4 vertebra and a double arc puncture on the proximal metaphysis of the left metatarsal. The former wound signifies a direct attack, while the latter signifies a defensive injury. This study case underscores the importance of taphonomic analysis in detecting instances of wild animal attacks on domestic livestock. Particularly in scenarios where visual evidence and conventional necropsies concentrating on soft tissue examination fail to confirm mauling occurrences, taphonomy provides valuable insights. © 2023 The Authors
    licence for use: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/
    Author's mail: jordi.rosell@urv.cat ruth.blasco@urv.cat
    Author identifier: 0000-0002-6758-6291
    Record's date: 2024-05-18
    Papper version: info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
    Link to the original source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666937423000148
    Papper original source: Forensic Science International: Animals And Environments. 4
    APA: Arilla M; Rosell J; Jordana IA; Blasco R (2023). Ascertaining the manner of death: Distinguishing killing from carcass scavenging. Forensic Science International: Animals And Environments, 4(), -. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsiae.2023.100076
    Licence document URL: https://repositori.urv.cat/ca/proteccio-de-dades/
    Article's DOI: 10.1016/j.fsiae.2023.100076
    Entity: Universitat Rovira i Virgili
    Journal publication year: 2023
    Publication Type: Journal Publications

  • Keywords:

    Attack
    Bone surface modifications
    Brown bear
    Catalonia
    Pyrenees
    Reintroduction
    Taphonomy

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