Articles producció científica> Història i Història de l'Art

Ascertaining the manner of death: Distinguishing killing from carcass scavenging

  • Identification data

    Identifier: imarina:9367049
    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: Taphonomy Reintroduction Pyrenees Catalonia Brown bear Bone surface modifications Attack
    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
    Thematic Areas: Ecology Animal science and zoology
    licence for use: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/
    Author's mail: ruth.blasco@urv.cat jordi.rosell@urv.cat
    Author identifier: 0000-0002-6758-6291
    Record's date: 2025-01-28
    Paper version: info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
    Licence document URL: https://repositori.urv.cat/ca/proteccio-de-dades/
    Paper 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
    Entity: Universitat Rovira i Virgili
    Journal publication year: 2023
    Publication Type: Journal Publications
  • Keywords:

    Taphonomy
    Reintroduction
    Pyrenees
    Catalonia
    Brown bear
    Bone surface modifications
    Attack
    Ecology
    Animal science and zoology
  • Documents:

  • Cerca a google

    Search to google scholar