An Investigation of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) Scavenging, Scattering, and Removal of Deer Remains: Forensic Implications and Applications

Abstract

Within northwest Europe, especially the United Kingdom, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) are the largest wild scavengers capable of modifying a set of remains through scavenging. Knowledge of region‐specific and species‐typical scavenging behaviors of scavengers within the crime scene area and surroundings can aid in more efficient and accurate interpretations. The scavenging behaviors of captive and wild foxes and badgers were recorded and compared through actualistic methods and direct observation. The scavenging by wild foxes and badgers of surface‐deposited baits and whole deer (Cervus nippon; Capreolus capreolus) in a woodland was observed and analyzed. Wild foxes were found to scavenge deer more frequently than badgers. The scavenging of deer remains by foxes was also compared with forensic cases. The scavenging pattern and recovery distances of deer and human remains scavenged by foxes were similar but were potentially affected by the condition and deposition of a body, and the presence of clothing.

An Experimental Study of Vertebrate Scavenging Behavior in a Northwest European Woodland Context

“…Baits 1A–6A were surface deposited to test the positioning of cameras on trees, and as only one camera recorded scavenging (Bait 3A; scavenging by a buzzard ( Buteo buteo ) was visible), cameras were repositioned. Cameras detected a wider variety of scavenging of Baits 1B‐6B which consisted primarily of scavenging by buzzards during daylight and red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) at night (see ). Areas of soft tissue on Baits A and B scavenged by buzzards had a string‐like appearance, which was consistent with Asamura et al.…”

“…Wood mice were observed scavenging in 90.48% of recordings of Deer 1; gray squirrels in 33.33%; buzzards in 95.92%; and carrion crows in 66.67% of videos. Overall, buzzards (63.51%, n = 47) were the most frequent scavenger of Deer 1 other than foxes (see ) (Table ). Wood mice scavenged when the deer was both fresh (57.89%) and skeletonized (42.10%).…”

“…No avian or rodent scavengers were recorded at Deer 2. The scavenging, disarticulation, scattering, and removal of the deer only involved fox activity (see ).…”

“…), c . 450 × 550 m, was conducted from November 2010 to July 2011 and utilized 12 baits and five deer carcasses (see ) (Table ). Baits were used as a pilot study to gain an understanding of the field site prior to the deposition of whole deer.…”

“…). Whole deer (weighing 23–59 kg) were surface deposited at an average distance of 94 m between each deer (see ) (Table ; Fig. ).…”