Bites and Injuries Inflicted by Wild and Domestic Animals

Conflicts between humans and big cats have been known for centuries throughout the world, but have intensified in recent decades. Recently, attacks by Panthera onca on humans in Brazil have been brought to the forefront through exposure in the press and because of the severity of the attacks. We report 3 cases of patients attacked by jaguars in provoked and predatory situations. Two patients survived the attacks and one died. Attack mechanisms and lesions in victims are discussed. The attacks demonstrate a real risk of accidents from jaguars in certain regions, such as the Pantanal and the Amazon.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Attacks by Jaguars (Panthera onca) on Humans in Central Brazil: Report of Three Cases, with Observation of a Death

Neto

Garrone‐Neto²,

Haddad

2011

“…The decision to close otter bite wounds should be made on the basis of cosmesis, function, and infection risk factors, as is the case with other wild animal bites. 20 Certain high-risk wounds (eg, hand wounds) may best be treated in consultation with a hand surgeon.…”

Section: Recommended Medical Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human North American River Otter(Lontra canadensis) Attack☆

Potter

Hanna

Freer

2007

Self Cite

As a result of the successful restoration and conservation programs deployed by state and federal agencies, populations of the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) are increasing in many states. Recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing increase the likelihood of human interactions with this charismatic, nonendangered mustelid. Otters tend to avoid areas of high human activity, occur at low population densities, and in some habitats in the United States have not recovered from population declines. Therefore, interactions with humans are rare, and aggressive encounters by otters are even less frequent. We report a recent, aggressive, and unprovoked attack that was followed by immediate medical treatment, including postexposure rabies prophylaxis, extensive suturing, and subsequent reconstructive surgery. We discuss river otter biology, the prevalence of diseases in wild populations of river otter, and otter attacks on humans and their treatment.

“…Injuries from encounters with animals are a significant yet poorly recognized public health problem. 1 Although tapirs have been reported to attack humans, 2,3 authenticated reports of death caused by wild mammals in South America are rare.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Fatal Attack Caused by a Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in Southeastern Brazil

Haddad

Assunção

Mello

et al. 2005

A 55-year-old man was attacked by a Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) after surprising and stabbing the animal in his corn plantation. The victim received deep bites in the thighs, neck, and cervical areas, resulting in severe hemorrhage and death. This is the first report of a tapir incident resulting in death and is of interest because of the severity of the contusions and lacerations caused by the provoked animal.