Canid Scavenging/Disarticulation Sequence of Human Remains in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract

Greater understanding of animal scavenging of human remains can assist forensic science investigators in locating and recovering dispersed skeletal elements, in recognizing damage produced by scavengers, and in making more informed estimates of the postmortem interval. The pattern of skeletal damage can indicate whether the body was scavenged while intact or at some time after other natural processes of disarticulation had begun. This study analyzed thirty partially to fully skeletonized human remains with respect to scavenging at the time of body discovery in order to determine if a patterned consumption sequence existed. The scavengers were primarily coyotes (Canis latrans) and domestic dogs (C. familiaris). Sixteen non-carnivore-scavenged remains were also examined and contrasted with the carnivore-scavenged sample. Observed postmortem intervals from death to recovery ranged from 4 h to 52 months. Results demonstrate that canid scavenging of human remains takes place in sequential stages: Stage 0 = no bony involvement; Stage 1 = ventral thorax damaged and one or both upper extremities removed; Stage 2 = lower extremity involvement; Stage 3 = only vertebral segments remain articulated; and Stage 4 = total disarticulation. Results revealed a clear correspondence between observed stages of disarticulation and the postmortem interval.

Virtual taphonomy: A new method integrating excavation and postprocessing in an archaeological context

“…The perimortem traumatic injuries identified are, however, different and might have played a significant part in taphonomic loss, as these entry points would attract the attention of both insects and scavenging animals (e.g. Haglund et al, 1989), with some authors highlighting penetrating trauma as one of the more significant factors in decomposition (e.g. Mann et al, 1990).…”

A preliminary investigation into the scavenging activity on pig carcasses in Western Australia

“…A better understanding of regionspecific animal scavenging can assist the forensic expert in recognizing damage likely to be produced by scavengers [6], thus allowing them to make a more-informed assessment of any trauma associated with skeletal remains.…”

“…In a forensic context, the modification of human remains by animal scavenging can not only distinctly mark the skeleton but also significantly affect the rate of decomposition and pattern of insect succession, leading to serious implications for estimations of time since death [6]. Given the variation in the impact of different species upon decomposed remains, the need for region-specific scavenging studies to provide forensic investigators with region-specific data is clearly apparent.…”

Cesedin Ayrışma Durumuna Göre Birikmiş Gün Sıcaklıkları ile Postmortem İnterval Tahmini

“…Adli tafonomi ise ilk kez 1989 yı-lında Adli Bilimler Dergisi'nde (Journal of Forensic Sciences) bir "anahtar kelime" olarak ortaya çıkmıştır (44). Adli tafonominin adli antropoloji alanında önemli bir gelişme gösterdiği Dirkmaat ve ark.…”