A Unique Fatal Moose Attack Mimicking Homicide.
Petur Gudmannsson1, Johan Berge1, Henrik Druid1,2
1The National Board of Forensic Medicine, Artillerigatan 12, 587 58, Linköping, Sweden.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|June 21, 2017
Summary
Fatal animal attacks are rare but can be mistaken for homicide. This case highlights how a fatal moose attack, initially suspected as homicide, was identified through expert review and biological evidence.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Wildlife Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Animal attacks are infrequent causes of death but can present as homicides.
- Moose attacks are extremely rare, particularly in boreal regions.
Observation:
- A case is presented where a woman walking her dog was fatally attacked by a moose.
- Autopsy revealed extensive blunt force trauma and a laceration with embedded grass, leading to flail chest.
- Initial investigation considered homicide by a riding lawn mower.
Findings:
- Expert review and biological trace analysis confirmed the injuries resulted from a moose attack.
- The dog likely provoked the moose, leading to the fatal encounter.
- Injuries were consistent with those seen in attacks by other large bovids.
Implications:
- Fatal moose attacks, though rare, are a potential cause of death in boreal regions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering wildlife encounters in unexplained traumatic fatalities.
- Forensic analysis must include biological trace evidence to accurately determine the cause of death.
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