Animal Attacks—Fatal

Abstract

Human–animal conflict arises mostly owing to encroachment on the wildlife habitat and is often considered as one of the main reasons for animal attacks on humans. Injuries sustained in animal attacks may be fatal or nonfatal. Although nonfatal injuries are more common in occurrence, it is the fatal animal attacks that need a detailed medicolegal investigation. Hence, the need for updated and detailed knowledge about the various aspects of fatal animal attacks becomes vital. Investigating fatal animal attacks involves determining the circumstances surrounding the incident, assessing the behavior of the animal involved, and understanding any contributing factors such as human actions or environmental conditions. In this regard, detailed knowledge of the local fauna may be essential. The appearance and pattern of injuries sustained in fatal animal attacks may be nonspecific or typical of a particular animal species. Documenting the extent and nature of injuries inflicted by the animal and ascertaining the cause of death are essential for legal purposes, insurance claims, and understanding the dynamics of the attack. This chapter deals with fatal animal attacks on humans, and their causation, circumstances, and injuries, sustained along with associated medicolegal aspects.