Vulpes in Fabula: when human becomes prey – case report and overview on animal predation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Attacks by wild and domestic animals represent a significant public health and social issue with implications for both mortality and morbidity. These incidents contribute to many deaths and hospitalizations each year, with statistical variations depending on the native fauna and cultural practices unique to different countries. The ongoing expansion of urban areas, with the reduction of natural habitats and the increasing frequency of human recreational activities in wild environments, is exacerbating human-wildlife interactions, increasing of such incidents.In forensic pathology, when encountering a body with lesions of animal origin, it is crucial first to exclude any potential homicidal dynamics. Following this, it is equally important to accurately differentiate between antemortem injuries and post-mortem scavenging to ensure a correct interpretation of the cause and manner of death. In this paper, three autopsy cases involving animal attacks are described and analysed in detail. Of particular significance is the final case, where the injuries were attributed to predation by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Such cases are rare and thus represent an underexplored area within forensic literature, making this case especially noteworthy for the scientific community. Discussing these cases provides valuable insights that can enhance diagnostic approaches in similar forensic scenarios.