title: Investigation into Seasonal Scavenging Patterns of Raccoons on Human Decomposition.
abstract: Although raccoons are known as one of the most common scavengers in the U.S., scavenging by these animals has seldom been studied in terms of forensic significance. In this research, the seasonal pattern of raccoon scavenging and its effect on human decomposition was investigated using 178 human cadavers placed at the Anthropological Research Facility (ARF) of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) between February 2011 and December 2013. The results reveal that (i) the frequency of scavenging increases during summer, (ii) scavenging occurs relatively immediately and lasts shorter in summer months, and (iii) scavenging influences the decomposition process by hollowing limbs and by disturbing insect activities, both of which eventually increases the chance of mummification on the affected body. This information is expected to help forensic investigators identify raccoon scavenging as well as make a more precise interpretation of the effect of raccoon scavenging on bodies at crime scenes.
authors.affiliation: Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Laboratory, 310 Worchester Avenue, Bldg 45, Joint Base pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, 96853.|Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 250 South Stadium Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996.
authors.forename: Yangseung
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 250 South Stadium Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996.
authors.forename: Lee Meadows
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Jantz
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 250 South Stadium Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996.
authors.forename: Jake
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D018732:Forensic Anthropology; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011821:Raccoons; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D013714:Tennessee
keywords: forensic anthropology; forensic science; human decomposition; raccoon; scavenging; seasonal pattern