A Case of a Fatal Himalayan Black Bear Attack in the Zoo

Abstract

We present a case of a 22-year-old male, who was found inside the cage of Himalayan black bears in the Belgrade Zoo. The victim attended the Belgrade Beer festival the previous night, drinking a lot of beer and acting aggressively. A medico-legal autopsy was performed at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Belgrade. Autopsy findings showed numerous excoriations all over the body surrounded by bruises, as well as spindle-shaped, oval, and partly irregular wounds of variable size, large defects of skin and subcutaneous soft tissue, fractures of the thyroid and cricoid cartilage, and fracture of ribs. Postmortem toxicological analysis revealed the presence of ethanol in vitreous humor and urine and 11-nor Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid found in the urine. We discussed similar cases from the available literature in different regions of the world. In conclusion, we pointed out that the presented case does not follow the general pattern of Himalayan bear attacks.

Animal attack, concocted for monetary benefits: A case report

“…5 Among the significant departures from reported patterns was a case of a Tibetan bear attack, wherein multiple injuries were present all over the victim’s body and the bear had consumed some of the parts. 6…”

“…5 Among the significant departures from reported patterns was a case of a Tibetan bear attack, wherein multiple injuries were present all over the victim's body and the bear had consumed some of the parts. 6 Boars, the wild ancestors of domestic pigs, can weigh up to 300 kgs, and are nocturnal animals. Boars are known to damage crops and their meat is considered a delicacy in some parts of India.…”