Human Attacks by Large Felid Carnivores in Captivity and in the Wild

Abstract

Whereas those who live in the native ranges of the large feline carnivores are well aware of the risks of cat and human encounters, North Americans and Europeans are increasingly exposed to exotic animals through travel, ecotourism, leisure pursuits in rural areas, occupational exposure, zoo and animal park visits, wild habitat encroachment at the urban-wildlands interface, and contact with exotic pets. In encounters during which persons have been severely injured, lapses in animal management protocols, lack of appropriate adult supervision, and intoxication have been reported. Unlike common domestic pets that have lived in close association with humans for thousands of years, no matter where individual large felines may have been raised, they remain wild carnivores with strong prey-drive and territorial instincts. The emergency management of large felid attacks is similar to that of other major trauma: stabilization; management of significant orthopedic, neurologic, vascular, and soft tissue injuries; antibiotic coverage provided for the number of organisms that inhabit their mouths and the potential for tetanus and rabies; and early management in survivors of likely posttraumatic stress disorder. We must actively explore responsible measures globally that can be taken to ensure biologically appropriate, ethical, safe, and sustainable conservation of these large carnivores in both their natural habitats and captivity.

The Utility of Iris-pupillary Area Ratio as a Non-invasive Index of Stress in Primates

“…The dilated pupil observed among zoo monkeys compared to wild monkeys reflects higher sympathetic activity, 24,28 which may be due to captivity-related stress. [30][31][32] Despite the best welfare measures adopted, nothing can fully replace a natural habitat, hence several studies have reported stress among captive exotic animals. [30][31][32] Furthermore, the reliability of pupil diameter as a reflection of autonomic system activity ( Figure 2) and mental stress has previously been demonstrated in humans.…”

“…[30][31][32] Despite the best welfare measures adopted, nothing can fully replace a natural habitat, hence several studies have reported stress among captive exotic animals. [30][31][32] Furthermore, the reliability of pupil diameter as a reflection of autonomic system activity ( Figure 2) and mental stress has previously been demonstrated in humans. 3,5,[24][25]27,33 The feasibility to non-invasively and objectively quantify stress based on iris/pupil area ratio in our opinion has potential to be of utility in personalised animal welfare measures.…”

Jaguar Attack on a Child: Case Report and Literature Review

“…Among mammals, the jaguar has the third most powerful bite, estimated at 74% of a P. leo (lion) bite force and 84% of a P. tigris (tiger)—both of which have an estimated biting force of more than 1,000lb/square inch. 21 , 22 This allows it to pierce the shells of armored reptiles and to directly bite through a turtle’s shell or a tapir or cow’s skull, penetrating its brain. 6 According to one scientific observer, “The jaguar seems to take the head into its mouth and with an opposing set of canines bite one or more times until the teeth penetrate the brain.” 20 That was the most serious injury our patient received.…”

Mordedura de cocodrilo, revisión bibliográfica y reporte de un caso

“…23 El tratamiento antibiótico debe incluir además bacterias poco comunes que habitan en la boca de los cocodrilos y caimanes, así como también, tratamiento psicológico por síndrome de estrés postraumático. 22,24 La especie más común de cocodrilos en nuestro país el Crocodylus acutus, se podría intentar comparar la flora oral con otras especies de cocodrilos y caimanes. En Estados Unidos, en la boca del Alligator mississippiensis, se han documentado más de 38 especies de bacterias y 20 especies de hongos.…”