Human Death Caused by a Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in Brazil

Abstract

The fatal outcome of a defensive attack by a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is reported. The attack occurred while the victim was hunting, and his dogs cornered the adult anteater, which assumed an erect, threatening position. The hunter did not fire his rifle because of concern about accidentally shooting his dogs. He approached the animal armed with a knife, but was grabbed by its forelimbs. When his sons freed him, he had puncture wounds and severe bleeding in the left inguinal region; he died at the scene. Necroscopic examination showed femoral artery lesions and a large hematoma in the left thigh, with death caused by hypovolemic shock. A similar case is cited, and recommendations are made that boundaries between wildlife and humans be respected, especially when they coinhabit a given area.

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“…A ocorrência deste indivíduo de M. tridactyla nas determinadas circunstâncias foi tratada como de risco ao animal, uma vez que há referências de perturbação por animais domésticos no entorno de Unidades de Conservação (Lacerda et al, 2009) e que vias pavimentadas podem ser consideradas armadilhas ao atropelamento da espécie (Noonan et al, 2021). Também foi constatado o risco aos humanos (Haddad Jr. et al, 2014), já que a espécie é regionalmente pouco conhecida e estava sendo tratada como um animal de estimação perante aos freqüentadores do local.…”

Report of a New Human Death Caused by a Giant Anteater in Brazil

“…In fact, the similarity of lesions seen in humans who have been injured by anteaters is This new report of death caused by an anteater reinforces clinical and epidemiological aspects described in earlier reports and clearly demonstrates how these animals can cause injuries when threatened by humans. 3 Increasing contact with humans can result from the destruction of the animal's traditional environments and increase the risk of injury. Campaigns to preserve these beautiful animals may also prevent serious injuries and deaths of human beings.…”

“…1,2 Although injuries caused by anteaters are extremely rare due to the lack of aggressiveness of these peaceful and almost blind animals, they can happen when the animals try to defend themselves. 3 In these situations they may assume an upright posture and use their powerful claws to hurt their opponents.…”

“…Injuries to humans usually occur only when the animals are provoked, hunted, or handled for scientific proposes. 3 The claws can cause serious tissue laceration, copious bleeding, and death. 3 A 54-year-old man died after being attacked by a giant anteater in the rural area of Diamantina, Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Bom Sucesso neighborhood, latitude 18116'1.72" and longitude 43º32'16.64").…”

Pessoas e grandes xenartros: uma abordagem das Dimensões Humanas para orientar a coexistência

“…Although anteaters avoid human contact, they can defend themselves using their powerful forelimb claws when threatened. Human deaths caused by giant anteaters are rare but have already been reported to follow serious tissue laceration caused by the animal's sharp claws (Haddad Jr et al, 2014). Thus, superstitions about anteaters may play a negative role to people who hold them, causing anxiety and distress but also exposing those that effectively engage in superstitious acts to the risk of injuries.…”