Patterns of striped skunk scavenging on human remains

Abstract

Scavenging is a known behavior of striped skunks ( Mephitis mephitis ), though it is rarely documented. Striped skunks were observed and documented scavenging nine human donors at the Forensic Investigation Research Station (FIRS) in Whitewater, Colorado from October 2017 through September 2019. Human remains are placed on the surface, outdoors, in a fenced area, and monitored daily through notes, photographs, and multiple systems for scoring decomposition. Motion‐activated game cameras are strategically positioned to monitor potential scavenger activity within the facility. When scavenging occurred, game camera images were temporally correlated to daily photographs and notes to confirm the source of observed defects. Striped skunks at the FIRS scavenged the soft tissue of the arms, legs, genitals, and torso. Game camera images documented skunks digging, climbing on top of remains, repositioning limbs, and using their paws to manipulate tissue. These activities impacted soft tissue, bone, and the surrounding environment. Scavenging patterns varied seasonally, with higher frequency and lower selectivity in the winter. Striped skunks are common throughout most of North America and are likely to scavenge human remains when available. Understanding patterns and behaviors of specific scavengers can help investigators accurately interpret defects found on and around human remains.