Veterinary Aspects of Forensic Medicine, Wild Animals

into the rectum. Use of an injection to introduce venom would likely be noticed by the victim and should leave some mark. As death is rarely very rapid, there would usually be time for the victim to make known that he/she had been attacked, but this might not always be the case. Introduction of a venomous animal, especially a snake or scorpion, into sleeping quarters, might also result in effective homicide, which, if within the normal distribution of the animal, might go unproven or undetected. Though not discussed elsewhere in this article, it should be noted that a number of toxins, particularly from marine animals, can prove lethal if ingested, so could be introduced via a meal. Indeed, some poisonous fish (fugu fish, which contain tetrodotoxin) are routinely eaten in some countries, a mild degree of poisoning being a desired effect. Plant toxins are also used for suicide in some countries. Another bizarre possibility is the use of "snakebite" to hide some other form of homicidal poisoning, some device being used to mimic fang marks and introduce poison into the victim (e.g., the use, in India, of Abrus precatorius poison, injected by paired sui (sharp spikes), mimicking snakebite, used to hide felonious killing of cattle or even humans). Careful examination of the wound and pattern of effects may reveal the true cause in such cases. Animal Attacks and Injuries: Fatal and Nonfatal; Predation; Autopsy, Findings: Organic Toxins