Taphonomic alterations by the rodent species woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum) upon human skeletal remains. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pokines, James T.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 257(2015)
• Page Start: e16
• Page End: e19
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Taphonomy -- Forensic anthropology -- Rodent -- Woodland vole -- Microtus pinetorum; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.08.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: The remains of the rodent Microtus pinetorum were found inside a human skull. The human skeleton bore characteristic rodent gnawing consistent with this species. This species has not been reported previously to gnaw upon human remains. Abstract: This forensic case report describes the taphonomic effects of woodland vole ( Microtus pinetorum ) upon a set of skeletonized human remains recovered in Massachusetts, USA. Remains of an individual of this rodent species were discovered where it had been nesting inside the human cranium. Fine, parallel grooves indicative of small rodent gnawing were noted on multiple postcranial elements, and all isolated grooves were consistent in size with the incisors of this species. Other taphonomic alterations to these remains include some gnawing damage and dispersal by large carnivores. This case represents the first report of this rodent species affecting human remains.