Journal
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
Volume 257, Issue -, Pages E16-E19Publisher
ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.08.020
Keywords
Taphonomy; Forensic anthropology; Rodent; Woodland vole; Microtus pinetorum
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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. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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