[hermantheshocker]

Fig.1 Vulture scavenging sequence on donated human remains at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility in San Marcos, Texas (December 26–27, 2009).

This is from a pilot study on the effects of vulture modification to human remains. A donated body from the Willed Body Donation Program was placed at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), an outdoor human decomposition laboratory located at Texas State University-San Marcos. The effects of vulture scavenging on the timing and sequence, and the rate of skeletonization, disarticulation, and dispersal were observed via a motion sensing camera and direct observation.


Fig.2 Fully fleshed body with the first appearance of an American black vulture at 11:16 am.


Fig.3 Approximately 1 h later, multiple vultures present and feeding.

Results showed that the initial scavenging took place 37 days after placement at FARF. This delay in scavenging differs from previous research. After the initial appearance of the vultures, the body was reduced from a fully-fleshed individual to a skeleton within only 5 h. This underscores the potential for errors in postmortem interval estimations made at vulture scavenged scenes. Additionally, spatial analysis showed that skeletal elements were dispersed by vultures to lower elevations, and that the disarticulation and dispersal of the skeletal elements occurs early in the scavenging sequence.


Fig.4 Four hours later, all viscera and much soft tissue have been removed.


Fig.5 By December 27 at 12:12 pm (approximately 24 h after picture (A)), the body is largely skeletonized, and vultures have modified the orientation and positioning. Over the next 48 h, they will continue to drag the body out of camera range.

On November 19, 2009, a donated human body from the Willed Body Donation Program at Texas State University-San Marcos was placed at FARF. The adult female was in a fresh (non-decomposed) state, was un-autopsied, and had died of natural causes. A motion sensing infra-red game camera (Moultrie Game Spy) was positioned adjacent to the body in order to capture episodes of animal activity.

Due to cold temperatures, the body remained in a fairly fresh state from time of placement, with discoloration, slight bloating, and minimal skin slippage present until December 26, 2009, just over one month from the initial placement of the donor’s body at FARF.

The sequence of events, December 26–27, 2009:

• (A) Fully fleshed body with the first appearance of an American black vulture at 11:16 am.
• (B) Approximately 1 h later, multiple vultures present and feeding.
• (C) Four hours later, all viscera and much soft tissue have been removed
• (D) By December 27 at 12:12 pm (approximately 24 h after picture (A)), the body is largely skeletonized, and vultures have modified the orientation and positioning. Over the next 48 h, they will continue to drag the body out of camera range.

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This post is for educational purposes only and is nonprofit. Under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. OP is not a medical expert. No copyright infringement intended. This post does not encourage or glorify violence/harassment. Images might have been upscaled and enhanced. Text might have been shortened and simplified/reorganized for online view.

[Karma]

Natures perfect clean up crew. Cheaper than burial.

[northernlights]

This is interesting to see. Around here we call them "Turkey Vultures". I have seen them strip a deer down to it's skeleton in just a few hours.

[Caf002]

In the last picture, it looks like the first vulture is thinking 'shit, I knew I shouldn't have invited those fat bastards over for dinner, now no leftovers!'

[Eldeanio100]

Again, a brilliant and educational post.

[firemarsh]

So the body was undistrubed for a whole freaking month with virtually no animal or insect activities

[CreepyDeathShrine]

My late girlfriend loved birds. Everything was birds w her. She appreciated even the seemingly "gross" birds, knew they all have a purpose. A few times before she died, crows would get really close. There was even a crow landing on her windowsill. Maybe it was a sign.
This post refreshed those thoughts, and gave new perspective on life, death, and feathered friends playing their roles 8n regards to either. I wonder if she would have preferred her remains be given to nature like this, rather than left rotting in the morgue by her father for a month, to the point I didn't get to see her one last time before cremation.
Powerful images,
THANK YOU.

[K53]

Cremation appears to be the answer

[Razorhead]

Very interesting.

[rambbb]

Tibetan sky burial is how I want to be taken care of after my death