One aspect of archaeological faunal analysis is determining the origins of bone. The analysis of the processes which modify bone is called taphonomy, and is also of interest to forensic scientists as an aid to the investigation of homicides.   Since 1989, Saddleback College students directed by Dr. Gary Hurd  have studied the residue of deer predation by mountain lions.  In the west, the major scavenger, or secondary predator, of the deer carcass is the coyote.

There are several features of whole carcass changes that are worth noting. Forelimbs are generally the first anatomical unit to become disarticulated, followed by the hind limbs.  There is a tendency towards lateralized bone consumption most easily observed in the bone loss from the ribs, and the lateral processes of the vertebrae. Unlike the reports available for human carcasses, the deer skull is rarely relocated away from the primary kill site.	Click for a larger view Click for a larger view
Trampling damage and tooth scaring on a deer scapula caused by coyote puppies. Note the polish on high spots.  The primary predator is unknown.	Click for a larger view
Trampling damage on a deer ulna.  These marks were produced by predators moving the bone against stones.	Click for a larger view
Tooth scaring on the proximal portion of a deer; puncture with a radiating fracture (top: ulna), and compression (bottom: humerus).	Click for a larger view Click for a larger view
Carrying damage to a deer metapoidal (cannon bone) caused by a coyote. These marks are diagnosed by parallel sets, spacing (appropriate to coyote dentition), and corresponding tooth mark sets on the obverse of the bone.	Click for a larger view
Long bone splinters recovered from a coyote "bone yard" following a fuel rich wildfire. Notice that there is variation in the degree of burning which ranges from charred to calcined.	Click for a larger view

Return to Osteo Interactive