Maulings

Maulings are violent physical attacks that cause serious injury, typically resulting from tearing or gripping by an animal or, less often, by a person. In medical and public safety contexts, a mauling denotes an attack that inflicts penetrating wounds, blunt trauma, or crush injuries, often to the head, face, neck, or limbs, and carries a high risk of infection or long-term disability.

The most common source of maulings is domestic dogs, particularly when aggression is triggered by fear, pain, or resource guarding. Other sources include wildlife such as bears, big cats, wolves, and occasionally seals or primates, especially in remote or captive settings. Maulings may occur during encounters in urban, rural, or wilderness environments, and can involve adults and children, with younger victims often at higher risk for facial injuries.

Medical management includes prompt wound cleaning, stabilization, and assessment for associated injuries. Treatments may involve suturing, surgery, fracture fixation, and infection prevention with antibiotics. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is considered after unknown or potentially rabid animal maulings. Severe injuries may require reconstruction, rehabilitation, and psychological support due to trauma.

Prevention focuses on animal control, vaccination, and responsible ownership for dogs, as well as avoidance and deterrence strategies around wildlife. Practices include keeping dogs leashed and supervised, secure fencing, and reducing attractants. If confronted by a potentially dangerous animal, actions vary by species; maintain distance, avoid sudden movement, and seek safety when possible. Reporting of maulings assists medical response, veterinary care, and public health surveillance.