mauling

Mauling is the act of causing injury through violent physical contact, typically by a large animal that bites, claws, or pins a person to the ground. The term is most often used to describe attacks by wild or domestic animals on humans, though it can also refer to severe rough handling by a person in some contexts or to related sports terminology.

In wildlife and domestic animal settings, maulings occur when an animal feels threatened, is defending young, or is acting on predatory instinct. They can also result from surprise encounters or misinterpretation of human actions. Victims of mauling may suffer a range of injuries, including deep bites, lacerations, contusions, fractures, and head trauma. Infections and complications such as rabies or tetanus are additional concerns in some cases. Immediate medical evaluation is often essential, and post-exposure vaccination or prophylaxis may be required, depending on the species and circumstances.

In sports, maul has a distinct meaning in rugby, where it describes a phase of play in which players bind together around the ball and push as a group to maintain possession and advance. The term “mauling” in this context is nonviolent and relates to technique and rules rather than harm.

Prevention and safety emphasize avoiding risky wildlife interactions, using protective measures in environments with dangerous animals, and responsible pet ownership. In the event of an attack, individuals should seek to disengage when possible, seek medical care, and report the incident to local authorities for appropriate guidance and follow-up.