D Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, Alex A González-Vargas, Gustavo González, M Fabiola Corona-Figueroa, Carlos A Lasso
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Neotropical otters Lontra annectens (Carnivora, Mustelidae) are widely distributed in Central and South America. Studies on the behavior of this species are rare, resulting in the fact that its ethology is one of the lesser known among the mustelids. The Neotropical otter is considered solitary and territorial but not aggressive, and it generally shows a shy and elusive behavior. Here we described the first two documented cases of attack by Neotropical otters on humans. The first occurred in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, and the second, in La Guajira, Colombia. Respectively, adult female and male humans were injured with differences in the severity of the wounds, clinical course, and outcomes. We recommend further research on the agonistic behavior of Neotropical otters. A protocol for attention to injuries caused by Neotropical otters is suggested.
期刊介绍:
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, the official journal of the Wilderness Medical Society, is the leading journal for physicians practicing medicine in austere environments. This quarterly journal features articles on all aspects of wilderness medicine, including high altitude and climbing, cold- and heat-related phenomena, natural environmental disasters, immersion and near-drowning, diving, and barotrauma, hazardous plants/animals/insects/marine animals, animal attacks, search and rescue, ethical and legal issues, aeromedial transport, survival physiology, medicine in remote environments, travel medicine, operational medicine, and wilderness trauma management. It presents original research and clinical reports from scientists and practitioners around the globe. WEM invites submissions from authors who want to take advantage of our established publication''s unique scope, wide readership, and international recognition in the field of wilderness medicine. Its readership is a diverse group of medical and outdoor professionals who choose WEM as their primary wilderness medical resource.