The human body may be attacked by a variety of animals. It is a potent
ial source of confounding marks for forensic practitioners when unmask
ing criminal activity. A case that posed some problems for the crime s
cene investigators on discovering a dead body indoors, which had both
ears missing is discussed. The suspicion initially was that of homicid
al mutilation of the corpse. A general awareness of artefactual postmo
rtem animal activity may avoid their misinterpretation. This short rep
ort acknowledges a persistent paucity in the forensic literature on th
e subject of human remains and postmortem animal activity.