FATAL ANIMAL ATTACKS IN NORTH-CAROLINA OVER AN 18-YEAR PERIOD

Injuries from animals are very common, but fortunately deaths are rare . Few studies, however, have evaluated human deaths due to both venomo us and nonvenomous animals. Utilizing the Medical Examiner's Data Base , this study examines deaths due to venomous and nonvenomous wild and domestic animals in North Carolina. During 1972-1989, there were 92 de aths reported. Seven categories of ''type of animal'' involved in the attack were developed. Deaths were most likely to occur from June thro ugh November. Victims ranged in age from 1 to 93 (average, 46.1) years and 75% were male. Injuries occurred at the worksite in 18 cases, and 10 victims had detectable alcohol levels. Most deaths were due to ins ect stings, and several victims had a previous history of insect aller gy. The majority of victims were injured at their residence. Although rare, many deaths were potentially preventable. Methods to decrease th e number of injuries resulting from animals are discussed.