OBSERVATIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL DECOMPOSITION ON SUN EXPOSED V SHADED PIG CARRION IN COASTAL WASHINGTON-STATE

The decomposition of two pig carcasses in close proximity to each othe r, one exposed and the other shaded, in a continuous woodland were obs erved and different rates of decay were recorded. The exposed pig deco mposed much faster than the shaded pig, reaching a stable minimal weig ht two weeks before the shaded carcass. Bloat size, body weight, occur rence of blow fly larvae, and ambient air temperatures are compared. M aggot development appeared to be a major factor in the overall rate of decomposition and was affected primarily by different temperature pat terns at the two sites.