Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) Attack: An Autopsy-Based Analysis of Injury Patterns

Bear attacks are an uncommon but potentially fatal cause of wilderness trauma.We report the autopsy findings of a 75-year-old man who sustained fatal polytrauma following an alleged Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus) attack in Uttarakhand, India.The victim suffered extensive craniofacial injuries, including bone-deep scalp lacerations, a depressed temporal bone fracture, dural tear, diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage, rib fractures, and a humeral shaft fracture.Death was attributed to hemorrhagic shock secondary to severe scalp trauma.This case highlights the characteristic predominance of craniofacial injuries in bear attacks and emphasizes the importance of recognizing associated occult intracranial trauma.A review of the published literature places these findings in the context of contemporary wilderness trauma and forensic practice.