Intro
In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, titled “Crimes in the Wild,” we explore the fascinating world of crime-solving with the help of animals. From vultures aiding in the discovery of murder victims to detection dogs fighting wildlife trafficking, these stories highlight the important role animals play in forensic science and law enforcement.
Main Takeaways
Vultures as Winged Coroners
- Detective Bradley Mar was called to investigate a possible kidnapping in Louisiana in 2013.
- The victim was taken at gunpoint, but the alleged kidnapper was quickly found thanks to video surveillance.
- Despite extensive searching, the victim’s body could not be found, so Detective Mar called on forensic scientist Lauren Parks, who specializes in avian scavenging, to help find the body.
- Parks advised Detective Mar to look for vultures riding on air currents rather than circling vultures, as they could lead to the location of the body.
- This unorthodox idea ultimately led to the discovery of the victim’s remains, showcasing the importance of thinking outside the box in solving crimes.
The Role of Animals in Forensic Science
- Vultures can act as winged coroners and are often the first to arrive at the site of a murder.
- A detective found a shallow grave in a wooded area, but vultures had already scavenged the body.
- Feathers and a bloody pine cone were found 40 yards away from the body, which didn’t add up to the detective but was significant to Lauren Far Parks.
- Vultures typically don’t wander 40 yards, but guts and brain matter can lure them that far.
- The victim was led into the forest at gunpoint, bludgeoned with a baseball bat, and dragged to the grave, which was discovered thanks to vulture behavior.
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Aspen
- Aspen, a well-to-do city with dense downtown areas, has seen an increase in human-wildlife conflict, with bears being attracted to restaurant waste.
- Bears can become accustomed to humans and their food, leading to dangerous situations.
- Translocating bears does not often solve the problem, as bears can find their way back and continue to seek out human food.
- Hazing techniques such as rubber bullets and pepper spray are not always effective in deterring bears from seeking out human food.
- Education is key in preventing human-wildlife conflict situations.
Detection Dogs in Wildlife Trafficking
- Detection dogs can transform naughty pups into highly skilled working dogs.
- Dogs can be trained to detect bombs, drugs, and even missing persons.
- The reward for the dog is the toy, which they will do anything to get to.
- Dogs like Ruger enjoy their work and become more satisfied as they become more accomplished in their job.
- The mere presence of a dog can slow down trafficking and be an amazing deterrent for wildlife trafficking in a local region.
Combating Wildlife Crime
- The Wildlife Justice Commission conducts stings to catch animal traffickers and bring them to justice.
- Pangolins are trafficked in huge numbers for traditional Chinese medicine.
- Intelligence analysts target level five individuals in the criminal network for the most impact.
- Understanding the supply chains of pangolins and other trafficked animals is important in mapping out their origins in Africa.
- Despite the challenges, there have been successful raids and convictions, such as the recent case in Nigeria involving Bangladeshi girls.
Summary
Animals as Crime Solvers
In the first segment, we learn about Detective Bradley Mar’s investigation into a kidnapping case and how forensic scientist Lauren Parks used vulture behavior to locate the victim’s remains. This highlights the unconventional ways in which animals can play a crucial role in solving crimes.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
The second segment explores the increasing conflict between humans and wildlife in Aspen, particularly with bears being attracted to restaurant waste. We discover that translocating bears and using hazing techniques may not effectively address the problem, emphasizing the importance of education and understanding in preventing such conflicts.
Detection Dogs in Wildlife Trafficking
The third segment delves into the world of detection dogs and their invaluable contribution in fighting wildlife trafficking. These highly trained dogs can detect various contraband items, including ivory and rhino horn, and their presence alone can act as a deterrent for traffickers.
Combating Wildlife Crime
In the final segment, we learn about the Wildlife Justice Commission’s efforts to investigate and expose wildlife crimes. The focus is on the trafficking of pangolins, which are highly sought after for traditional Chinese medicine. By targeting key individuals in the criminal network and understanding the supply chains, progress is being made in bringing perpetrators to justice.
Conclusion
From vultures aiding in murder investigations to detection dogs fighting wildlife trafficking, animals are proving to be invaluable allies in the world of crime-solving. By recognizing their unique abilities and harnessing their skills, we can continue to make significant strides in combating crime and protecting our natural world.
