The investigation of animal mutilations and the peculiar circumstances in which they occur require gathering of physical evidence immediately after the event, but this is not always possible. Published data on animal mutilations have been used to establish patterns. Those who decide to study the subject are still faced with several crucial unanswered questions. Some evidence suggests that the mutilation takes place after the animal has died. Otherwise, the body and the surrounding areas would be stained with a great deal of blood because if the animal were alive, the heart would continue to pump blood through the open vessels.
Reports reveal that compared to the severity of the wounds, blood traces are scarce.
In most mutilation cases, it has been reported that animals died suddenly. This is based on the testimony that they were seen by the owner in good health and body condition shortly before being found dead. If predators caused the death, teeth marks would be found around the hocks and the nose because those areas are usually attacked first. Tissues would be torn, arteries and veins would be open and bleeding would take place which would be easy to see. Especially during the winter season, blood traces are easily detected on snow covered terrain.