Park Service Defends Tiger Attack Verdict in Official Statement

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation has issued an official statement clarifying facts surrounding the death of Sakdikrin Wichajaroen, which has generated questions and speculation on social media about animal traces, wildlife behavior, and whether the victim was actually attacked by a wild animal.

Regarding the drag marks that some questioned as inconsistent with tiger behavior, tiger researchers found that the marks matched those produced when tigers drag prey across the ground, confirming they are consistent with tiger behavior rather than evidence against animal involvement.

On the absence of struggle marks and blood droplets at the death site, researchers noted that tigers typically hunt by ambushing and pouncing on prey, which would show signs of struggle. However, tigers also exhibit behavior of stealing or quickly grabbing and dragging away medium or small-sized carcasses. In Wichajaroen's case, the evidence aligns with this possibility, with researchers hypothesizing that if the victim was in deep sleep and unaware when the tiger attacked, no struggle would have occurred and no blood traces would be expected at the sleeping location.

Regarding suspicions that Wichajaroen may not have been attacked by wildlife, the department cited forensic evidence and official documents. The hospital autopsy listed the cause of death as cervical spine fracture and animal bite. A police exhumation also confirmed death resulted from wild animal attack. The death certificate states the cause was cervical spine fracture from animal attack.

The department urged the public to consider the information based on forensic evidence, official investigations, and academic data on tiger behavior, emphasizing that the clarification aims to ensure accurate understanding and reduce misinformation spread on social media.