Researchers in Calgary are set to place pig cadavers equipped with GPS trackers into the Bow River as part of a study aimed at improving search and recovery efforts for missing persons in waterways. The initiative, led by a team of forensic scientists and water rescue experts, seeks to understand how human remains move and decompose in river environments.
Study Details
The experiment will involve depositing several pig carcasses at specific locations along the Bow River. Each cadaver will be fitted with a GPS tracking device to monitor its drift and settling patterns. The data collected will help emergency responders predict where a body might be found after being submerged, potentially reducing search times and increasing recovery rates.
Why Pigs?
Pig cadavers are commonly used in forensic research because their tissue composition and decomposition rates closely resemble those of humans. The study is being conducted in collaboration with local law enforcement and search-and-rescue organizations.
Community Impact
The research is expected to provide critical insights for river search operations, which are often challenging due to currents, visibility, and seasonal changes. Officials hope the findings will lead to more efficient use of resources during missing person cases.
The study is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, with results anticipated later this year.
