Many wildlife forensic investigations involve live animals. ese may be free living (in the wild) or in captivity. A wild animal may need to be examined clinically in order to help ascertain whether it (a) has been the victim of an insult (e.g. a knife attack on a swan in a public recreation area) or (b) itself has been responsible for an incident (e.g. a bualo that has gored and injured a tourist in a game reserve). Live animals may also require examination on account of concerns about infectious disease, such as the spread of zoonoses, or because health checks are required prior to release.