The common sight of a dead snake often leads to the question of whether its presence will draw others to the area. This concern is understandable, as snakes rely heavily on chemical communication for finding mates and identifying territory. Whether a deceased snake acts as a beacon or a deterrent depends entirely on the specific chemical signals being emitted and the stage of decomposition.
The Science Behind Attraction or Repulsion
Generally, a dead snake does not attract others seeking companionship or a mate. The chemicals responsible for social attraction are produced by a living animal, and this process ceases upon death. The chemical profile of a dead snake usually shifts toward signaling danger or a compromised environment, triggering repulsion instead of attraction.
A freshly deceased snake may temporarily release residual mating pheromones, which could briefly attract a conspecific. This period is short-lived, however, and is quickly overridden by the process of decay. As the body breaks down, the resulting volatile organic compounds trigger an avoidance response in most other snakes. Snakes tend to avoid areas containing the chemical signature of death, disease, or predators.
Chemical Signals: Pheromones and Necromones
The difference between attracting and repelling chemicals lies in their function and source. Live snakes use specialized nonvolatile compounds called pheromones for communication, which are detected by the vomeronasal organ, also known as Jacobson’s organ. Female snakes, for instance, release sex pheromones during the reproductive season to attract males for mating and to allow them to follow a chemical trail.
These specific chemical signals are metabolically expensive to produce and are only active during the appropriate season, meaning their production stops rapidly after death. As the carcass begins to decompose, a different class of chemical cues takes over. These decomposition byproducts are referred to as necromones, or death cues, which are volatile organic compounds released by tissue breakdown and bacterial action.
These necromones signal to other animals that the area contains a dead body, which may indicate a predator, disease, or carrion that could pose a risk. Many reptiles and amphibians exhibit a strong, innate avoidance response to the scent of a dead conspecific or predator, a behavior that is crucial for survival. The shift from specific sex pheromones to generalized, repulsive decomposition chemicals is the primary reason a dead snake repels rather than attracts.
Environmental Reasons for Snake Presence
Despite chemical signals favoring avoidance, people sometimes find multiple live snakes near a dead one, leading to the mistaken belief that the carcass drew them in. These situations are almost always explained by environmental factors, not the dead snake’s chemical signature. The location is usually a preferred habitat, such as a high-quality basking spot, a hunting ground, or a shared overwintering den (hibernaculum).
Multiple snakes may utilize the same habitat patch because it offers ideal cover, temperature, or proximity to food and water. For example, if a dead snake is found near a rock pile or an old log, any other snakes in the area are likely present due to the shelter it provides, not the carcass itself.
A secondary form of attraction occurs if the decomposing body draws in scavengers, such as insects or rodents, which are a primary food source for live snakes. The live snakes are drawn to the location by the presence of prey, making the dead snake an indirect attractant. This presence is centered on a resource opportunity, not an interaction with the deceased animal.
Safely Removing a Snake Carcass
Safely removing a snake carcass is the most practical course of action for hygiene and to eliminate any temporary residual scent. It is important to remember that the muscle and nerve tissues of a snake, particularly a venomous one, can remain active after death, potentially allowing for reflex strikes. Never touch the carcass with bare hands, even if the snake is non-venomous.
The safest method involves using long-handled tools, such as a shovel or a rake, to move the body. Place the carcass into a durable plastic bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it in the trash. Alternatively, bury it deep enough that scavengers cannot easily reach it. Quick disposal minimizes the short window of residual pheromone release and prevents decomposition from attracting insects or other prey animals.