What Animal Would Dig Up a Dead Dog?

Discovering a buried pet’s resting place has been disturbed can be upsetting. This behavior, while distressing to pet owners, is an instinctual act driven by survival for various wild animals. Understanding these natural impulses helps contextualize these occurrences, which stem from fundamental needs, not malice. This article explores which animals are most commonly associated with this behavior, their underlying reasons, and practical steps to help prevent such disturbances.

Animals Known for Digging

Coyotes and foxes are frequent culprits, primarily due to their highly developed sense of smell and opportunistic scavenging nature. These canids constantly search for food sources, and the scent of decomposition, even from a depth, can be a strong attractant.

Raccoons and opossums, common in suburban and rural environments, also exhibit opportunistic feeding habits. Their dexterous paws and strong sense of smell make them adept at unearthing buried items, including carcasses. While not primarily diggers, their foraging behavior can lead to disturbed sites.

Domestic dogs retain strong ancestral instincts, including an acute sense of smell that can detect a buried carcass. A dog might dig up remains due to curiosity, the instinct to scavenge, or to re-bury something it perceives as valuable. Larger scavengers like bears also possess the strength and olfactory capabilities to uncover buried animals, though they are less common in populated areas.

Reasons for This Behavior

The primary motivation for animals to unearth buried remains is scavenging for food, a fundamental survival instinct. Decaying organic matter provides a caloric source, especially for animals facing food scarcity. Their highly developed olfactory senses allow them to detect the subtle chemical cues of decomposition from a considerable distance and depth. For instance, a dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than a human’s, enabling them to pinpoint buried scents.

Some animals also engage in caching behavior, burying food for later consumption. If an animal uncovers a buried carcass, it might perceive it as a newly available cache, either to consume or re-bury. This behavior is a strategic adaptation to ensure a consistent food supply. Additionally, some animals might investigate unusual scents out of curiosity or as a form of territorial marking, further contributing to the disturbance of burial sites.

Preventing Disturbance

Proper burial techniques are important to prevent the disturbance of a pet’s burial site. Burying the pet at a sufficient depth is a primary deterrent, with a general recommendation of at least 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) deep for most animals to be out of reach of common scavengers. Local regulations should always be consulted, as specific depth requirements can vary by municipality.

Covering the burial site with heavy, impenetrable materials adds another layer of protection. Placing large rocks, concrete slabs, or sturdy fencing directly over the disturbed earth can physically block animals from digging. Additionally, strong-smelling deterrents, such as cayenne pepper, mothballs, or a layer of lime on the surface, may help mask the scent and discourage investigation. However, the use of chemical deterrents should be considered carefully due to potential environmental impacts. For absolute assurance against disturbance, professional pet cremation or burial services offer a guaranteed method of handling remains without the risk of wildlife interference.