The idea of an animal “exploding” after death is rooted in real biological processes. Certain conditions can lead to a dramatic rupture of a deceased animal’s body. This phenomenon, though uncommon, has a scientific explanation tied to the natural decomposition that begins once life ceases.
The Decomposing Body and Gas Formation
When an animal dies, its body immediately begins autolysis, a process where cells self-digest. Simultaneously, bacteria naturally residing within the animal’s gut and on its skin, no longer suppressed by the immune system, multiply rapidly. This bacterial activity, known as putrefaction, involves microorganisms feeding on decaying tissues.
As these bacteria consume organic matter, they produce various gases as metabolic byproducts. The primary gases generated in this anaerobic (oxygen-absent) environment include methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ammonia (NH3). Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for the characteristic “rotten egg” smell, while methane is odorless but contributes significantly to gas volume. These gases accumulate within body cavities, causing the carcass to swell and bloat.
When Pressure Builds: The “Explosion” Phenomenon
The accumulation of decomposition gases within a sealed animal body can lead to a significant buildup of internal pressure. If gases cannot escape through natural orifices, pressure rises until it exceeds the structural integrity of the animal’s skin and tissues. At this point, the carcass can rupture, or “explode,” releasing trapped gases and liquefied remains. This is not an explosion in the sense of combustion, but a forceful bursting due to internal pressure.
Several factors increase the likelihood of such an event. Large animals, particularly those with thick hides, are more prone because they can contain a greater volume of gas and their tough exteriors trap it effectively. Marine mammals like whales are prime examples, as their immense size allows for substantial gas production, and their blubber layer effectively seals these gases within the body. A well-documented instance involved a beached sperm whale in Florence, Oregon (1970), which, already bloated, was intentionally dynamited for disposal, resulting in a large expulsion of blubber and gas.
Real-World Occurrences and Safety Considerations
While the “exploding animal” phenomenon captures attention, spontaneous ruptures of animal carcasses are relatively uncommon, especially for smaller land animals where gases can escape more easily. They are more notably observed in large animals, particularly beached whales, due to the sheer volume of gas produced and the contained nature of their bodies. Beyond natural ruptures, humans have sometimes intentionally used explosives to dispose of very large carcasses, which demonstrated the unpredictable and messy nature of such attempts.
Disposing of large animal carcasses presents practical challenges and safety concerns. Deceased animals can pose biohazards due to bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, and potential pathogens if the animal died from disease. Handlers are advised to wear protective equipment, including gloves and eyewear, and use long-handled tools to minimize direct contact with remains and bodily fluids. Proper disposal methods for large carcasses include burial, composting, or incineration, chosen based on location, animal size, and suspected cause of death, to prevent environmental contamination and disease spread.