What Would Eat a Zombie? A Guide to Post-Apocalyptic Predation

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The zombie apocalypse: a terrifying scenario painted across countless movies, books, and video games. But while we’re busy worrying about surviving the undead horde, have we considered the natural food chain? Could other creatures actually see zombies as…food? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. While the palatability and nutritional value of zombified flesh may be questionable, several species would certainly consider these shuffling corpses a viable, if somewhat disgusting, meal.

Animals that Might Feast on the Undead

Numerous animals, driven by hunger, opportunity, or simply their natural scavenging instincts, would likely consume zombies. Here’s a breakdown:

Carrion Eaters: This is your primary line of defense, nature’s cleanup crew. Vultures, ravens, coyotes, and even bears are known to consume carrion. While they might initially be wary of a moving corpse, hunger often overcomes caution. The rotting flesh and pungent odor of a zombie would be attractive, not repulsive, to these animals.
Apex Predators: Wolves, mountain lions, and other apex predators aren’t typically scavengers, but a readily available, slow-moving food source could be irresistible, especially when struggling for survival during an apocalypse. They might initially attack a zombie out of instinct, and then begin to feed after the kill.
Reptiles: Alligators, crocodiles, and large snakes are opportunistic feeders. They’re not particularly picky and will happily consume anything they can overpower. A zombie stumbling near a swamp or river would be an easy target.
Insects and Microbes: Don’t underestimate the power of the small. Insects like flies, maggots, and beetles, along with countless microbes, are the ultimate decomposers. They would relentlessly break down zombie flesh, contributing significantly to their eventual decay. These creatures are more certain to eat a zombie than larger predators.
Unlikely Candidates: While less likely, even domesticated animals, if driven by extreme hunger, could resort to eating zombies. Stray dogs and cats, for example, might see the undead as a desperate source of sustenance.

Factors Influencing Zombivore Consumption

Several factors would influence whether an animal would eat a zombie:

Hunger: The primary driver. A starving animal is far more likely to overcome its hesitation and consume something unusual.
Availability of Other Food Sources: If other prey is readily available, animals may avoid zombies altogether.
The State of Decomposition: Freshly turned zombies might be less appealing than those that are already partially decomposed. The more “ripe” the zombie, the more attractive it would be to carrion eaters.
The Type of Zombie: Different zombie types, as depicted in fiction, might possess varying levels of threat. Fast-moving, aggressive zombies would be more difficult and dangerous to prey on than slow, shambling ones.
Risk vs. Reward: Animals will weigh the risk of attacking a zombie (potential injury, infection, etc.) against the reward of a meal.

The Unanswered Questions: Disease and Digestion

One crucial question remains: what are the effects of consuming a zombie? Could animals contract the “zombie virus” or other diseases from eating infected flesh? And even if they don’t get sick, can they actually digest zombie meat?

While the answers are speculative, we can infer some possibilities:

Disease Transmission: It’s highly plausible that animals could contract diseases from consuming zombies, although it may not be the specific “zombie virus” that affects humans. Animals could be affected differently.
Digestive Issues: The decaying nature of zombie flesh, combined with the potential presence of toxins, could cause digestive problems for animals that consume it.
Prion Diseases: If the zombie plague is caused by prions (misfolded proteins), like in some fictional scenarios, then animals that eat zombie brains could develop prion-related diseases.

FAQs: Your Zombie-Eating Animal Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about the post-apocalyptic food chain, designed to arm you with vital knowledge.

1. Would birds eat zombies?

Yes, carrion birds like vultures and crows would definitely eat zombies, especially the decaying flesh and exposed organs. They are well-equipped to pick apart carcasses and are less likely to be directly attacked by the slow-moving undead.

2. Are zombies cannibals? Why don’t walkers eat each other?

This is a common misconception. Most zombie lore dictates that zombies crave living human flesh. The reasons vary, from spreading the infection to the need for specific brain chemicals, but the consensus is they’re not interested in other zombies. Some theories suggest the decayed flesh of another zombie simply isn’t appealing.

3. What smells attract zombies?

The primary attractant is the scent of living humans. The fresher the scent, the stronger the pull. Blood, sweat, and other bodily fluids would likely amplify this attraction.

4. What smell do zombies hate?

According to some sources, zombies hate the scent of pennyroyal. This could be a useful deterrent in a survival situation.

5. Do zombies need to eat or drink?

No. Zombies are undead and therefore don’t need sustenance to survive. Their drive to eat is a primal instinct, not a biological necessity. As the article states, Zombies are reanimated dead people. They don’t actually need to eat anything, on account of being dead.

6. Do zombies eventually starve?

No. Since they’re already dead, zombies can’t “starve” to death. However, their bodies would continue to decompose, eventually rendering them immobile.

7. What makes a zombie hungry?

It’s not hunger in the traditional sense. It’s a primal, neurological drive triggered by the presence of living humans. This drive stems from the small, active part of their brain.

8. What foods would survive a zombie apocalypse?

Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and eggplant are durable and long-lasting. Apples and citrus fruits also store well without refrigeration.

9. Can zombies climb trees?

No. Their decayed muscles and lack of coordination prevent them from climbing. This makes trees a relatively safe refuge. Aron Ralston’s “127 Hours” story teaches us that being an expert in climbing would be a good way to get yourself to safety quickly.

10. Can zombies swim in water?

No, Zombies cannot swim. If they fall in water, they should be able to walk on the bottom of the water body.

11. What can zombies not walk over?

Mobs tend to avoid honey blocks and are prevented from jumping. Also, obstacles such as walls would make it more difficult for them to continue their search for food.

12. Do zombies feel pain?

No. Stabbing a zombie in the heart won’t stop it. The only way to neutralize a zombie is to destroy the brain.

13. What kills zombies the best?

Destroying the brain is universally accepted as the most effective way to kill a zombie.

14. How high of a drop can zombies survive?

Zombies can survive a significant fall due to having the same health as players. It would have to be 23 blocks.

15. Why are zombies green?

The color green was substituted for red in early video games because gamers in other countries were not so much fans of spurting red streams of blood and/or guts.

The Zombie Apocalypse: A Complex Ecosystem

The zombie apocalypse isn’t just about survival; it’s about a complete shift in the ecological landscape. Understanding how different creatures might interact with the undead horde is crucial for not only predicting potential dangers but also identifying unexpected allies. Who knows, the local pack of coyotes might just become your best defense against the shambling masses.

The study of zombies, though fictional, can be a fascinating lens through which to explore real-world concepts like biology, ecology, and even social dynamics. Understanding these concepts can be greatly enhanced through game-based learning. Check out the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org to discover how games are revolutionizing education.

The potential for zombies to be food is higher with decay. Nature will take its course!