A dead animal is essentially a rotting carcass full of evolving bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous microorganisms. If you ever spot a dead animal carcass, whether a small bird or a roadside buck, it is important to keep clear and if necessary, notify the proper wildlife and gaming authorities in town. Whether out on a walk in the neighborhood, trailing along your favorite community hiking path, biking in the park, or strolling within the boundaries of your own backyard, you may come across some common signs of a nearby dead animal. Although it is best to stay away from a dead animal, if you do come across one, you should know what to do.

Continue below to learn the top three signs that indicate the presence of a dead animal within your proximity, plus what to do if you come across one.

How to Tell if There is a Dead Animal in Range

A dead animal carcass produces a lingering, foul smell, as well as pest outbreaks and scavenger activity. If you spot one or more of these signs, you can safely assume there is a dead animal carcass somewhere, close within range.

❶ Dead Animal Smell

The most distinctive and distinguishable sign of a nearby dead animal is the smell. If you have ever smelled rotten meat, you have come close to experiencing the smell of a deceased carcass. Imagine that smell, but 100 times more putrid. Once you have smelled dead animal smell, you will never forget the odor. Furthermore, the smell can travel quite a distance, up to 20 feet or more, often making it the first noticeable sign of a nearby dead animal.

❷ Pest Outbreaks

If you are out walking or biking, and you come across a massive swarm of insects or ants, it could very well be due to a nearby dead animal. Flies, gnats, and ants are common pest outbreaks that occur near or on a dead animal carcass. Flies lead to maggots, too. If you notice a large accumulation of insects or pests like these, you would not be far off to assume that there is a dead animal somewhere close by.

❸ Scavenger Activity

A dead animal is a perfectly convenient meal for many other living ones. Animals like rats, crows, hawks, vultures, coyotes, and sometimes opossum are prevalent scavengers, and will quickly jump on the opportune meal if they cross paths with another dead animal. If you notice heightened activity of these scavenger species, they could be attracted to a carcass.

What to Do if You Find a Dead Animal

If you ever come across dead animal, just stop right there. Stay away from it. Do not attempt to touch it or use an object to move it. To be safe, maintain a 3 foot distance from the dead animal carcass. If you are out in nature, just leave it alone and let nature take its course. Dead animals play an important role in the Eco-system.

If the dead animal is on your property within areas frequented by people or pets, moving it is probably the best choice. You can choose to do this yourself by using dead animal relocation best practices, such as placing a shoe box on top, sliding the lid underneath to secure it, and burying it deep into the ground somewhere far away from your property. Or, you can hire professional dead animal removal services. The latter is strongly encouraged.

Are you having trouble taming the nuisance wildlife around your property? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured animal removal services in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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