Why snakes remain deadly even after they're dead

At first, you might think it is a plot from a zombie movie: that undead animals are coming for you.

But it turns out that Australia's animals aren't just dangerous when they're alive — they can be deadly even when they're dead.

Ann Jones is joined by science reporter Belinda Smith to examine why snakes can still bite up to 45 minutes after death and are potentially dangerous for years.

Think we're lying? Belinda found a guy whose great aunt (and her dog) were killed by a decapitated snake!

So if a snake could commit multiple murders from beyond the grave, what other animals are going to get you?

Featuring:

• Ray Miller, relative died after being bitten by a dead snake
• Dr Christina Zdenek, Australian Reptile Academy
• Professor Kylie Pitt, Griffith University
• Dr Olaf Meynecke, Griffith University
• Len Zell, retired marine scientist and author of Australian Wildlife — Roadkill

Production:

• Belinda Smith, ABC Science Reporter/Producer
• Ann Jones, Presenter/Producer
• Petria Ladgrove, Producer
• Additional mastering: Hamish Camilleri

This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in 2024 produced on the land of the Wadawarrung, Wurundjeri and Kaurna people.

Find more episodes of the ABC podcast, What the Duck?! with the always curious Dr Ann Jones exploring the mysteries of nature on ABC Listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll learn more about the weird and unusual aspects of our natural world in a quirky, fun way with easy to understand science.