Why snakes remain deadly even after they're dead

Why snakes remain deadly even after they're dead

From What The Duck?! by ABC Australia

March 6, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

This episode explores how snakes can still be dangerous even after death, featuring insights from various experts.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Ann Jones

Guest: Belinda Smith

Topics covered

  • snakes
  • deadly animals
  • zombie animals
  • Australian wildlife
  • science reporting

Keywords

  • snakes
  • deadly
  • Australia
  • wildlife
  • science
  • reptiles
  • zombie

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Australian Reptile Academy, Griffith University, ABC Science

Places: Wadawarrung, Wurundjeri, Kaurna

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