Obliterating animal carcasses with explosives.

USDA Forest Service Publication #9523-2315, “Obliterating Animal Carcasses with Explosives,” by Jim Tour and Mike Knodel, helpfully says:

The following examples illustrate partial obliteration (dispersion) for a horse that weighs about 1,100 pounds (453.6 kilograms). In the first example, urgency is not a factor. Perhaps a few days are expected before the public is to visit the area, or perhaps bears will not be attracted to the carcass. In any case, in this example, dispersion is acceptable.

Place 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) of explosives under the carcass in four locations. The carcass can then be rolled onto the explosives if necessary.

Place 1 pound (.45 kilograms) of explosives in two locations on each leg.

Use detonator cord to tie the explosives charges together.

Use water bags to hold the explosives close to the carcass if it is impractical to place charges under the carcass, for example when the carcass is laying in water.

Horseshoes should be removed to minimize dangerous flying debris.

Note that this should not be attempted if the animal carcass in question is that of a whale.

Published by Waldo Jaquith

Waldo Jaquith (JAKE-with) is an open government technologist who lives near Char­lottes­­ville, VA, USA. more »