Obliterating Animal Carcasses With Explosives

Jim Tour, Project Leader, and Mike Knodel, Northern Region Blaster Examiner

There are times when it is important to remove or obliterate an animal carcass from locations such as recreation areas where a carcass might attract bears, at a popular picnic area where the public might object, or along the side of roads or trails. Large animal carcasses can be particularly difficult to remove, especially if they are located below a steep cut slope or in remote areas.

Explosives have successfully been used by qualified blasters to partially or totally obliterate large animal carcasses (horses, mules, moose, etc.). It is important to consider location, time of year, and size of the carcass when selecting the quantity and type of explosive to accomplish the obliteration task. Consult a qualified blaster when explosives are to be used.

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. [Figure 1]

Place 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) of explosives under the carcass in four locations (Figure 1). 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.

Figure 2 shows a similar example where it is not practical to move the carcass onto the explosive charges. For example, when the carcass is laying in water or frozen into the ground. In this case, 55 pounds (25 kilograms) of linear (one box of fireline) explosives are simply draped over the carcass. Use of the entire 55 pounds (25 kilograms) of explosives will provide more obliteration than shown in the first example.

In situations where total animal obliteration is necessary, it is advisable to double the amount of explosives used in the first two examples. Use 20 pounds (9 kilograms) on top of and 20 pounds (9 kilograms) underneath the carcass, depending on the type of explosives used. Total obliteration might be preferred in situations where the public is expected in the area the next day, or where bears are particularly prolific.

Here are some rules of thumb for carcass obliteration:

Use more explosives than shown in the examples on large animals like moose, especially if total obliteration is desired. [Figure 2]

One-by-sixteen (1-inch diameter by 16 inches long = 2.54 centimeters by 43.8 centimeters) stick powder generally weighs about 1 pound (45 kilograms) per stick.

One box of linear explosives (fireline) weighs about 55 pounds (25 kilograms).

Most large animal carcasses can be adequately disbursed with 20 pounds (9 kilograms) explosives. However, 40 to 55 pounds (18 to 25 kilograms) are recommended to ensure total obliteration.

The water gel explosives are acceptable for use when the temperature is above freezing (32° Fahrenheit or 0° Centigrade). Emulsions will detonate at temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C). Use PETN or TNT type explosives when temperatures are near or below 0°F (-18°C).

Caracasses that have been dispersed will generally be totally gone after a few days.

Caracasses that have been partially obliterated will generally not show any trace of existence the next day.

For further information on using explosives for animal removal, contact a blaster on your Forest, or Jim Tour at the Missoula Technology and Development Center.

For additional information contact: Jim Tour, Project Leader, Missoula Technology & Development Center, Bldg. 1, Fort Missoula, Missoula MT 59801. Phone 406-329-3903. FAX: 406-329-3719. DG-J.Tour901A.

The USDA Forest Service has developed this information for the guidance of its employees, its contractors, and its cooperating Federal and State agencies, and is not responsible for the integration or use of this information by anyone except its own employees. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of any product or service to the exclusion of others that might be suitable.