In Song Dynasty China, oxen carrying large explosive charges were used as self-propelled explosive missiles. Various military attempts have been made to use animals as delivery systems for weapons. The Los Angeles Herald in 1910 reported a duck which exploded after consuming yeast. A number of toads in Germany and Denmark exploded in April 2005. Natural explosions which occur while an animal is living may be defense-related. Post-mortem explosions, like that of a beached whale, are the result of the build-up of natural gases created by methane-producing bacteria inside the carcass during the decomposition process. Natural explosions can occur for a variety of reasons. Other instances of exploding animals are defensive in nature or the result of human intervention. Among the best known examples are the post-mortem explosion of whales, either as a result of natural decomposition or deliberate attempts at carcass disposal. The explosion of animals is an uncommon event arising through natural causes or human activity. For specific information about animals used as bombs, see Animal-borne bomb attacks.
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