The explosion of animals is an uncommon event arising through natural causes or human activity. Among the best known examples are the post-mortem explosions of whales, either as a result of natural decomposition or deliberate attempts at carcass disposal. Other instances of exploding animals are defensive in nature or the result of human intervention.
Natural explosions can occur for a variety of reasons. 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 which occur while an animal is living may be defense-related. A number of toads in Germany and Denmark exploded in April 2005.
Others are altruistic, or at the expense of the individual in defense of its colony. Several species of ants seemingly explode at will to protect their nests from intruders. Likewise, many species of termites have members, deemed the soldier class, who can split their bodies open emitting a noxious and sticky chemical for the same reason.
Various military attempts have been made to use animals as delivery systems for weapons. During World War II the United States investigated the use of "bat bombs".Other attempts have included the so-called kamikaze dolphins, intended to seek out and destroy submarines and enemy warships.
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