Why don't wild animals eat animals that have been killed by lightning?

Question

I read on a trivia thing my son gets saying wild animals will not eat other animals struck by lightning. If this is true why?

Answer 1

I don't know if its true or not.

Mayeb they don't liek their food burn or cooked in anyway. Just smelly for scavengers will do and others just raw I suppose.

Answer 2

It probably smells strange because of the burning so some animals would probably avoid it.  I am sure that some animals would eat it if they were hungry.

Answer 3

The trivia thing probably used the word "carnivorous" rather than "wild."

"Carnivorous" animals will not eat animals that have been struck by lightning because they are not "Scavengers."

Carnivorous animals only eat what they killed themselves, I think. Scavengers are the ones that only eat what's already dead.

Answer 4

Most animals that are carnivores eat their prey raw so the smell of burnt flesh may make them think that there is something wrong with it so they will go elsewhere for food.

Answer 5

They smell strange.

But after a couple of days, I'd bet that things like jackals and vultures will be willing to eat 'em.

Answer 6

You have to be careful with those little trivia items; sometimes they aren't true.  But let's assume for the moment that this one is.

This is complete speculation, but perhaps these animals instinctive fear of fire keeps them from approaching something that smells (and is) burnt.

I hope that helps.  Good luck!

Answer 7

Because the animal would be completely burnt.