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OFF THE PATH


Any forest ranger will tell you to pay attention to the signs. DO NOT FEED THE BEARS is of particular importance, for more reasons than most might think. NO SWIMMING should be easily understood. FALLING ROCKS is another.

If there’s a sign that more adventurous types ignore, it’s probably STAY ON TRAIL. It’s estimated that between 1,000 - 2,500 people ignore these signs every year and either become hopelessly lost and require search and rescue teams, or worse; they’re never seen again.

A cool, sunny day in October finds a small group of carrion beetles feasting on the remains of presumably a misplaced adventurer. The beetles are sharing, as best they can, the feast with a group of blow flies. Neither group seems particularly interested in the origins of their meal. ‘Locally sourced’ is a phrase that has yet to catch on among the insect population.

It’s difficult to say if they noticed the missing head. If so inclined, they might speculate if this happened prior to landing or after. It wouldn’t be unusual for one of the larger scavengers to chew through the neck, dislocating the dome and possibly carrying it off for a later snack.

While less likely, there is always the possibility that a bear, or other large creature removed it first.

Humans are a rarity in this part of the forest. However, on these rare occasions their remains provide welcome nourishment for the local population.

The crows, foxes, coyotes, and the like have long since cleaned the body of most of the more tender and flavorful tissue. It’s likely that a few physical altercations ensued during those first few days. Wolves and coyotes aren’t prone to sharing. The insect world is less selfish, for the most part.

During this secondary period of soft tissue loss, the fly larvae - maggots - eat their fill. The ants, beetles, etc. enjoy their portions as well. There are occasions when an insect might overeat to the point of its own demise, thereby becoming an added treat.

Bacteria and fungi play their roles as well, taking over where teeth fail. They assist in breaking down the remaining tissue, especially those covered by the outer layer of added landscape. These often appear in different colors and textures. Some are an added culinary bonus, while some are a mere hindrance.

The uncovered remains, the arms and legs, once becoming skeletal, often bring a return of some of the larger scavengers. The coyotes, wolves, boars, etc. have a waste not/want not policy. Their particular digestion finds nutrients in even the hardest tissue. This does often result in the scattering of bones across the forest.

Should a forest ranger or other adventurer ever come across these remains, the odds are likely that the findings would be little more than a few bits and pieces of bone, and maybe some of the body’s outer textural landscaping.

Such is life off the path.


copyright notice © 2026 Michael C. Metzger




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