What did the Walkers eat?

What Did the Walkers Eat?

In the popular TV series "The Walking Dead," the walkers, also known as zombies, are a primary threat to the human characters. But have you ever wondered what they eat? The answer might surprise you. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of walkers and their diet.

The Unlikely Answer

As revealed in an interview with the show’s special effects team, the walkers in "The Walking Dead" don’t eat human flesh. Contrary to popular belief, the walkers are actually fueled by pickled ham. Yes, you read that right – ham! The team uses pig legs, which are cured in vinegar to create a realistic, decaying look. The ham is used to create the walkers’ distinctive "meat" that they chew on in the show.

Early Seasons vs. Later Seasons

In the early seasons of the show, the walkers were covered in BBQ sauce to give them a reddish-brown color, which was meant to imply that they had eaten humans. However, this made the walkers look more realistic and the special effects team discovered that the sauce was creating an unpleasant, slimy texture. As a result, they switched to using pickled ham, which provided a more realistic appearance and eliminated the need for the sauce.

A Look at the Walkers’ Diet

So, what does the walkers’ diet consist of? It’s not as gruesome as you might think. While they don’t eat humans, they do eat what’s available to them – including:

• Vegetation: Walkers will eat plants, including grass, leaves, and other vegetation.
• Animals: They will eat small animals, like rodents and birds.
• Food waste: In the show, walkers will often rummage through dumpsters and eat discarded food waste.

The Science Behind the Walkers’ Appetite

So, how do the walkers manage to survive on a diet that’s so different from humans? According to the show’s creators, the walkers’ bodies are able to break down and process non-human substances like plants and animals because they have a unique gut microbiome. This allows them to extract nutrients from their food sources in a way that’s unlike humans.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Are Walkers Tired?

No, walkers do not get tired. In fact, they can go for days without rest because their bodies are able to sustain themselves on minimal energy.

Why Does Rick Always Look Wet?

Rick Grimes, one of the main characters in the show, often appears to be sweaty and uncomfortable. This is because the actors were filmed during hot summer days, which made them naturally sweaty and uncomfortable.

Did Carl Not Shoot Lori?

No, Carl Grimes, Rick’s son, did not shoot Lori, his mother. Carl did shoot and kill Shane when he threatened Rick’s life.

In conclusion, the walkers in "The Walking Dead" don’t eat human flesh. Instead, they eat what’s available to them, including vegetation, animals, and food waste. The special effects team uses pickled ham to create the walkers’ distinctive "meat" that they chew on in the show. While their diet may be unusual, it’s actually quite fascinating to learn more about the science behind it.