"Why would there be the smell.of death?"

  A hurricane had wiped out many of the paved passageways through the forest.  Details had gone into emergency mode.  There were also world renowned experts in Science and Survival privvy to meetings/discussions with American law enforcement of every ilk. 

  "Cuud be elk." A tall leathery man with no small amount of experience in hunting and gaming decided from inside his pick up truck.  A detective from a big city turned to a Survival Medicine Doctor, "Why might it be elk?" 

  A southern-drawl said, "Fucking and fighting.  Whole herd, this'n time of year." 

  "Not sure my elk would agree with that assessment." Said a man in a woolen vest.  "Mine's a family." He gestured a pluck but those are hanging on your chest to a woman with binocs. 

  "You three stay safe out there," a grandma had cautioned a young couple and visiting relative.  "Ma, it's up the hill they said." The phone voice got loud.  "Have you seen where you are ON A MAP!?  Prolly not a small hill little one."  

  Birds in the woods started up a telling-song: snakes!