can zombies climb ladders?

[gelgoog]

was thinking if I was stuck at work that one thing I could do would be to get on the roof via a steel ladder attached to the wall that takes you up about 3 stories. the question being, do zombies have the coordination to climb a straight steel ladder?

like such

[bookshop]

Doubtful, but why take chances... as long as there is something large on the roof you can push to the edge above the ladder you should be able to defend against zombies and humans.

[Jamie]

dumb and slow shamblers...nope

fast and agile DOTD '04 runners or 28_L ragers...probably

Work out a way to render the last 6 feet of climb inaccessible to Michael Jordon, and you'll probably be OK...

Jamie

[donjulio]

Zombies can do almost anything, depending on what novel/film you are using for reference. Last night I saw zombies riding horses and shooting at corky romano in Undead or Alive (strange movie, but get 2 thumbs up for having the hot girl from Numbers in it).

[chitoryu12]

It depends on the zombie. A shambler would have serious trouble on any tall ladder, as they have trouble lifting themselves over anything above chest height. A fast zombie could probably do it, due to their enhanced hand-eye coordination. A human with a rage virus is more batshit insane with no feelings of pain than a true zombie, so they would likely be able to do any physical tasks they could do as normal humans, including climbing. The higher, the better, as zombies without proper coordination are more likely to take a misstep on any movement, and one misplaced foot would send them tumbling back down. A higher ladder would mean higher chances of them slipping off.

This only applies to the ladders you pictured, though. If the ladder is free-standing or propped up against something, it's doubtful that any zombie could climb it easily, as it requires not only a sense of balance, but also the ability to sense the balance and placement of whatever you're standing on, and a zombie, with its lowered brain functions, would be unlikely to notice how precariously the ladder is tipping.

[WorldWarCheese]

DOTD

My local rental didn't have that movie (I'm assuming it's either "Day of the Dead" or "Day of the Damned"), so if you could characterize the zombies in it I'd be grateful (While I prefer first hand knowledge in my studies, if it is unattainable I will gladly accept second hand accounts).

ITT: Like most have already said, it depends of the Zombie Breed or Type. Some zombies have shown remarkable amounts of both agility and intelligence, particularly the "Ragies" of 28 Days Later (also, already said). Also, if a zombie knows where you are their attempts to catch you would most likely be relentless, given that most known zombie types continue to attack even when completely cages or otherwise held back. This leads me to believe that even a less agile or intelligent zombie could, given time, potentially climb to any point you inhabit if gone unchecked for any extent of time.

Thus, even if you have a secured, high vantage point I recommend keeping a close watch on any means of ascension, even if it's a rock face or straight ladder. Best be prepared for the worst case scenario in any event.

[midgetyaz]

They could in Dawn of the Dead 78.

[WorldWarCheese]

They could in Dawn of the Dead 78.

Good to know. Were there major differences in zombie types between the 1978 and more recent versions?

[midgetyaz]

They could in Dawn of the Dead 78.

Good to know. Were there major differences in zombie types between the 1978 and more recent versions?

yes.

[WorldWarCheese]

I'll have to check it out then. The old ones are hard to find tho' :/

[MilknCheese]

DotD '78 shouldn't be too hard to track down but if you can't, I imagine this is the bit Midgetyaz meant...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G68LnrTO-Z0&feature=related

[Blacklabel]

1 in 4 zombies can climb ladders.

[midgetyaz]

DotD '78 shouldn't be too hard to track down but if you can't, I imagine this is the bit Midgetyaz meant...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G68LnrTO-Z0&feature=related

thanks for finding that!

[MilknCheese]

DotD '78 shouldn't be too hard to track down but if you can't, I imagine this is the bit Midgetyaz meant...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G68LnrTO-Z0&feature=related

thanks for finding that!

Searching for zombies on Youtube? Always a pleasure, never a chore