When Taxidermy Goes Off the Rails (25 photos)

Taxidermy might be seen as a celebration of life through the lens of death, but it’s also one of the most controversial artistic expressions out there.

While some admire the skill and precision it takes to bring an animal’s image back to life, others find it eerie or downright disturbing. People turn to taxidermy for various reasons: hunters wishing to showcase their trophies, grieving pet owners hoping to preserve a memory, or collectors who see it as a form of biological sculpture.

But for every beautifully crafted specimen that looks almost lifelike, there’s a bizarre, unsettling creation that raises more questions than admiration. Some of these odd pieces find their way into dusty museum corners, while others sit proudly on shelves in private homes. Whether it’s due to a lack of skill, a questionable creative choice, or just plain weirdness, these pieces are hard to forget. One thing’s for sure; taxidermy, when it goes off the rails, makes for unforgettable viewing.