Humans taking different approaches to fighting back the undead

With the blood and guts of their brethren already strewn across campus, many humans banded together Monday to strategize against zombie guerrilla warfare in the warzone that was once the peaceful campus of Utah State University.

But the approaches they used to fight The Horde differed.

Sgt. Tony Edwards raised his gun and narrowed his eyes at an approaching zombie in front of the Merrill-Cazier Library then took off on a spring after the living dead man.

Outfitted with a breastplate, cowboy hat and self-modified weaponry, Edwards’ appearance proved menacing enough to drive the zombie away.

“I don’t avoid any place,” Edwards explained as he returned from his pursuit. “I go hunting.”

The veteran zombie hunter has fought the undead for four years, perfecting his strategy to stay alive. He said he is not scared having his brains eaten.

“I’m ex-military,” Edwards said, “and a local firefighter.”

In contrast to Edwards’ confidence, others took a more cautious approach to avoid the undead.

“I scope it out and go out back doors,” said Adam Anderson, a first-year combatant.

Ben Farnsworth, another first-year combatant, said it doesn’t matter whether you’re a friend or stranger — staying in groups is the key to warding off The Horde and escaping sneak attacks.

“Humans band together. That’s how it works,” Farnsworth said.

Some prefer to work alone — a strategy that was unsuccessful for former solo combatant Joey Chichon.

“I got greedy,” said Chichon, who was infected outside of the Taggart Student Center. “I tried to shoot two and got hit. But I wasn’t going to go out like a wuss. Besides, I’m a fat man and can’t run that fast.”

Now Chichon has to worry about killing humans to survive: Zombies who don’t feed within 48 hours will die.

UnDeadline reporters Lauren Petty, Madeline Millburn, Manda Perkins and Jisa Robinson contributed to this report.