When a chameleon passes away, its skin can continue to change color for a short time. This happens because color change in chameleons is controlled by specialized skin cells that respond to nerves and hormones, not conscious control. After death, remaining nerve signals and chemical gradients can still trigger these cells briefly. As the muscles relax and the cells lose regulation, pigments shift and the skin may darken or fade. Eventually, once all cellular activity stops, the color settles into a final, dull tone.