How Would You Be Tracked by a Zombie?

Is it sense of smell or something more supernatural that would guide a zombie to your super secret hidey place?

If these creatures are truly dead (of course but walking), would their physical senses be operational? Would the crunch of your fateful misstep on that shard of glass or twig be the clue igniting the chase?

Having read several zombie books (I admit not more than a dozen or so), authors seem to gravitate most towards the sense of smell or sound when describing the human honing techniques of the undead. Perhaps them, as I train, I should work on my swift and silent ninja maneuverability skills or find a means of masking whatever awesome-come-hither-living-scents I might be generating.

Yet, if these creatures are dead, this seems somewhat illogical? Then again, should I worry about logic?

Other writers/theorists postulate these creatures do not actually die by after being infected by a virus rendering them impervious to pain or reason, may actually rely on their base senses to navigate the difference between tasty people treats and the rather useless (everything else in the universe).

Lastly, I've read a few novels exploring the zombie as a truly supernatural creature--a demon possessing a dead body. In regards to these creatures, senses other than esp are generally useless and therefore the writer often fails to explore them. In these cases, no matter how sound proof or air tight your fortress, that talented undead can detect your presence.

If zombies were to invade, I think it would be likely they would be "living" walking dead or the second theory put forth in this blog. I can imagine a neurological virus diluting their concepts of pain and encouraging a driving need to consume. Are there not such viruses/illnesses now which command the helm of human brains? (Dementia, etc.). True, they don't necessarily produce flesh-eating monsters, but the brain is a weird little opponent which can be manipulated to do rather creepy and heinous things.

I suppose we can only really know how we are hunted if and when it truly happens. Perhaps it is best to plan for all contingencies. Get a rosary, very quiet sneakers, and some deodorant. Do not trample blindly into the night, even when scrambling from those attempting to use your femur as chew toy. We will need all of the help/luck/grace we can get.