There are many animals that are scavengers in the world. This means that they rely on dead or decaying animal matter for their food. Some people might think of scavengers as dirty and lowly creatures, but they actually play an important role in the ecosystem.
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most common scavengers, and learn a bit about their behavior.
What is a scavenger?
A scavenger is any animal that consumes meat or vegetables that are already dead.
Some species are only scavengers, meaning they don’t hunt for food. Other species, on the other hand, are opportunists who eat when opportunity presents itself. Because it’s always easier to consume an animal that’s already dead rather than attempting to hunt and kill one yourself.
Scavengers perform one of the most essential roles in nature. They’re the planet’s cleanup crew, cleaning up dead animals and plants and preventing disease from spreading.
They also aid in the recycling of nutrients and the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem.
List of Scavenger Animals
- Vulture
- Coyote
- Striped Hyena
- Crabs
- Ants
- Raccoon
- Sharks
- Wolves
- Bears
- Bald Eagle
- Jackals
Vulture
Vultures are large birds of prey that are often seen near carcasses. There are two types of vultures: Old World vultures and New World vultures.
Old World vultures live in Africa, Asia, and Europe while New World vultures live in North and South America.
There are about 15 species of vultures. The most common Old World vultures are the Egyptian vulture, the griffon vulture, and the black vulture.
The most common New World vultures are the turkey vulture and the black vulture.
Vultures have a keen sense of smell and can spot a carcass from a great distance. They will often wait for other scavengers to eat their fill before they start to feed.
Vultures will consume both the meat and the bones of the carcass. They have strong stomach acids that allow them to digest these things easily.
Coyote
The coyote is a medium-sized member of the canine family. Coyotes are found throughout North and Central America.
They are often seen in deserts, grasslands, and forests.
Coyotes are opportunistic eaters and will consume just about anything they can find. This includes carrion, fruits, vegetables, small mammals, rodents, reptiles, and even garbage.
Coyotes will often scavenge on carcasses that have been killed by other predators. They will also kill small animals for food.
Striped Hyena
The striped hyena is a member of the Hyaenidae family, which includes all species of hyenas. The striped hyena is found in Africa and the Middle East.
They are most commonly found in woodlands, savannas, and deserts.
Striped hyenas are scavengers and will consume just about anything they can find. This includes carrion, small mammals, reptiles, and even garbage.
Striped hyenas will often scavenge on carcasses that have been killed by other predators. They will also kill small animals for food.
Crabs
Crabs are a type of crustacean that is found in all oceans, freshwaters, and even on land. There are about 85,000 species of crabs.
They range in size from the pea crab, which is about 0.39 inches long, to the Japanese spider crab, which can grow up to 12 feet long.
Crabs are scavengers and will consume just about anything they can find.
Crabs will often scavenge on carcasses that have been killed by other predators. They will also eat small animals for food.
Ants
Ants are a type of insect that is found in all continents except Antarctica. There are about 12,000 species of ants.
They range in size from the bullhorn acacia ant, which is about 0.04 inches long, to the African driver ant, which can grow up to 0.75 inches long.
Raccoon
The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal that is found in North and Central America.
They are most commonly found in woodlands, but can also be found in urban areas.
Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and will consume just about anything they can find. If you live in a area with raccoons you may need to keep your garbage can lids secure, as they often rummage through them in search of food.
Raccoons will also eat small animals, fruits, and vegetables.
Sharks
Sharks are a type of fish that is found in all oceans. There are about 500 species of sharks.
They range in size from the dwarf lanternshark, which is about 0.39 inches long, to the whale shark, which can grow up to 60 feet long.
Sharks are predators and will often consume other fish, marine mammals, and even humans.
Wolves
The wolf is a member of the canine family. Wolves are found throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
They are most commonly found in woodlands, but can also be found in urban areas.
Wolves are predators and will often consume other animals, such as deer, elk, moose, rabbits, and rodents.
However, they will also scavenge on carcasses that have been killed by other predators.
Bears
Bears are a type of mammal that is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
There are eight species of bears: the polar bear, the brown bear, the American black bear, the Asiatic black bear, the sloth bear, the sun bear, the spectacled bear, and the giant panda.
Bears are opportunistic eaters and will consume just about anything they can find. This includes carrion, small mammals, fruits, vegetables, and even garbage.
Bears will often scavenge on carcasses that have been killed by other predators. They will also kill small animals for food.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a member of the Accipitridae family, which includes all species of eagles, hawks, and kites. The bald eagle is found in North America.
They are most commonly found near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coasts.
Bald eagles are predators and will often consume fish, reptiles, and small mammals.
However, they will also scavenge on carcasses that have been killed by other predators.
Jackals
The jackal is a member of the Canidae family, which includes all species of dogs, foxes, and wolves. Jackals are found throughout Africa and Asia.
They are most commonly found in woodlands, but can also be found in desert areas.
Jackals are opportunistic eaters and will consume just about anything they can find. This includes carrion, small mammals, reptiles, and even garbage.
Jackals will often scavenge on carcasses that have been killed by other predators. They will also kill small animals for food.
Scavenging is an important process in the animal kingdom. It helps to keep ecosystems healthy by getting rid of carcasses and other waste products. Some animals are more specialized scavengers than others.