Scavengers at a carcass of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in winter

Author: Willem van Manen

Abstract: After a fresh carcass of a wild boar (Sus scrofa) was discovered in a northwest-Polish woodland in winter,
a trapcam was installed to record the scavenging process. The carcass was monitored until it had disappeared two
months later. It was scavenged by twelve species, of which red fox (Vulpes vulpes), common raccoon dog (Nyctereutes
procyonoides) and common buzzard (Buteo buteo) were the most frequently recorded. Scavenging intensified
after substantial opening of the carcass and during spells of cold weather or snow cover. In some cases individuals
or species were observed together more often than expected, despite frequent antagonistic behaviour.