- Obligate scavengers are species that rely almost exclusively on carrion for food. They have evolved specialized adaptations for finding and exploiting carcasses, such as keen senses of smell and sight, and strong jaw muscles and teeth for breaking through bone. Examples of obligate scavengers include vultures, condors, and hyenas.
- Opportunistic scavengers are species that will consume carrion when available, but will also eat other foods such as plants, insects, and small animals. They are less specialized than obligate scavengers and may not have the same adaptations for finding and exploiting carcasses. Examples of opportunistic scavengers include bears, coyotes, and raccoons.
- Facultative scavengers are species that rarely eat carrion, but will do so when other food is scarce. They are not typically adapted for scavenging and may not be able to compete with obligate or opportunistic scavengers for carcasses. Examples of facultative scavengers include deer, rabbits, and squirrels.