A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Nicrophorus sp.
Orange and Black bugs on body of dead mouse
trail between woods and creek
bayucca-I had found the mouse out hiking the day before and it was perky/alive but was being swarmed by flies and was behaving strangely (out in the open, broad daylight, walking slowly). I took images of it alive on the path. The very next day, I almost stepped on its still body. I didn't and would never kill wildlife unless my own life were being threatened. I think this mouse may have been attacked by something the day before (Owl, Hawk, etc...) or hit by one of the park mowers while doing trail maintenance. No poison put out or allowed in the (state) park so, it died of natural if unknown causes. It saddened me but the bugs crawling on it made me curious enough to shoot a few pictures. These are the best I could get of them without physically picking one of them up and isolating it...which I wasn't curious enough or strong enough (mentally) to attempt. Sorry.
I can't tell you exactly which one, the distance is probably too long. There are several candidates around. I suggest anyway, that you crop the picture, that only the beetle are visible. Some users may have some concerns about the dead mouse.