The opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a highly prolific scavenger.

Remains scavenged by the opossum are skeletonized at a drastically increased rate compared to non-scavenged controls.

The opossum leaves distinct taphonomic indicators on bone, which can be distinguished from other types of defects.

Opossum scavenging can be difficult to detect due to the methods by which they access tissues.

Opossum scavenging causes little dispersal of skeletal elements or movement of remains form the original deposition site.