A scavenger is an animal that feeds on dead animals or plants rather than hunting live prey or growing its own food. Vultures are classic scavengers, circling high above the landscape and swooping down when they spot a carcass. Hyenas, despite their reputation as fierce hunters, actually scavenge much of their food. Even hermit crabs scavenge along beaches, cleaning up whatever organic material washes ashore.

In nature, scavengers play a crucial role in cleaning up the environment. Without them, dead animals would pile up and spread disease. Scavengers break down what others leave behind, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

The word also describes people who search through discarded materials looking for useful items. Someone might scavenge parts from old electronics to build something new, or scavenge firewood from fallen branches in the forest.

A scavenger hunt is a popular game where players search for a list of specific items, racing against other teams. The name captures that same spirit of searching and gathering, though in this case you're hunting for a red leaf, someone's lost shoe, or a penny from before 2010, not your next meal.