Bone Deterioration Due to Domesticated Rodent Scavenging

This project examines the deterioration of bone caused by rat scavenging. Additionally, it will focus on what types of bones rats prefer when scavenging remains. The expected outcome is that the rodents will prefer the antler, with concentrated scavenging on the diaphysis due to the marrow withim the core. The purpose for this project is to compare the markings left upon bones from rat gnawing. Knowing the effects of rat markings on remains are important when differentiating between traumatic damages and postmortem scavenging. Rat gnawing on human bones sometimes causes breakage associated with skeletal trauma, so distinguishing between the two is vital during investigations. Because rats prefer drier bone, their interest in remains occurs later than that of other scavengers, and is less frequent as a result. Further, rat scavenging, is a less studied area in anthropology, despite being as important as the scavenging habits of other animals