Understanding decomposition processes across different environments is critical for advancing forensic science applications and improving postmortem interval estimation. In February 2026, a collaborative pilot study was established between the University of North Dakota Forensic Science BioEvidence Lab and Northern Michigan University Center for Forensic Science to compare decomposition dynamics in swine remains and human donors. As part of this initiative, a field experiment was conducted at the UND Mekinock Field Station in July 2026. This field experiment documented vertebrate scavenger activity, necrophagous insect colonization, and overall taphonomic changes associated with swine decomposition under natural environmental conditions. Motion-activated cameras and daily field observations were used to identify vertebrate scavengers and characterize scavenging patterns throughout the decomposition process. Concurrently, insect activity and succession were monitored to document the timing and composition of necrophagous taxa associated with different stages of decomposition. Taphonomic observations recorded changes in soft tissue, skeletal exposure, and evidence of scavenger-induced modification. Preliminary results demonstrate that vertebrate scavengers contributed substantially to tissue removal and alteration of decomposition trajectories. Diverse insect activity was observed throughout decomposition, with colonization patterns corresponding to expected stages of tissue breakdown. These findings provide foundational comparative data for future analyses with human donor observations from Northern Michigan University and contribute to a broader understanding of biological and environmental factors influencing decomposition. This pilot project establishes the groundwork for future multi-institutional decomposition research and expands experiential research opportunities for forensic science undergraduate and graduate students.