Likely engorged tick

Ticks occur in vegetation and animal nests, then attach to passing people or animals; this specimen appears removed from a host.

Feeds on blood from mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians, depending on species.

Ticks wait on vegetation or in sheltered habitats for a host, attach, and feed for hours to days. The photo lacks enough detail to confirm species or feeding status.

Some ticks transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If found attached, remove with fine-tipped tweezers and clean the bite site.