My Top 100 Predators!
So after compiling hours of time gathering information and doing A LOT of research I’ve compiled my Top 100 Predators of the mammal world. Some of these animals may surprise you to be on this list, as they may not be true predators, but in one way or another they have the potential to show predatory instincts both to other animals or humans……….so enjoy!
DISCLAIMER- Please no wildlife biologists or scientists try to correct any of these facts below…….I might not get it all right but this is just in good fun. I’m just a hunter, not an animal expert!
100. Chimpanzee - You’re probably asking how such a cute and cuddly chimp can make this list. Recent chimpanzee attacks on humans and their sweet tooth for meat and a great ability to hunt in well organized groups within their family circle. Alpha male chimps can be extremely aggressive and are usually the leader in the hunting gang.
99. Rat- Whether it be the brown rat, black rat or the over two dozen other species of rats, one thing is for sure….Rats are predators and scavengers that will eat almost anything. Listed as omnivorous, rats still will hunt mice, chipmunks and even other rats if they become hungry enough, or just get the urge to kill. Rats are common all over the world, but are far from the most fiercest predator on the list.
98. Corsac Fox- So the first of several fox species makes the countdown. The Corsac Fox is found in parts of the Middle East and Asia. Sometimes referred to as the Tibetan Fox (Found throughout Tibet) and is an A-Class predator that shares the same predatory characteristics as the rest of the fox species found throughout the world. Unlike other fox species, the Corsac lives in packs, which gives it an edge when hunting.
97. Orca Whale- Also known to you as the Killer Whale. The Orca is well-known for their episodes at marine parks and their attacks on humans. They are very effective hunters of the ocean, possibly as lethal of that of sharks. Whales love preying on smaller whales, fish and even penguins, seals and gulls. Splended to look at, but lethal if you’re on the Orca’s menu. They aren’t called Killer Whales for nothing!
96. Blanford’s Fox- Another middle-eastern makes the countdown. The Blanford’s fox is mostly found in Afghanistan, but their range stretches clear to Egypt. In 1984 one was trapped in the Arabian country Oman, but none have been seen there since. Studies have concluded that this crafty gray fox-looking canine exists in parts of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The Blanford’s fox is also called the Corsac, but it is completely different from our #98 predator on this list.
95. Whitetail Deer- Huh? What did I just write? No typo here, believe it or not old Bambi can be a killer if he surely wants to. Deer are armed with weapons. Hooves and antlers can make a mess of another animal, including humans. Everyone seen the video of the man who sprayed himself with deer urine and ended up getting the crap kicked out of him, but surprisingly a lot of people wind up dead thanks to the deer. Attacks on humans are becoming more and more common as we continue to invade their turf, not to mention all the lives that are lost on deer related automobile accidents!
94. Crab-Eating Fox- Yes, there is in fact a fox named that. They live in central South America and despite their name, they survive off of more than just crabs. Crab-Eating Fox will eat turtle eggs, birds and rodents along with the crabs they find along the shores during low tides. They also will eat vegetation if need be.
93. Fennec Fox- The smallest of the fox species may also have the largest ears of the fox species. Fennecs inhabit the rough and tumble world of the Sahara Desert in North Africa. In order to survive in this rough part of the world you need those sonar-like ears to seek out prey to survive and here would be predators making the move on them. Fennec Fox max out at around 3 lbs.
92. Genet- Genets are small cat-like predators found mostly in Africa. There is various different types of genets, but most of them are hunters and predators. Genets prey mostly on small birds, reptiles and rodents. These are cool animals and I suggest you all go and google these little guys. Some Genets have been domesticated and make interesting pets from what I’ve been told Usually the Common Genet is most notably the favorite of the pet Genets, but don’t leave your hamster alone with him….lunch time!
91. African Palm Civet- Very much like the Genet, the Civet looks like a mix between a cat and a weasel. They’re omnivorous and their diet includes rodents, birds and eggs. African Palm Civets are only found in Africa. It will also climb trees and hunt for fruit bats. It’s surely one pint-sized predator designed to kill.
90. Feral Dog- Feral Dogs have long sense been a problem since the beginning of time. Although they tend to be a bigger problem in third world countries, the United States still has a rash of problems with feral dogs. Their natural instinct is to hunt, so even though they have been domesticated, they still have the natural urge to hunt. Feral dogs or even dogs that have escaped their master always love running deer and other game species.
89. Carolina Dog- This is an interesting species of Feral Dog. The Carolina Dog was discovered roaming the swamps of southeastern United States in the late 1970’s and there is still small packs roaming these same spots today. They very much resemble the Dingo of Australia and are sometimes called the American Dingo. Like any other Feral Dog, The Carolina Dog must hunt to survive.
88. Meerkat- These members of the mongoose family reached fame with the popular Animal Planet series Meerkat Manor, but don’t let the cute tv show fool you. Meerkats are great hunters that forage in family groups. They prey mostly on scorpions and other insects, but will hunt down birds, lizards and eggs.
87. Human- We are no doubt the apex predator on planet Earth. Humans kill more animals than any other species in the world and sometimes even kill their own kind. I can’t rank us much higher than this due to the fact that we have modern technology at our disposal to help out our hunting skills. Guns, trail cams, traps, lures, GPS…….heck you name it and we got it.
86. Bat- There’s plenty of different species of bats out there, but this covers those that hunt. Most bats thrive off of insects, while others like the Vampire Bat need a source of blood to survive. They have unbelievable senses when it comes to fluttering through the air and finding prey. Bats also carry a spooky factor to them that just freaks people out!
85. Tibetan Sand Fox- This fox has a strange ruff of fur around it’s face and has a strange prey stalking technique. A stiffening posture and stalk method allows it to capture pika, rodents and birds with ease through the dry regions of Tibet, China, India and a few other places.
84. Sand Cat- Finally a feline makes the list. The Sand Cat is one of the toughest felines on Earth. It has to be to live in some of the hottest deserts in Africa and Asia. He’s a cute little guy at just 6 lbs., but an a very good predator. Sand Cats get all of their water from the prey that they eat, which is as adaptable as one can get.
83. Flat-Headed Cat- This endangered cat’s name says it all. The Flat-Headed Cat, found in mostly Thailand and Malaysia has a flat head. Who would’ve thought? Flat-Headed Cats prey on fish, frogs and crustaceans it finds along waterways, but will occasionally hunt down rats and even chickens.
82. Bornean Bay Cat- Let’s keep it in the feline family with the Bornean Bay Cat. This is also known simply as the Bay Cat and is a very interesting looking cat. It is endangered and found only in Borneo. It is a nocturnal hunter that preys on birds, rodents and monkeys. Bay Cats can weigh up to 10 lbs.
81. Clouded Leopard- This mix between a big cat and a little cat, The Clouded Leopard surely has the coolest markings of all leopards. Search for them if you’ve never seen a pic of one. They’re inhabit southeast Asia and have reached a vulnerable status. They, like other predators are prime hunters. They are the smallest of the leopards, as they weigh in at only 50 lbs.
80. Jaguarundi- Did you know there’s another wildcat that tramps on US soil other than the Canadian Lynx and the Bobcat? The Jagaurundi inhabits most of northern South America and Central America, but also ranges through Mexico and into some portions of southern Texas. The Jaguarundi loves to prey on fish and reptiles and is mostly found where there is running water. Two color phases of this cat can be found. Red color phase and gray color phases are what breaks up the different types of Jaguarundi.
79. Hippopotamus- It took me longer to figure out how to correctly spell Hippopotamus than it takes for one to chomp a human in half. Don’t be fooled by these cute, gentle looking beasts of Africa. The Hippo is a pure killing machine and is very territorial of its’ waters and its’ young. Hippos kill more humans than any other animal in the world. Bull Hippos protect their herd of females at any cost and a female with offspring is even more dangerous. They have been known to fight off hyenas, lions and Nile Crocodiles. Hippos look like pigs, but surprisingly fall into the same classification as whales.
78. Feral Hog- Feral Hogs are distributed throughout the world, but have become a huge problem in the United States, especially the southeast. They are destructive, invasive species that destroy croplands and forests with ease. They also show aggression towards humans, household pets and game species. One reason why these pigs have become a major target for hunters throughout the US. Those who have hunted them claim there is no thrill like it in the world.
77. Indian Fox- Also known as the Bengal Fox, the Indian fox plays an important predatory rule throughout India and other parts of the region. It, like most other fox prey on small rodents, birds and reptiles. Like all other species of fox, the Indian Fox will also feed on fruits and basically anything else it can find and eat. Some occasionally fall victim to Bengal Tigers, which means that this fox needs to be on the look out at all times.
76. Jungle Cat- Found in Egypt, most of southeast Asia and other parts of that area the Jungle Cat is a true predator to the region. Jungle Cats can weigh up to 38 lbs. and have the same hunting capabilities of that of a lynx or a bobcat. They hunt rodents, frogs and birds, but will even take a dive in the water to hunt for fish. Who said cats don’t like water?
75. Oncilla- This feline is a dweller of the tropical rain forests of Central and South America. The cat has intriguing markings that closely resemble that of a jaguar. The cat is much smaller than the Jaguar however. This cat maxes out at about 10 lbs. The Oncilla eats small mammals and reptiles that are abundant in the rain forests where it thrives.
74. Margay- The Margay very closely resembles the Oncilla. Margays tend to grow a bit bigger and can reach 30 lbs. The inhabit the same region as the Oncilla. The only difference being in their diet where they will hunt down monkeys and sometimes monkey that prove to be too much for even the Margay.
73. Leopard Cat- We continue the feline trend with the Leopard Cat. This cute little cuddly killer can be found in southeast Asia, including China and Cambodia. The Leopard Cat gets its name from it’s leopard like markings on its coat. They max out at 15 lbs. They primarily prey on small mammals, lizards, birds and insects.
72. Swift Fox- This may get a few replies back, as many had long believed that the Swift Fox and the Kit Fox were in fact the same species. Recent studies have concluded that the two are in fact their own species of fox. The Swift Fox has the body and head shape of that of a red fox, but the colors of a gray fox. Their range stretches from the western US to western Canada. Found mostly in the grasslands of this region. They prey on rodents and small mammals, but they must be cautious not to become dinner themselves. Coyotes loves a good Swift Fox meal.
71. Darwin’s Fox- This is a critically endangered species of fox found mostly in Chile. As you may have guessed it, Charles Darwin discovered this species in the 1830’s. Only about 250 of these dark shadows remain in the wild. They hunt rodents, birds and beetles along with whatever else they can find to eat. Deforestation has been the main culprit of their decline. They also fall victim to poachers and feral dogs as well.
70. Giant Otter- A larger version of their North American cousins, Giant otters call the Amazon their home range. These are the largest members of the weasel family and are a lethal hunting machine within the depths of one of the world’s most dangerous waterways. Giant Otters thrive off of mostly a fish diet that includes catfish, but they will also consume crabs when they are available. Giant Otter males can reach a body length of 6 feet.
69. Sable- No, I’m not talking about the blond bombshell that pranced around the world of professional wrestling in the late 1990’s. I’m talking about the mammal that is a member of the marten family and thrives in Russia. Sable ranges go beyond the borders of Russia. Their range stretches south beyond China and even into Japan. Their diet includes hares and other small mammals, but they will also feed on vegetation. They closely resemble a pine marten.
68. Fishing Cat- This Indian wildcat does exactly what it’s name suggests. The Fishing Cat is an excellent fisherman and is very adapt to water environments. This cat can weigh up to 25 pounds, thanks in part to their primary diet of protein packed fish. This is a very cool looking predator, but you’ll need to bring down more than minnows to climb on this countdown.
67. Temminck’s Golden Cat- Also known as the Asian Golden Cat, this cat is one of those “In-Between” cats. It’s far too big to be considered a small cat, but isn’t quite big enough to be classified as a “Big” cat. The Temminck’s can weigh close to 40 pounds. It calls the forests of Southeast Asia it’s home. It is best described as having the face markings of bobcats and the fur of a cougar. This cat loves hunting small mammals and certain smaller species of deer. Temminck’s Golden Cats are a rare site to see in the wild, as they are one of the most elusive predators in the world.
66. Cape Fox- The Cape Fox is found in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. This little guy prefers hunting grasslands at night for rodents and birds. It will also dine on insects, fruits and carrion. The Cape Fox is unusual in that it will mate the whole year and usually will give birth as many as 8 times in a single year with litter sizes of 4 to 6 pups in each litter.
65. Opossum- The Opussom, or as I like to call it……”The North American Grinner”, is without a doubt a top notch predator. When it isn’t splattered along the highway, the Opossum is spending most of its time raiding turkey and grouse nests for eggs. It also will invade squirrel borrows in a quest for a quick baby squirrel meal and also cause havoc for newborn turkey hatchlings as well. The possum population has exploded in North America due to the lack of trapping interest that goes along with the drop in fur prices over the years.
64. Baboon- Most primates are cute and cuddly, but the bald-butted Baboon himself is a far cry from those descriptions. The Baboon is mostly a forager that relies on fruits and plant life, but don’t try to tell that to South African ranchers. Baboons have gotten a taste for red meat and they like it. Baboons have been raiding ranches and taking out sheep and goats with ease. They will also takedown small gazelles and duiker. Even more evidence that this nasty primate is becoming more of a predation problem is the fact that some African hunting outfitters have added the Baboon to part of their predator hunting packages.
63. European Wildcat- This is probably the most closely related wildcat species to that of the domesticated cat. It is also often mistaken for a domesticated cat. Their range stretches across most of eastern Europe, as far eat as Russia. Not a whole lot of information is known about the European Wildcat, other than that it has been completely wiped out in England and Wales. There has not been an exact population study on these felines and many believe that is due to the fact that they resemble domestic cats so much and telling the two apart would be rather difficult.
62. Bat-Eared Fox- This African Savannah hunter is always on the prowl. Night and day it stalks prey and avoids becoming prey. It’s large ears help it hear danger and meals from afar. The Bat-Eared Fox, like other fox eat rodents, birds and other small animals, but this canine gets far up on the list because of its very strange way of hunting insects. They usually stay close to zebra herds, but not to hunt the zebras. They hunt the zebra’s poo for food. They gobble up the insects that land and thrive in the zebra poo. They even have specially designed teeth to do so. That deserves a ranking on the list for sure!
61. Quoll- How about we find out what a Quoll is. It’s a carnivorous marsupial that lives in Australia. The Quoll can reach a length of 30 in. and is one heck of a hunter. The Quoll will prey on any small species of animals. Rodents, birds and reptiles are all on the menu. The invasive cane toads have had an impact on Quoll in recent years. The poisonous toads have taken a toll on the Quoll population, but some new programs conducted by the government of Australia is trying to keep the Quoll away from the cane toads and the program seems to be working. They are close cousins to the Tasmanian Devil, which we’ll talk about him when his time comes later in the countdown
60. Aardwolf- Don’t let the name fool you. The Aardwolf isn’t a wolf, or for that matter even consider a canine. It is a type of hyena. Aardwolves have a smaller choice of prey than that of their much larger and more aggressive hyena cousins. They hunt mostly termites and other insects and will also feed on carrion. Aardwolf populations in Africa are booming, especially in South Africa.
59. Culpeo- This is the second largest canine in all of South America. Only the Maned Wolf is larger. Culpeo are more closely related to fox and very much resemble a red fox in shape and size. Culpeos prey on rodents, birds and smaller livestock. They are found in western South America, mainly in Chile.
58. Bush Dog- Found in Central and South America this little canine is an adapt hunter. Bush Dogs hunt alone, but will hunt in packs to bring down much larger prey. They use whining vocalizations to help communicate with other Bush Dogs to warn of danger or during breeding season. Bush Dogs hunt mostly Paca, which are large rodents found around waterways. Bush Dogs are superior swimmers.
57. Short-eared Dog- Found only in the Amazon basin, these elusive canines thrive on hunting the wetlands they inhabit. They prey on birds, fish and small mammals. Manu National Park in Peru is home to a great population of Short-eared Dogs. This, along with other areas that they thrive in is also home to many other predators such as Bush Dogs, Jaguars and Margay, which means competition for food is intensified. This has resulted in the Short-eared Dog to be listed as near threatened on the endangered species list.
56. Caracal- The Caracal is an often forgotten or unknown cat in Africa. Most people not from Africa may have never even heard of this medium sized cat. The Caracal is surely a lethal predator. Their range stretches from Africa to the Middle East. Caracal pose havoc for ranchers as they prey on their smaller livestock. They also hunt hares, birds and rodents. The Caracal doesn’t rank any higher because it is a very picky eater and will almost never attack prey larger than it’s 40 pound frame.
55. Cape Buffalo- The Cape Buffalo is the highest ranking non-predator to make this list. They do not hunt meat and many of you will be sending emails asking why the Cape Buffalo is ranked where it is, but here is why. The Cape Buffalo is one of Africa’s Big 5. They are very aggressive towards humans, but not as big of a threat as Hippos are towards humans, but they earn this spot because they are the only known African grazer that will attack Lions and kill them. Cape Buffalo and Lions have been going to war since the beginning of their existences. Cape Buffalo will even hunt down lion cubs and trample them to death in order to avoid future attacks down the road once the cub is a full-grown killing machine.
54. North American River Otter- Now we’re getting into some American furbearers. The River Otter is an excellent water hunter that plays havoc on fish populations in streams and rivers across the United States and Canada. River Otters will also munch down on crayfish and turtles and if given the chance they will capture and eat small mammals and birds. Although populations are strong in North America, some states such as Pennsylvania have River Otter listed as a protected species.
53. African Wildcat- African Wildcats are a bit smaller than the European Wildcat, but share many of the same traits. African Wildcats are a bit thinner than their European cousins. African Wildcats will take down small game species as well as livestock. They primarily feed on mice, birds, reptiles and other small mammals. They are constantly on the move as they avoid becoming leopard or hyena food.
52. Maned Wolf- Maned Wolves are best described as a fox on stilts. Their body resembles that of a fox, but they have extra long legs. It is the largest wild canine in South America and deforestation has resulted in a population decline of the Maned Wolf. They are protected throughout South America. Maned Wolf habits are much like that of the coyote. They use urine to mark out territories and hunt alone or in small family groups. Small mammals and birds make up the Maned Wolf’s diet.
51. Chinese Mountain Cat- This is an extremely rare wildcat to see in the wild. The Chinese Mountain Cat is listed as a vulnerable species on the endangered species list. It also is very conscious of their human surroundings and do anything and everything to avoid human contact. They resemble the European Wildcat and hunt rodents, small mammals, birds and fish.
50. Ethiopian Wolf- No species of wild canine in the world is more close to extinction than that of the Ethiopian Wolf. There is an estimated 550 left in the wilds of Ethiopia. Bale Mountains hold the strongest population of these wolves, but in 1990 the population was drastically reduced from 440 wolves to 160 in the Bale Mountain National Park in Ethiopia. Ethiopian wolves resemble coyotes in their body size and will reach up to 42 pounds. Unlike coyotes and wolves, who chase larger prey these wolves have a diet that is almost completely made up of rodents and they very rarely attack livestock or larger wild animals.
49. Skunk- I don’t think I need to go into the stench that this creature can create. We’re all aware of that smelly trait that the skunk possesses. Rodents, lizards, salamanders, earthworms, frogs, snakes, birds, moles and eggs are all part of the skunk’s diet, but it’s the egg snatching that have earned the skunk it’s place on my list. Skunks have a canny ability to snatch eggs of many game birds such as grouse, turkeys and pheasants. They will also sneak into duck and goose nests as well. There’s no doubt about it. The skunk puts a dent in the bird populations long before the egg even has a chance to hatch and that’s what makes it a Top 50 Predator and that’s what the stink is all about!
48. Mink- Whether it be the American species or the European species, the mink is surely an apex predator. Mink love preying on fish and other aquatic life, but their favorite prey of all is rabbits. Mink absolutely can’t resist a bunny meal. Mink can go where most predators can’t, which mean even a rabbit’s den isn’t safe from this predator. They also have a taste for birds, including waterfowl. They also will cause havoc on a chicken coop, if it just happens to be within traveling distance. Mink are primarily trapped for their fur and to make mink oil. Mink can also be called in by a savvy predator caller, as they do respond well to calls. Rabbit in distress is what I’ve used to call in a few mink.
47. Honey Badger- Also known as the ratel, Honey Badgers are just as fearless as their North American cousins. Honey Badgers need to carry around that attitude living in the hostile continent of Africa. They get their name for their inability to resist a beehive meal of honey. These African predators are also excellent snake hunters and will also hunt down meerkats, ground squirrels, hares, birds and even small crocodiles. They will also hunt down mongoose. Honey Badgers also can omit a putrid smell that can fend off predators. The Honey Badger has very few predators due to their ornery ways.
46. Golden Jackal- Found throughout Northeast Africa, the Middle East, Austria, Hungary and southwest Asia, Golden Jackals are considered one of the top predators in these areas of the world. Golden Jackals, like coyotes are opportunistic feeders. They will hunt the weak or small. Pheasants, ducks, rodents, hares, birds, lizards, frogs and small hoofed mammals make up their diet. They cause headaches for farmers and ranchers. Golden Jackals also cause problems for sugar cane farmers as they love digging up the bulbs and dining on them as well.
45. Sun Bear- Our first bear has made the countdown. The Sun Bear is found in the tropical rain forests of southeast Asia. They are one of the smallest species of bears, as males only reach a maximum weight of 130 pounds. Often times black bear that have white marks on their chest are improperly referred to as sun bears. Sun Bears have a diet that is made up of small mammals, birds and insects. They also enjoy vegetation as well. Sun Bears make the countdown due to their fierce reputation and very lethal claws and teeth, which are very much needed while living in a world with tigers, leopards and their vicious cousins, the Asiatic Black Bear, who we’ll meet later in the countdown.
44. Marten- When you’re related to wolverines and weasels, there’s a good chance you’re going to be a successful predator and the marten surely is. Their primary food source is squirrels and rabbits, but they also love to dine on mice, birds, fish, insects and eggs. Martens are especially skilled egg snatchers. The American Marten and the Pine Marten are the species of marten often found in North America. Martens are also found throughout Europe and Russia.
43. Kit Fox- The Kit Fox was once confused with the swift fox, but the two are in fact different species. The Kit Fox looks very much like a gray fox, but there are different markings along the tails of the two, which differentiate the two in appearance. Kit Fox are found throughout the southwest United States and northern Mexico. These desert predators thrive off of rats, rabbits, moles and hares. They are a nocturnal hunter. Populations of Kit Fox are strong, but the subspecies of the Southern California Kit Fox became extinct in 1903.
42. Black-footed ferret- The Black-footed ferret is a phenomenal story of species survival. It was believed that there were less than 50 black-footed ferrets remaining in the wild in Wyoming. The population dipped to just 18 animals in 1986. The remaining animals were captured and underwent a captive breeding program. The animals have since been reintroduced back into the wild. Now their numbers are estimated to be close to 750 animals in the wild. Wyoming was the first state, but soon others followed such as Colorado, Montana and Utah. South Dakota, Mexico and Arizona were next to try successful reintroduction of the Black-footed ferret. Black-footed ferrets were wiped out in Canada, but a new effort to bring them back to the Canadian prairies is also underway. They thrive on preying on small rodents, mainly prairie dogs. Prairie Dogs are their main source of food. A single Black-footed ferret can and will consume over 125 Prairie Dogs a year. Good news to those who despise prairie dogs!
41. American Badger- We already learned about one badger from Africa, now let’s add it’s North American cousin to the list. Much like the Honey Badger, who has to fend off lions and leopards, the American Badger has that same fierce attitude to thwart off Mountain Lions and bobcats. Badgers in America prey mostly on prairie dogs, ground squirrels, marmots, voles and mice. Occasionally they will also snatch an egg or two if it is available. Often times badgers will form unholy alliances with coyotes to hunt for animals that borrow under the ground. Badgers will use their digging skills to chase rodents to the surface for coyotes to snatch and since badgers are not swift on their feet, the coyote will often times return the favor and inadvertently chase a rodent to a badger waiting in a borrow below ground level.
40. Weasel- Pop goes the weasel into the countdown at #40. No matter what species of weasel it is, it’s still a top notch predator with a body built for sneaking it’s way to any meal it can hunt down and kill. They are well documented enemies of chicken farmers and love to raid hen houses, but they play havoc on other animals as well. Several animals on our countdown fall into a species of weasel, but the short tailed and long tailed weasels are the most common of the “true” weasels. They are found all over the world and the type of species also depends on the type of diet each species of weasel dines on.
39. Raccoon- For over 300 years these bandits of the night have been hunted with hounds, but with the ever growing popularity of predator calling raccoons have become a target. Fur prices for these guys might not be what they used to be, but they offer a challenge to many predator callers. Raccoons have often been blamed for robbing corn crops, but coons also target living food sources. All types of birds and rodents are attractive meals for raccoons. Other mammals such as rabbits are also on their list. Raccoons thrive in environments were fish and insects are available, but they will also munch on acorns, berries and of course trash!
38. Mongoose- For those of you who have no clue who Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is then shame on you! Rikki is without a doubt the most famous of all mongoose EVER! Anyways the Mongoose is a vicious little predator and their ability to kill venomous snakes is their main claim to fame. There is several species of mongoose. The Indian Mongoose is the main snake killing machine, but species in Africa also have a way of making serpents cringe. Mongoose also hunt and eat lizards, birds and insects and will raid a farmer’s hen house in search of a nice chicken dinner. Mongoose were introduced in Hawaii in the late 1800’s. This has become one of the biggest blunders in invasive species release, equivalent to the cane toad release in Australia. The Mongoose in Hawaii have had a terrible impact on Hawaii’s native species.
37. Raccoon Dog- The Raccoon Dog has to be one of my favorites on the list. It has a very strange appearance that does in some ways resemble a raccoon. There’s no mistake about it though, the raccoon dog is all canine. They are found throughout eastern Russia and a reintroduced species has since been released in eastern Europe. Raccoon dogs will hunt everything from insects to birds such as grouse to rodents and small mammals. They reach weights of 25 lbs. , which isn’t a very big size in a kingdom controlled by Russian wolves. 56 percent of all raccoon dog deaths are a result of wolf attacks. Raccoon Dogs are one of the major sought after fur animals in Europe and Russia.
36. Serval- This is an often forgotten, or not well known African cat. The serval is a medium-sized cat that blankets much of Africa. This cat resembles a slender version of a cheetah with a much smaller head. Servals are excellent hunters and their 35 pound frame allows for them to take down a host of prey. Servals can and will take down hares, rodents, birds, hyrax, deer, gazelles and springbok. Servals have been bred with domestic cats to create the highly sought after Savannah breed of domesticated cat.
35. Leopard Seal- No typo here. Those lovable seals can be absolutely deadly. Some will argue that Orcas should be ranked a lot higher on this list considering that Leopard Seals are a favorite food choice of the Orca, but it takes more than that to get a higher ranking. Leopard seals get their rank because their ability to hunt one certain prey species on both land and water. King and Emperor penguins spend every single day of their lives on the run both by water and by land. Leopard seals love penguins and will hunt them down no matter what the terrain. Leopard seals are also notorious for hunting down smaller seals in the Antarctic, such as Crabeater seals. Leopard seals are extremely aggressive and have attacked humans, including a 2003 attack on a biologist that resulted in death.
34. Ocelot- This little South and Central American cat sure can hunt. The Ocelot has the markings of its cousin the Jaguar, but a lot less of a bite. Ocelots can grow up to 22 pounds, plenty enough size to prey on creatures of the tropical rain forests. Ocelots will stake claim to a seven mile hunting radius and will fight until the death if they feel another ocelot is trespassing on their terrain. They are also very aggressive while making a kill for a meal. They will take down small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and even smaller deer. There have been several reports on an ocelot population in southern Texas.
33. Red Fox- The red fox is the most common of all fox species. It is easily the most known and recognizable of all foxes. It’s range spans throughout North America, Europe, Russia and portions of Africa and Australia. The red fox has at least six known color variations, with red being the common and silver being the most sought after by fur traders. Red Fox are excellent predators and will hunt almost anything it can, including birds, small mammals, rodents, insects, reptiles, fish and amphibians. The red fox would rank much higher, but due to its preference on invertebrates over vertebrates and their diet that also consists of fruits and plant life I was forced to drop them in their rankings. Don’t get me wrong though, the Red Fox is 100 percent predator and is deserving of the ranking.
32. Fisher- Any predator that will seek out and kill porcupines has to be tough and deserving of their ranking. Fishers love taking out porcupines along with birds, rabbits and just about anything else it can feed on. Fishers range from northern Canada to the northern United States. Twenty years ago it was feared that the fisher would all but disappear from the United States. Conservation efforts has since brought the fisher back to miraculous numbers. Some states have even adopted seasons and bag limits to fishers, as they have once again built strong enough populations to be harvested. Pennsylvania is one of these states. This upcoming trapping season, a fisher season has been adopted in the state in some wildlife management areas.
31. Dhole- With only 2,000 specimens remaining in the wild, the dhole is an endangered species. Their range covers parts of southeastern Russia and spreads into southeast Asia. Dholes are vicious hunters and will take down all types of prey such as deer, hares and water buffalo. Dhole packs are lethal as well and will even attack and kill tigers and baby elephants. Habitat destruction and poaching are leading to the rapid decline of the dhole population in the wild. Conservation efforts have begun in an attempt to save this canine from being wiped out forever.
30. Black-Backed Jackal- The Black-backed jackal is one of Africa’s top hunters, but in a land filled with hunters it often finds itself towards the bottom of the continents predators. David Vance said it best in his African hunting DVD when he referred to these canines as “Nimibian Coyotes”. They are exactly that. It is the smallest species of jackal as far as weight goes, but they are the most aggressive of the species. They live and die for livestock, as it is one of their prime food sources. Their diet also includes anything from birds and hares to warthogs and gazelles. Black-backed Jackals living along the coasts of Africa will even hunt and kill Cape Fur Seals.
29. Cheetah- You know this is a tough list when the fastest land animal on Earth doesn’t even crack the top 25. Cheetahs are the smallest of the big cats, but by far the fastest. A vulnerable species, but an apex predator the cheetah preys on a variety of animals. Gazelles, impalas and springbok make up a good portion of their diet. They will also hunt hares, birds and even the occasional domestic cat or dog. When you can reach speeds of 75 mph there isn’t much you can’t hunt. Human poaching and destruction of habitat has shrank the Cheetah numbers. Cheetahs bow to most predators when it comes to kills and will often give up a kill to leopards, lions, African wild dogs and hyenas.
28. Spanish Lynx- This is one of the rarest of cat species left in the wild. Only about 100 Spanish Lynx or Iberian Lynx remains in the wilds of Spain. The Spanish Lynx’s coat varies slightly from it’s Canadian cousin. Like most mid-sized cats, the Spanish Lynx often preys on birds and rodents as well as small mammals such as rabbits and hares. It will also hunt livestock, domestic animals and small deer. As you may have guessed, this cat is on the critically endangered list.
27. Feral Cat/House Cat- That’s right, Fluffy is a lethal killer. Lethal enough to crack the top 30 on this list. Feral cats have become such a problem that some states have even legalized an open season on them. Even your house cat has a strong predation drive. Cats hunt and kill a variety of rodents and rabbits, but they also have an impact on game animals and song birds. The neighbor’s little fluffy kitty may be cute to look at, but chances are that he is ravaging nearby wood lots and hammering the grouse and turkey poult populations without you even knowing it.
26. Black Bear- Black bears are the most common species of bears in the world. Their population far exceeds that of all other bear species combined by almost double. Black bears almost cracked the top 25, but there is far more dangerous bears lurking on the countdown. Black Bears loves berries in the summer months and acorns in the fall and an occasional snack on garbage, but these bears are also awesome predators. Black bears put hurting on fawn populations along with other mammal populations. Black Bears will also hunt down elk and moose calves as well as livestock. They also will eat fish and other waterways creatures. Black bear attacks on humans are rare, but they do happen. There has been 23 Black Bear related deaths recorded from 1900 to 1980.
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