What Is the Meaning of the Word Predator?

The definition of a predator in relation to animals is one that survives by preying on other creatures as a source of food. In North America, there are many such animals that are considered predators, all with the ability to effectively kill various other species. Among these predators are members of the cat family, the dog family, the weasel family, birds of prey and other animals.

Felines

In North America, there are four types of cats in the wild that are predators. The cougar, also known as the panther, puma, mountain lion or catamount, lives in the western states and throughout Mexico and into western Canada and Alaska. The jaguar has a very limited presence in the desert southwest, but is found in Mexico. The lynx is confined to the northern states and all over Canada, while the bobcat is found throughout most of the US and Canada.

Canines

The coyote is a canine predator that has thrived in North America and is found across the entire region. Foxes such as the arctic fox, red fox, gray fox, kit fox and the swift fox also are highly successful predators found in various areas of this part of the world. The gray wolf has seen its territory severely reduced with the advancement of civilization, but still exists in parts of the American West, Canada and Alaska.

Mustelidae

The Mustelidae family includes several animals that are predators. The long-tailed weasel, least weasel, ermine, badger, otter, fisher, wolverine, mink, pine marten and black-footed ferret are all part of the weasel family. Skunks are closely related and those in North America number six separate species--these are the western and eastern hog-nosed skunks, the western and eastern spotted skunks, the striped skunk and the hooded skunk.

Other predatory mammals

The black bear, the grizzly bear and the polar bear are top-of-the-food-chain predators that live in North America. The raccoon is a resident of almost every state, Canada and portions of Mexico. The coatimundi and the ringtail are closely related predators that are found in the southwest and Mexico.

Birds of prey

There are many birds that survive by being predators, catching and consuming fish, small mammals, other birds and reptiles and amphibians. Kites, harriers, hawks, ospreys, eagles, falcons, and owls all possess sharp talons and keen eyesight that allows them to kill the creatures they manage to spot.