Around the JerSey Shore

Apex Land Predators: Who Are They?

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

An ‘apex’ predator is one who exists at the top of the food chain, hunting other animals. They have no natural predators; therefore, they are not killed for food. ‘Some’ of them include the polar bear, leopard, wolf, lion, and the African wild dog. Each has their own hunting technique. In desperate times, predators will select prey off their usual menu to survive.

The Polar Bear: Seals and even beluga whales are preyed upon when ice holes are available, as the animal comes up for air. Their success rate is about 10%. Climate changes leave the bear desperately scavenging for food.

The Leopard: A solitary hunter, their success rate, depending on the area in Africa they live, can be 38% in north-east Namibia to only 1% while hunting in the Kalahari. Hunting larger game, they will carry their kill up a tree and feed from there.

The Wolf: Wolves hunt larger prey like white-tailed deer and moose, depending upon where they live. Wolves typically hunt in packs, share their food following a strict hierarchy, are very territorial and will fight for their space.

The Lion: Lions live in groups known as prides. They hunt with all or some of the pride members taking down large game animals, so success rates will vary. Everyone in the pride feeds on the kill, only after the alpha male(s) feed. These males don’t typically hunt, but instead, secure the pride’s territory and protect them.

The African Wild Dog: These are a favorite of mine. They have a success rate of 85%. They are strong runners and can usually outrun most prey. The pack hunts their prey using a chase, then the pack splits, eventually cutting the prey off from escape. They can, however, due to their weight and lean frames, lose half of their kills to other carnivores.

Predators are designed to perform the job of securing the balance in nature. Their instincts are better than our science. The less we interfere, the better.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Salsa Night

Come out to Downtown Night Out begin- ning at 5 p.m. on August 26. Grab some dinner at get ready to dance from 7 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit downtowntomsriver.com or call 732-341-8738.

The Berkeley Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

So