Predator and Prey

In nature, predators are animals that hunt and eat other animals. The animals they eat are called prey. This relationship is very important for keeping nature in balance. Without predators, some animals would become too many.

Predator Skills

Predators have special body parts that help them hunt. Lions have sharp claws and strong jaws. Eagles have amazing eyesight to spot prey from far away. Spiders spin webs to trap flying insects.

How Prey Stay Safe

Prey animals have many ways to avoid being eaten. Rabbits run in zigzag patterns to confuse predators. Porcupines have sharp quills that keep enemies away. Some lizards can drop their tails to escape and grow a new one later.

Fun Facts

• Cheetahs are the fastest land predators, running up to 70 miles per hour.
• Some prey animals like zebras have stripes that confuse predators when they run in a group.
• The peregrine falcon can dive at over 240 miles per hour to catch birds.

Did You Know?

When the number of predators goes down, the number of prey goes up. When prey increases, predator numbers rise again. This is called the predator-prey cycle!