Five Apex Predators You Might Encounter in Kentucky

I guess before we get into a discussion about apex predators, it's not a bad idea to make sure you know what they are. So, class, find a seat. This part won't last long.

It's very simple, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. Apex predators are those meat-eating creatures that have no natural predators, like lions, killer whales, and wolves. Those are just a few examples, and you can safely assume that all big cats are among them.

But as we narrow our focus, we find only five different types of apex predators in Kentucky, and that's fine by me. I'm not interested in dealing with leopards or crocodiles here in the Commonwealth. (I'm not sure the latter would survive, in any event.)

Coyotes

I'm going to throw a new word at you. It's "mesopredator." They're mid-level predators that have their own sets of prey, but are vulnerable to any apex predators. Coyotes are examples, along with red foxes and raccoons. However, in Kentucky, coyotes have no natural predator, so they move to the top.

Bald Eagles

The most beautiful birds in the sky (in my opinion) will rip a victim to shreds with those claws and that beak. Be kind to our national emblem, and they will be kind to you. However, if you are among their natural prey (small animals, fish, other fowl), all bets are off.

Black Bears

Once you knew the definition of "apex predator," this may have been the first creature that came to mind. Humans seldom need to worry about black bears, but that is not the case with rodents, fish, and, occasionally, fawns. Black bears are omnivorous, so, at times, they might just line up at nature's "salad bar."

Bobcats

I mentioned the virtual absence of "big cats" in Kentucky, but I think bobcats can fall into this category, even if they aren't as big as their brethren. As for their diet? If you're a small rodent and you're in the same neck of the woods as a bobcat, you may not be with us very long. They also punch above their weight when preying on young deer, elk, and even sheep.

Humans

That's right. Good old us. We are apex predators on every continent for obvious reasons.

Now...which of the above bothers you the most, if any?