Kentucky’s Lakes and Rivers Benefit From the Weirdly-Named Muskellunge

I think the term "apex predator" is an intimidating one, but it really shouldn't be, necessarily. There are apex predators we humans shouldn't even worry about. Of course, the other side of that coin is the reality that there ARE apex predators we want no part of. Before we go any further, and apex predator, says Britannica, is a "flesh-eating animal with no natural predators or enemies."

Hmm, the definition is somewhat intimidating, too, isn't it? It's all still good. Hey, you and I are both apex predators, and we're pretty cool people.

River Monsters

It's funny...I recently watched a YouTube video clip from the old Animal Planet series River Monsters in which host Jeremy Wade was feverishly searching for a gigantic Tapah catfish. They don't make 'em this big in Kentucky...

Read More: If You See This Fish in TN or KY Waters, Kill It Immediately

Muskellunge

What "they" do make is an apex predator that swims the Kentucky waterways and sports a name I challenge you to pronounce. I certainly found it a challenge. It's called a muskellunge or musky, and while it isn't like the deadly creature you see above, it IS a creature OTHER creatures want to avoid at all costs. Yes, muskies are atop one of Kentucky's food chains, but their population is desirable and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources works to maintain and GROW it.

Muskies are popular catches for fisherman, but that isn't news to Mount Sterling's Sarah Terry who owns the Kentucky record in the muskellunge category. Sixteen years ago, she reeled in a 47-pounder...

How Are Muskellunge Apex Predators?

Muskellunge own the food chain among smaller Kentucky creatures. Their extensive diet includes typical lake life like minnows, carp, and trout. Larger ones have gone after waterfowl, muskrats, small rodents, amphibians, and even other muskies.

They may look like a "river monster" except that they are anything but. They're a healthy component to Kentucky's lake ecology and, as we've seen, a very popular catch.