By Megan Hart, Park Biologist

Fishing is a fun recreational activity that can be enjoyed across the country. In fact, humans aren’t the only ones that can be found fishing. Many species of wildlife, called piscivores, rely on fish for food as the main part of their diet. Others prey on fish opportunistically or in conjunction with other food sources. Fish is on the dinner menu of many wild residents in Lake County.

Many fish-eating birds can be found in the parks. The osprey is probably one of the best-known piscivores around. Ospreys are considered fish specialists and fish make up 99 percent of their diets. These birds of prey perch or hover above the water to search for fish. When a fish is spotted, they dive feet first with talons outstretched into the water. They grab the fish firmly by using their reversible outer toes and spiked sole pads on their feet. Belted kingfishers also use a diving technique. They perch over the water and dive headfirst toward their prey. Kingfishers use their bills to grasp fish and swallow them whole. Our national bird, the bald eagle, also uses an aerial technique to capture fish. Bald eagles hunt by locating prey from above as they perch or soar. They then swoop down and snag fish with their feet without diving into the water. Eagles are also notorious for chasing other birds carrying fish until they drop the fish to get away.

Belted kingfisher

Water-based birds like mergansers, cormorants and herons are excellent fish hunters. Members of the heron family, like great blue herons, great egrets and green herons, are “sit and wait” predators. They wade into the water and stand still to watch the water below. When a fish swims by, the heron strikes swiftly with its long neck and piercing beak. Herons and egrets gulp their prey down whole and continue hunting for anything that moves within striking distance. Hooded and common mergansers take a different approach by floating and then diving under the water in search of their prey. They use their specially-adapted eyes to locate prey under water and use their serrated beaks to get a firm hold on fish. Double-crested cormorants use a similar technique of diving under the water to find fish. Cormorants have hooked beaks to help hold fish until they pop back to the surface to feed. Their feathers contain fewer waterproofing oils than other aquatic birds and allow them to dive more efficiently.

Green heron

Reptiles also hunt for fish. The prehistoric-looking common snapping turtle is often found in the ponds and streams of Lake Metroparks. Adults stay motionless in the water and lunge their heads forward at high speeds to ambush their prey. They seize their prey with their powerful beak-like jaws that can exert more than 1,000 pounds of force per square inch. Another reptilian fish predator is the northern watersnake. As the name suggests, this snake is adapted to swimming and living around water. It actively searches for prey during the day and night by using smell and sight. Though northern watersnakes can look intimidating, they are nonvenomous and will not attack people if left alone.

Snapping turtle

Humans aren’t the only mammals that hunt for fish. Probably the most famous fishing-eating mammal in Ohio is the otter. North American river otters are semiaquatic mammals with thick water-repellant fur. They are a highly active predator that can maneuver quickly through the water. Another member of the weasel family that enjoys fish is the mink. Don’t let their cute and small size fool you—mink are voracious predators and can hunt effectively both on land and in water. Raccoons can also be found fishing along the banks of creeks and ponds. They use their hand-like paws to feel around in the water for fish and other prey.

North American river otter

These fish predators and many more can be found at parks with streams, rivers, wetlands or ponds. Check out these parks for the chance to see these animals in action: Arcola Creek Park, Chagrin River Park, Lake Erie Bluffs, Veterans Park, Hidden Lake Park, Girdled Road Reservation and Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Next time you go fishing, look around and see who else is angling for their dinner.