Birds:
* Seagulls: Known for their scavenging, they'll happily eat any shellfish they can find.
* Oystercatchers: These birds have specialized beaks for cracking open shellfish.
* Herons: Some heron species will eat shellfish as part of their diet.
* Gulls: Many gulls will eat shellfish when available.
Mammals:
* Otters: Sea otters are known for their skill in opening shellfish using rocks.
* Seals: Some seals, like harbor seals, will eat shellfish.
* Whales: Certain whale species, like gray whales, feed on shellfish, particularly clams.
* Dolphins: Dolphins can sometimes eat shellfish, though it's not their primary food source.
* Rats: Rats are known to eat shellfish, particularly in coastal areas.
* Raccoons: Raccoons will also eat shellfish, especially when they're available.
Fish:
* Grouper: Certain grouper species will eat shellfish.
* Eels: Some eel species prey on shellfish.
* Sharks: Certain shark species, like the nurse shark, will eat shellfish.
Invertebrates:
* Crabs: Crabs are known to eat other shellfish.
* Lobsters: Lobsters can also be predatory on other shellfish.
It's important to note that:
* The specific types of shellfish a particular animal eats will vary depending on its size, habitat, and feeding habits.
* Some animals, like sea otters, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy shellfish populations by keeping certain species from becoming dominant.
If you'd like to know more about the predators of a specific type of shellfish, just let me know!