Aquatic Predators:
* Larger fish: Larger trout, pike, walleye, bass, muskellunge, and even catfish can prey on brown trout.
* Birds: Osprey, kingfishers, herons, and mergansers are all known to hunt trout.
* Mammals: Otters, mink, and raccoons can all catch trout in the water.
* Insects: Dragonflies, damselflies, and other large aquatic insects can prey on young brown trout.
Land Predators:
* Bears: Brown bears, especially in areas where they have access to rivers and streams, are known to eat trout.
* Foxes: Red foxes and other fox species will hunt trout if they get the opportunity.
* Birds of prey: Hawks, eagles, and owls can all snatch trout from the water.
Other Threats:
* Disease: Brown trout can be affected by a variety of diseases, which can weaken them and make them more vulnerable to predators.
* Pollution: Water pollution can harm brown trout, making them less healthy and more susceptible to predation.
The specific predators of brown trout will vary depending on the location and the environment. For example, brown trout in a lake will have a different set of predators than those in a fast-flowing river.