Ocean Predators:
* Marine Mammals:
* Orcas: These apex predators specifically target salmon runs, often herding them into tight groups before feasting.
* Sea Lions: They're particularly fond of salmon, and can be seen chasing them in shallow waters.
* Harbor Seals: These opportunistic feeders will eat salmon, especially during spawning season.
* Fish:
* Sharks: Some shark species, like the salmon shark, prey on salmon in the open ocean.
* Halibut: These bottom-dwelling fish ambush salmon as they swim by.
* Lingcod: Similar to halibut, they lie in wait and strike quickly at salmon.
* Cod: While not a dedicated salmon predator, cod will opportunistically eat salmon when available.
Freshwater Predators:
* Bears: Brown bears and black bears are famous for their salmon fishing prowess. They often wait by waterfalls or rapids where salmon are attempting to jump upstream.
* Birds:
* Bald Eagles: These majestic birds are known for snatching salmon from the water's surface.
* Osprey: Also known as "fish hawks," these birds have specialized talons for catching fish.
* Mergansers: These ducks are adapted for diving and catching fish, including salmon.
* Other Fish:
* Trout: Larger trout species, like rainbow trout and brown trout, will prey on salmon fry and smolts.
* Pike: These voracious predators will eat salmon of various sizes.
* Other:
* River Otters: These playful mammals are adept at hunting salmon in rivers.
This list isn't exhaustive, but it highlights the wide variety of animals that rely on salmon as a food source. The salmon's lifecycle, which involves migrating between freshwater and saltwater environments, makes them a valuable prey species for a diverse array of predators.