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Carnivore facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
For animals of the mammal order, see Carnivora.
Canis lupus pack surrounding Bison
Wolves hunting a bison.

A carnivore is an animal which eats only meat. Predators commonly hunt and kill their own prey. Scavengers are carnivores which eat animals they did not kill themselves. Carnivores which eat mainly or only insects are called insectivores. Carnivores which eat mainly or only fish are called piscivores.

The word "carnivore" describes more than just the scientific order Carnivora. However, almost all animals in the Carnivora do eat meat, though a few do not.

List of living carnivores

Emperor penguins
Unlike tigers, Penguins don't need teeth and claws to be carnivores. They feed on crustaceans, fish, squid, and other small marine life.
Heron with snake
Great Blue Heron with a snake
Mammals
Birds
  • All birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, falcons and owls
  • All vultures, both old world and new
  • Most waterfowl, such as gulls, penguins, pelicans, storks, and herons
Reptiles
  • All crocodilians, such as alligators, crocodiles, gharials and caimans
  • All snakes, such as cobras, vipers, pythons and boas
  • Some lizards, such as most skinks and all monitor lizards
  • Some turtles, including the snapping turtle and most sea turtles
Fish and amphibians
  • All frogs and toads
  • Almost all sharks, such as tiger, great white, nurse and reef sharks
  • Most teleosts, such as tuna, marlin, salmon, and bass
Invertebrates

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Carnívoro para niños

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Carnivore Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.