13 Animals That Can Kill And Eat Dogs: (Dog Predators In the Wild)

Wondering What Eats Dogs In The Wild? Dogs are known to be some of the most loyal and loving companions to humans. They are often referred to as “man’s best friend” for their friendly and protective nature. However, when it comes to the animal kingdom, dogs can become the prey of several predators.

In the wild, dogs can be hunted and eaten by several predators, and in this article, we will explore the top 10+ dog predators Including Cougars/Mountain Lions, Leopards/Big Cats, Bobcats, Birds of Prey(Eagles-Hawks) Coyotes, Jackals, Wolves, Alligators, Crocodiles, Bears, Dingoes, hyenas and Snakes.

Here are some details on these predators and examples of their behavior:

13 Dogs Predators In the Wild

• Cougars/Mountain Lions: As mentioned earlier, cougars are large cats that are found in North and South America. They can weigh up to 220 pounds and are known for their stealth and agility. Cougars typically prey on deer and other large mammals, but they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially in areas where their habitat overlaps with human settlements. For example, in 2019, a cougar killed a small dog in the backyard of a home in Oregon, USA.
• Leopards: Leopards are large cats that are found in Africa and Asia. They can weigh up to 200 pounds and are known for their strength and stealth. Leopards typically prey on small and medium-sized mammals, but they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially in rural areas where dogs may roam free. For example, in 2020, a leopard killed a dog in a village in India’s Uttarakhand state.
• Bobcats: Bobcats are small wild cats that are found in North America. They can weigh up to 40 pounds and are known for their stealth and hunting ability. Bobcats typically prey on small mammals like rabbits and rodents, but they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially small dogs that are left unattended. For example, in 2021, a bobcat attacked and killed a small dog in a backyard in Arizona, USA.
• Birds of Prey: Birds of prey, like eagles, hawks, and owls, are large birds that are found throughout the world. They can weigh up to 14 pounds and are known for their sharp talons and powerful beaks. While birds of prey typically prey on fish and small mammals, they have been known to attack and kill small dogs that are left unattended in open areas. For example, in 2020, a golden eagle was caught on camera attacking a small dog in a park in Canada.
• Sharks: Sharks are large fish that are found in oceans around the world. They can weigh up to several thousand pounds and are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. While sharks typically prey on fish and marine mammals, they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs that venture too close to the water’s edge. For example, in 2016, a dog was killed by a shark while swimming in the ocean in Australia.
• Alligators: Alligators are large reptiles that are found in the southeastern United States and parts of China. They can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. While alligators typically prey on fish, turtles, and small mammals, they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs that venture too close to the water’s edge. For example, in 2020, an alligator killed a dog in a park in Florida, USA.
• Crocodiles: Crocodiles are large reptiles that are found throughout the world. They can weigh up to several thousand pounds and are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. While crocodiles typically prey on fish, birds, and small mammals, they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs that venture too close to the water.
• Coyotes/Jackals: Coyotes are small wild dogs that are found throughout North and Central America. They can weigh up to 40 pounds and are known for their cunning and hunting ability. Coyotes typically prey on small mammals like rabbits and rodents, but they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially small dogs that are left unattended. For example, in 2019, a coyote killed a dog in a backyard in California, USA.
• Wolves:Wolves are large wild dogs that are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They can weigh up to 200 pounds and are known for their strength and hunting ability. While wolves typically prey on large mammals like deer and elk, they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially in rural areas where dogs may roam free. For example, in 2019, a wolf killed a dog in a yard in Idaho, USA.
• Bears: Bears are large mammals that are found throughout the world. They can weigh up to several hundred pounds and are known for their strength and powerful claws. While bears typically prey on fish, berries, and small mammals, they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially in areas where humans and bears come into conflict. For example, in 2020, a black bear killed a dog in a backyard in North Carolina, USA.
• Dingoes: Dingoes are wild dogs that are found in Australia. They can weigh up to 50 pounds and are known for their intelligence and hunting ability. While dingoes typically prey on small mammals like kangaroos and rabbits, they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially in rural areas where dogs may roam free. For example, in 2019, a dingo killed a dog on a beach in Australia’s Fraser Island.
• Hyenas:Hyenas are large carnivorous mammals that are found in Africa and parts of Asia. They can weigh up to 180 pounds and are known for their powerful jaws and ability to crush bones. While hyenas typically prey on large mammals like antelopes and zebras, they have been known to attack and kill domestic dogs, especially in areas where human settlements encroach upon their habitat. For example, in 2019, a pack of hyenas killed several dogs in a village in Ethiopia.
• Snakes: There are several species of venomous snakes that can pose a threat to domestic dogs in the wild. These include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the copperhead snake, and the coral snake, all of which are found in North America. When threatened, these snakes can bite dogs, causing serious injury or death. For example, in 2020, a dog was bitten and killed by a rattlesnake in a backyard in Arizona, USA.

7 Animals That Can Attack Or Hurt Dogs But Cannot Eat Them

There are several animals that can attack and hurt a dog but cannot eat them due to a variety of reasons such as their size, diet, or physical characteristics. Here are some examples of such animals:

1. Scorpions: Scorpions are arachnids that are found in many parts of the world. While they are not typically known to attack dogs, they can do so if they feel threatened or cornered. Scorpion stings can be painful and potentially deadly, depending on the species and the size of the dog. For example, in 2020, a dog in Arizona was stung by a scorpion and required medical attention.
2. Javelinas/Boars: Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are pig-like mammals that are found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Boars, on the other hand, are wild pigs that are found in many parts of the world. Both javelinas and boars can be aggressive and territorial, especially if they feel threatened or if there are young in their group. While they may attack dogs, they do not typically eat them. For example, in 2020, a dog in Arizona was attacked by a javelina and required stitches.
3. Porcupines: Porcupines are slow-moving, herbivorous rodents with quills that they use to defend themselves from predators. If a dog were to approach a porcupine and attack it, the porcupine would likely defend itself by releasing its quills, which can cause serious injury or even death if they become embedded in a dog’s skin. For example, in 2021, a dog in Colorado, USA was injured after attacking a porcupine.
4. Raccoons: Raccoons are omnivorous mammals that are found throughout North and Central America. While raccoons are generally not aggressive towards dogs, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Raccoons can scratch and bite dogs, potentially causing injury or transmitting diseases such as rabies. For example, in 2019, a dog in Indiana, USA was attacked by a raccoon and required medical attention.
5. Squirrels: Squirrels are small, agile rodents that are found throughout the world. While squirrels are not typically aggressive towards dogs, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Squirrels can scratch and bite dogs, potentially causing injury or transmitting diseases such as rabies. For example, in 2020, a dog in Illinois, USA was attacked by a squirrel and required medical attention.
6. Skunks: Skunks are omnivorous mammals that are known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism. While skunks are generally not aggressive towards dogs, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Skunks can scratch and bite dogs, potentially causing injury or transmitting diseases such as rabies. For example, in 2018, a dog in California, USA was attacked by a skunk and required medical attention.
7. Groundhogs: Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are herbivorous rodents that are found throughout North America. While groundhogs are generally not aggressive towards dogs, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Groundhogs can scratch and bite dogs, potentially causing injury or transmitting diseases such as rabies. For example, in 2020, a dog in New York, USA was attacked by a groundhog and required medical attention.

5 Countries Where People Eat Dogs

It’s important to note that the consumption of dog meat is a controversial topic, and many countries have laws and regulations that prohibit or restrict the practice. Additionally, in some cultures, dogs are considered to be beloved pets rather than a source of food. However, here are some countries where the consumption of dog meat has been reported:

1. China: In some regions of China, particularly in the southern provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi, dog meat is considered a delicacy and is consumed in dishes such as dog hot pot and dog stew. However, there has been increasing opposition to the practice in recent years, and some cities have banned the sale of dog meat.
2. South Korea: While the consumption of dog meat is not widespread in South Korea, it is still legal and is consumed in dishes such as boshintang (dog meat soup). However, there has been increasing opposition to the practice in recent years, and some animal rights groups have called for a ban on the consumption of dog meat.
3. Vietnam: In some regions of Vietnam, particularly in the north, dog meat is considered a traditional delicacy and is consumed in dishes such as thit cho (dog meat). However, there has been increasing opposition to the practice in recent years, and some cities have banned the sale of dog meat.
4. Nigeria: In some regions of Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern states, dog meat is considered a delicacy and is consumed in dishes such as ishi ewu (goat head pepper soup) which can also contain dog meat. However, there has been increasing opposition to the practice in recent years, and some animal rights groups have called for a ban on the consumption of dog meat.
5. Switzerland: While the consumption of dog meat is not legal in Switzerland, it is still consumed in some regions, particularly among immigrants from countries where the practice is more common. In 2017, Swiss animal rights groups launched a campaign to raise awareness about the illegal consumption of dog meat in the country.

Summary

It’s important to note that while these predators have been known to kill domestic dogs in the wild, such incidents are relatively rare. In many cases, the best way to prevent such incidents is to keep dogs on a leash or in a secure enclosure, especially in areas where wild predators are known to be present. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a potential predator attack and to take appropriate precautions to keep both dogs and humans safe in the wild.