A predator is an animal that hunts and eats other animals to survive. Lions stalking zebras across the African savanna, hawks diving to catch mice in a field, and spiders spinning webs to trap flies are all predators in action. The animals they hunt are called prey.

Predators play an important role in nature by helping to keep animal populations balanced. Without wolves hunting deer, for example, deer populations might grow so large they'd eat all the available plants and then starve. Predators often catch the sick, weak, or unwary prey animals.

Different predators use different hunting strategies. Some, like cheetahs, rely on incredible speed. Others, like crocodiles, use patience and surprise. Pack hunters like wolves work together to bring down large prey, while solitary hunters like leopards work alone.