Hawks are known to be at the top of their food chain, so they don’t have a lot of predators to worry about. But there are some animals that will eat hawks if given the chance. Mostly, these are other predators who see hawk eggs or its young for food, like eagles and snakes.
Here’s a look at some animals that hunt hawks:
Eagles
Preying eagles often attack hawk nests to feast on baby or smaller hawks. Eagles will hunt and eat hawks that live nearby. It’s common for an eagle to go after small or immature hawks who are too weak to defend themselves.
Raccoons
Research shows that raccoons don’t directly threaten adult hawks. Instead, they target baby hawks and eggs. Raccoons, being natural climbers, spend much of their time seeking prey. They might attack bird nests, but a hawk usually guards and defends its nest effectively.
Owls
Owls are one of the few animals that can challenge hawks, especially at night. Their heightened senses give them an edge. Owls typically go after baby hawks and eggs, but sometimes they attack unsuspecting adult hawks.
Snakes
Snakes take advantage when hawks are relaxed and not guarding their nests. They don’t harm adult hawks but can disrupt nests and baby birds. Agile snakes climb trees, hoping to find food at bird nests. Silent and hidden, these predators are tough for hawks to find.
Bigger Hawks
Other hawks often target smaller prey and even attack each other, especially when competing for food or territory. Typically, the larger hawk wins, though it might get injured in the process.
