Carnivore, << KAHR nuh vawr, >> is any animal that eats chiefly meat. Most such animals prey on herbivores (plant-eating animals). Carnivores thus help regulate the number of herbivores and preserve the balance of nature (see Balance of nature). The term carnivore also refers to an order (group) of mammals. This article discusses such mammals, which include cats and dogs.
All mammals classified as carnivores have well-developed canine teeth. Most of them have one pair of bladelike shearing teeth on each side of the jaw. They also have a heavy skull and strong jaw muscles. Most carnivores hunt and kill their own prey. Some carnivores, such as bears and raccoons, also eat fruits and berries. Others, such as hyenas and jackals, are scavengers and usually eat animals that they find dead.
Carnivores live in all parts of the world except Antarctica and some islands. Most dwell on land, but some, such as otters and polar bears, spend much time in water. Most carnivores live alone or in family groups. Some, such as lions and wolves, live in larger groups. Carnivores range in size from the least weasel, which weighs about 2 ounces (57 grams), to the brown bear, which may weigh over 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms).
Most carnivores mate once a year. The number of young born at one time varies among the species. A weasel, for example, may have as many as eight young at a time, but some kinds of bears have only one.
Some carnivores, such as foxes and minks, are sources of valuable fur. People sometimes kill other carnivores, such as coyotes and lions, for sport or because the animals kill livestock.
