Final answer:
The untrue statement about predatory animals is that Fishers and Black Bears will often skin their prey before consumption. Predators employ various techniques for hunting and face risks like starvation and prey retaliation. Conservation of large predators is vital for maintaining ecosystem health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is NOT TRUE concerning predatory animals is: a) Fishers and Black Bears will often pull the hide off an animal (skin it) before they eat its flesh. Generally, fishers and black bears do not skin their prey before consuming it. Fishers, being members of the mustelid family, are known for their ability to kill and ingest prey, often without such preparation. Black bears, as opportunistic feeders, consume a variety of food sources and may not take the time to skin their prey. True predation involves a predator killing and eating its prey, which may involve tearing apart large prey, or in some cases, eating the prey whole. This predation strategy is observed in various animal species, including snakes, bottlenose dolphins, and baleen whales that consume large volumes of plankton. Predatory behaviors and threats faced by predators include active hunting, camouflage, and the risk of starvation or injury from prey fighting back.
Additionally, it is important to recognize the role of predators within ecosystems. Large predators, such as wolves and sharks, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. The conservation of carnivores is challenging due to human-wildlife conflicts, highlighting the delicate relationship between predators and their environment.