Editing Muskellunge (section)

==Predators==
Adult muskellunge are [[apex predator]]s where they occur naturally. Only humans and (rarely) large birds of prey such as [[bald eagle]]s (''Haliaeetus leucocephalus'') pose a threat to an adult.<ref>{{cite web|title=St. Croix surprise: Bald eagle reels in large muskie|url=https://www.twincities.com/2019/08/15/st-croix-surprise-bald-eagle-reels-in-large-muskie/|publisher=Pioneer Press|date=August 16, 2019|access-date=August 9, 2022}}</ref> But juveniles are consumed by other muskies, northern pike, [[Black bass|bass]], [[trout]], and occasionally birds of prey. The muskellunge's low reproductive rate and slow growth render populations highly vulnerable to [[overfishing]]. This has prompted some jurisdictions to institute [[Hatchery#Fish hatcheries|artificial propagation]] programs in an attempt to maintain otherwise unsustainably high rates of angling effort and [[habitat destruction]].{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}