There are a variety of animals that have claws. Some have retractable claws, some sheathed claws, and others use
their claws to not only grasp prey but also communicate with one another. Let’s take a look at 29 different animals
with claws.
1. Bald Eagle
The bald eagle uses its sharp talons to catch fish and sometimes other prey such as crayfish and small mammals. It
also uses its talons in combat because it can kill smaller birds and mammals with a single swipe of its talons. Bald
eagles are also known for the large size of their talons. The talon on the right is 4.5 inches, while the talon on
the left is 6 inches long. They are found in North America.
2. Barn Owl
Barn owls use their sharp talons for hunting small mammals such as rodents and rabbits. Their talons are also used to
defend themselves from predators such as foxes and coyotes. They can run very fast because of the sharpness of their
talons which is why they sometimes hunt in groups. These animals are found in South and Central America.
3. Bats
Some bats have sharp claws, while others have flat nails. They use their claws to grasp onto the roosting site or
when they are hunting in the dark. Bats with sharp claws are called “hawking bats,” which swoop down and catch
insects, while those who do not use their talons as much roost in trees and shrubs. They are found in North America,
Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
4. Cheetah
The cheetah uses its sharp claws to catch prey while hunting. They can run up to 62 miles per hour, and their sharp
claws reduce drag when running at such high speeds. The claws are sharp enough to pierce the skin of their prey and
serve as a weapon when they attack other animals. They are also retractable, meaning they do not always need to use
their claws. Cheetahs are found in Africa.
5. Cougar
It has a large, robust body and impressive speed. Their claws are very sharp, allowing them to catch prey such as
deer easily. They have thick fur and retractable claws, allowing easy defense when predators threaten them. They are
found in northwestern Canada to Patagonia, South America.
6. Cassowary
Their clawed toes are a big part of their defense mechanism, which has earned them the nickname “Eagle-hoofed Bird.”
They can also run very fast, making it easy to escape predators. They are found in Australia and New Guinea.
7. Crocodiles
They have two types of claws – the pointed claws on their feet which are used for walking, and the blunt claws on
their hands which are for catching prey. They use their claws when hunting and are well-adapted to life in any
water. They are found in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
8. Alligators
Alligators have sharp claws on their feet which are used for helping them run as well as to catch prey. One of the
giant reptiles, the gator, uses its sharp claws to catch fish, turtles, and even other alligators. They are found in
the United States and China.
9. American Black Bear
American black bear will use its sharp claws to get a kill. When it grabs something with its paws, it will clench its
claws and use them to crush the bones of the prey. Its powerful claws allow the bear to climb trees, dig for food,
and defend itself when threatened. The black bears are found throughout North America, including parts of Mexico.
10. Aardvark
Aardvarks are well known for their long, thin, and sharp claws. They use their claws to dig themselves into the
ground, which allows them to store food underground. When they need to move around, they will use their long claws
on the soles of their feet to propel them forward. Aardvark is found in sub-Saharan Africa.
11. Dogs
Dogs are known for their sharp claws, which they use to defend themselves against predators. They also use them to
catch their prey when hunting. Dogs have a retractable claw, meaning they don’t always have to use it but will when
needed. They are found Worldwide.
12. Giant Anteater
They are covered in coarse hair and have sharp claws that work well for digging for food. They also use claws to
catch their meals. It uses the claws on its front feet to tear apart termites and ants. Sharp claws give them a
strong defense against predators. These Giant Anteaters are found in Central and South America except in Guatemala,
Uruguay, and El Salvador.
13. Domestic Cat
Cats have retractable claws, which means their claws do not have to be sharp at all times. The claws on their paws
allow cats to catch prey and scratch their owners when they want affection. The cat uses its sharp claws to tear
apart the flesh of its prey while hunting and playing with it. They are found Worldwide.
14. Golden Eagle
They are known to have mighty claws, allowing them to grab prey quickly. They use their claws when hunting and also
in defense against other animals. The claws also help them fly. They are found in Mexico.
15. Honey Badger
The honey badger has powerful, sharp claws that allow it to dig through the ground to find food. They will
also use their claws when climbing trees. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and western
Asia.
16. Jaguar
The jaguar has sharp claws that help it grab its prey while hunting. They will drag them down to the ground using
their claws when they kill their prey. They also use sharp claws when defending themselves against predators. They
are found in Brazil.
17. Koala
The koala has very sharp claws, which it uses to grab tree branches. They also use their claws for defense when
attacked by predators. They are found in Eastern Australia.
18. Lion
Lions have powerful claws that they use to grab their prey. They can hold the prey down with their sharp claws while
tearing at it with their teeth. Lions are very smart and know how to defend themselves when they feel threatened by
other predators. They are found in Africa.
19. Lizards
Lizards are known for their sharp claws, which help them catch prey. While they are hunting, they will use their
claws to sink into the ground to hunt. They can also use their strong tail when attacking predators. The lizard’s
claws help them climb trees or even dig into the ground for food. They are found Worldwide.
20. Meerkat
They have a tail that is very strong and thick and also has sharp claws. The meerkat uses its sharp claws to dig the
food and then help defend itself using its strong tail. They are found in Africa.
21. Moles
The mole has a thick, muscular tail and sharp claws, which help them dig for food. In addition, the mole can also use
its sharp claws to attack predators. The mole can dig very quickly and will continue to dig until it locates its
food. They are found worldwide.
22. Osprey
The osprey can hold an object in its claws and use them to carry it in flight. The osprey uses its sharp claws to
catch fish but will also use them when defending itself against predators. They are found on every continent except
Antarctica.
23. Pangolin
The pangolin is well-known for its long and sharp claws. The pangolin uses its claws to gather food from the ground.
Its long tail is also powerful and helps it protect itself from predators. It can carry around a lot of food in its
stomach. Pangolin is found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Taiwan.
24. Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon can hold an object in its claws and use them to carry it in flight. The peregrine falcon uses
its sharp claws to catch birds but will also use them when defending itself against predators. Its claws will help
the falcon to tiptoe when hunting. They are found in southwestern Australia.
25. Polar Bear
They use long, sharp claws to catch their prey while hunting. The polar bear can walk on thin ice and grab a seal or
penguin simultaneously with its strong claws. It has powerful and flexible paws that will help it climb trees
easily. They are found in Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland, and some northern islands owned by Norway.
26. Sloths
Sloths use their thick claws to help them climb trees. Their claws are well-developed and can climb trees quickly and
also grasp branches. They are found in Central and South America.
27. Wolverine
The wolverine is known for its sharp claws, which they use to catch their prey while hunting. In addition, the
wolverine can also use its sharp claws when defending itself against predators. They use the claws to climb trees
and dig through the snow when hunting.
28. Wolves
The wolf has sharp and strong claws, which they use to catch their prey while they hunt. In addition, the claws will
help them climb trees and dig through the snow when hunting. They also use their sharp claws when defending against
predators. They also use their claws for scratching themselves. They are found in North America, Europe, Asia, and
North Africa.
29. Harpy Eagle
This eagle has very sharp and strong claws, which they use to catch their prey while hunting. The claws are very long
and robust, so they can kill large animals quickly. They are found mainly in southern Mexico through Central and
South America.