When several species of herons inhabit a waterway, lake or swamp, specialized feeding patterns often develop. The great blue heron usually wades in deeper water, looking for large fish. Common egrets hunt the slightly smaller fish found closer to shore. Although mainly predators, herons are also prey for some species, including foxes, minks, hawks and especially raccoons. Crows and tree-climbing snakes may rob unguarded nests.
Few predators dare tackle an adult heron, especially one of the larger species.
At one time herons were slaughtered for their plumage, which was used to decorate women's hats, but today they have little to fear from humans. They're protected by federal and state laws. However, herons are affected by loss of habitat, especially when marshy or coastal areas are developed. Herons, and many other species of wildlife, benefit from Pennsylvania Game Commission waterfowl projects and habitat preservation and enhancement work on State Game Lands. Areas such as Pymatuning, Middle Creek and Shohola provide many acres of excellent marshland habitat.