Pokémon predation

Some Pokémon species have been known to eat other Pokémon and non-Pokémon animals, or to engage in rivalries mimicking real-world predator-prey relationships. A few Pokémon also exhibit behaviors, while others produce byproducts that can be consumed without harm to the Pokémon itself. Rarely, humans have been known to hunt down and eat Pokémon as well.
However, Pokémon are more commonly depicted eating food such as wild fruits and vegetables, or meals and drinks prepared by humans.
==Overview==
It is stated in multiple Pokédex entries that some are known to eat other Pokémon, such as swooping down to catch a meal from the water. Humans have also been implied to eat Pokémon, with Team Rocket's plot to sell Slowpoke Tails as a sweet treat in Generation II and . itself is based on a specific manner for preparing a meal of duck, with its rarity in the wild being a result of overhunting. One of the Sinnoh myths also mention eating Pokémon, saying that they will be born again if their bones are picked clean and returned to where the Pokémon was found.
Over time, mentions of Pokémon being eaten by humans have become increasingly rare. This may be due to moral issues; as the and progressed, Pokémon became seemingly more human-like. This included displaying individual personalities, human mannerisms, and complex emotions. In most cultures and societies, the idea of human beings eating each other is strictly taboo, so much so that even the idea of fictional creatures eating one another would seem equally cannibalistic if they possessed any human qualities. However, rare mentions still occur, such as in , where and are both stated to be popular foods for humans.
Some Pokémon have even been given new dietary habits, possibly in an attempt to downplay any predatory behaviors. An example of this would be , which was originally suggested to be , but is later shown to eat fruit. In the original series of , 's Pokédex states "Its hard fangs suggest it might have been a carnivore. Its sharp claws were probably used to capture prey." In the games, Aerodactyl's Pokédex entries mention it tearing the throats out of its enemies. In the episode Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon, Aerodactyl appears to literally target Ash's throat. However, in the side story Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl!, the fossilized Aerodactyl egg used to resurrect the Pokémon was found near fossilized seed remains. After Aerodactyl escaped, it was only calmed down when fed a pear-like fruit that was a similar DNA match to the seeds. This would imply that Aerodactyl regularly fed on the fruit, implying that it was an or an .
==Pokémon eating other Pokémon==
In the , Pokédex entries for many Pokémon often describe predator-prey relationships with other Pokémon.
===Known predatory relation===
In the core series games, many Pokémon species are confirmed to be either predator or prey to other species, with some confirmed relations.
==== Pokédex entries ====
Pokédex entries often references predator-prey relationships.
Predator	Predator	Prey	Prey	First time mentioned
 	 	 	 	: The claws on its feet are well developed. It can carry prey such as an Exeggcute to its nest over 60 miles away.
 	 	 	 	: For no reason, it jumps and splashes about, making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.
 	 	 	 	: When hunting, it skims the surface of water at high speed to pick off unwary prey such as Magikarp.
 	 	 	 	: It may drop out of the sky suddenly. If attacked by a Spearow, it will violently shake its leaves.
 	 	 	 	: Moves silently and stealthily. Eats the eggs of birds, such as Pidgey and Spearow, whole.
 	 	 	 	: Moves silently and stealthily. Eats the eggs of birds, such as Pidgey and Spearow, whole.
 	 	 	 	: It swims through the ocean at a speed of eight knots, searching for Pokémon that will become its prey. It's especially fond of Wishiwashi.
 	 	 	 	: Unsanitary places are what they like best. They can be spotted in Alola, often with Grimer in hot pursuit.
 	 	 	 	: For a time, their numbers increased explosively in Alola. Since the arrival of Grimer, their population has decreased dramatically.
 	 	 	 	: Poisonous gas leaks out of it when it breathes. Muk that catch a whiff of that stench will come drooling.
 	 	 	 	: Some say the reason Garbodor in Alola are a little stronger than their counterparts elsewhere is the presence of Muk, their natural enemy.
 	 	 	 	: If its tail is bitten by a Shellder, Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro. The Shellder seems to like its crunchy tail.
 	 	 	 	: Slowpoke tails are its favorite food. It has even been known to come up on land to look for Slowpoke from time to time.
 	 	 	 	: Said to be capable of prying open Shellder and Cloyster shells using its 10,000-horsepower pincer.
 	 	 	 	: Said to be capable of prying open Shellder and Cloyster shells using its 10,000-horsepower pincer.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon is out for vengeance on its natural enemy, Mandibuzz. It throws bones like boomerangs to try to take it down.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon was born from a bag stuffed with trash. Galarian Weezing relish the fumes belched by Trubbish.
 	 	 	 	: The ball of threads wrapped around its body is elastic enough to deflect the scythes of Scyther, this Pokémon’s natural enemy.
 	 	 	 	: Apparently, it cracked Shellder's shell with its sharp fangs and sucked out the insides.
 	 	 	 	: There is no telling where the tail begins. Despite its short legs, it is quick at hunting Rattata.
 	 	 	 	: It waits intently until its preferred prey, Cutiefly, gets caught in its web. In fact, it's quite a patient Pokémon.
 	 	 	 	: It searches for prey from the tops of trees. When it spots its favorite food, Bounsweet, Aipom gets excited and pounces.
 	 	 	 	: Motionless, it hangs from trees, waiting for its bug Pokémon prey to come to it. Its favorite in Alola is Cutiefly.
 	 	 	 	: Vicious in nature, it drives Pidgey from their nests and feasts on the eggs that are left behind.
 	 	 	 	: It blends into the dark of night to ambush its prey. Sneasel will attack Sandshrew, but its hard skin can cause Sneasel's claws to snap off.
 	 	 	 	: Spits water from its mouth with incredible accuracy. It captures Burmy by shooting them down off the branches from which they dangle.
 	 	 	 	: Taillow is young - it has only just left its nest. As a result, it sometimes becomes lonesome and cries at night. This Pokémon feeds on Wurmple that live in forests.
 	 	 	 	: Wurmple is targeted by Swellow as prey. This Pokémon will try to resist by pointing the spikes on its rear at the attacking predator. It will weaken the foe by leaking poison from the spikes.
 	 	 	 	: Its double tail fins propel its energetic jumps. When it breaks the surface of the sea, Wingull swoop down to grab it on the fly.
 	 	 	 	: It builds nests in cliffs by the sea. It circles the skies above the ocean looking for its favorite food—Wishiwashi.
 	 	 	 	: If a Luvdisc is left on its own, it becomes despondent, leaving itself open to attack. That is when Pelipper snatch them up.
 	 	 	 	: It scoops up Wishiwashi in its huge beak and swallows them whole. It can devour more than 30 at one go!
 	 	 	 	: It digs through the ground with its hard claws and crunches down gems with its thick pointy teeth. Carbink is its favorite food.
 	 	 	 	: When a small Wailmer is attacked by Sharpedo or Dhelmise, its whole pod works together to protect it.
 	 	 	 	: It shows off by spraying jets of seawater from the nostrils above its eyes. It eats a solid ton of Wishiwashi every day.
 	 	 	 	: Wailord pursue their prey in pods. With their large mouths, they can swallow entire schools of Wishiwashi whole.
 	 	 	 	: It freezes its prey and chews them whole. However, it prefers to eat Pokémon like Vanillite that are already frozen.
 	 	 	 	: It adores magnetic minerals, so it pursues Nosepass at speeds exceeding 60 mph.
 	 	 	 	: It loves to eat leaves. If it is attacked by a Starly, it will defend itself with its spiked rear.
 	 	 	 	: Its earthen skin is reasonably hard—it has no problem repelling a Starly's pecking, at least.
 	 	 	 	: The small ball is not only full of nutrients, it is also tasty. Starly try to peck it off.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon gets nibbled on by Lumineon and others. Thanks to its red core, it regenerates fast, so it's unconcerned by their snack attacks.
 	 	 	 	: This deep-sea Pokémon lives at the bottom of the sea. Its fins haul it over the seabed in search of its favorite food—Starmie.
 	 	 	 	: They dwell in cold places. This Pokémon's main food source in Alola is Vulpix and Sandshrew, which they carefully divide among their group.
 	 	 	 	: They dwell in cold places. This Pokémon's main food source in Alola is Vulpix and Sandshrew, which they carefully divide among their group.
 	 	 	 	: They attack their quarry in packs. Prey as large as Mamoswine easily fall to the teamwork of a group of Weavile.
 	 	 	 	: Scolipede engage in fierce territorial battles with Centiskorch. At the end of one of these battles, the victor makes a meal of the loser.
 	 	 	 	: It conceals itself in the sand and chomps down on the legs of any prey that unwarily walk over it. Its favorite food is Trapinch.
 	 	 	 	: The berries that grow around its belly are like ice pops. Galarian Darumaka absolutely love these berries.
 	 	 	 	: Its jaws are terrifyingly powerful. It could eat Omastar and Omanyte whole and not be bothered in the slightest by their shells.
 	 	 	 	: Its jaws are terrifyingly powerful. It could eat Omastar and Omanyte whole and not be bothered in the slightest by their shells.
 	 	 	 	: Omanyte lived in the seas of antiquity. Its fossils have been found bearing bite marks from Archeops, so apparently Archeops preyed on it.
 	 	 	 	: When they feel threatened, they spit an acidic liquid to drive attackers away. This Pokémon targets Shelmet.
 	 	 	 	: Whenever a Beheeyem visits a farm, a Dubwool mysteriously disappears.
 	 	 	 	: It infiltrates tunnels that Pokémon like Diglett and Dugtrio have dug and quietly waits for prey to pass through.
 	 	 	 	: It infiltrates tunnels that Pokémon like Diglett and Dugtrio have dug and quietly waits for prey to pass through.
 	 	 	 	: With its powerful legs and sturdy claws, it can crack even the hard shells of Shellder and pluck out their insides.
 	 	 	 	: If Rufflet attacks this Pokémon by pecking at it, it will retaliate with its sharp fur and poisonous black powder.
 	 	 	 	: It circles in the sky, keeping a keen eye out for Pokémon in a weakened state. Its choicest food is Cubone.
 	 	 	 	: It breathes through a hole in its tail while it burns with an internal fire. Durant is its prey.
 	 	 	 	: Its favorite foods are Wingull and Pikipek. It attacks with a powerful kick and grasps them firmly in its talons
 	 	 	 	: Its favorite foods are Wingull and Pikipek. It attacks with a powerful kick and grasps them firmly in its talons
 	 	 	 	: Since Finizen is the better swimmer, Dragalge will approach it under the cover of seaweed, then immobilize it with a poisonous attack.
 	 	 	 	: Its hard shell doesn't crack a bit even if Pikipek pecks at it, but it will tip over, spilling out its insides.
 	 	 	 	: A delectable aroma pours from its body. They are often swallowed whole by Toucannon lured by that wafting deliciousness.
 	 	 	 	: It adores having Rattata and Raticate for dinner, but as it's diurnal, it never encounters them. This Pokémon boasts incredible patience.
 	 	 	 	: It adores having Rattata and Raticate for dinner, but as it's diurnal, it never encounters them. This Pokémon boasts incredible patience.
 	 	 	 	: Gumshoos specializes in relentlessly tracking down prey. The simple-minded Skwovet doesn't seem to provide Gumshoos enough challenge.
 	 	 	 	: Six of them together form a full-fledged Pokémon. It's often hunted by Crabrawler, but uses psychokinesis to drive it off.
 	 	 	 	: To prevent Deerling from entering their fields, many farmers will have several Lycanroc stand guard, as they are the natural enemy of Deerling.
 	 	 	 	: Pursued by Mareanie for the branches on its head, this Pokémon will sometimes snap its own branches off as a diversion while it escapes.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon wanders the seaside looking for food. It often gets electric shocks from broken Pincurchin spines that it tries to eat.
 	 	 	 	: Toxapex crawls along the ocean floor on its 12 legs. It leaves a trail of Corsola bits scattered in its wake.
 	 	 	 	: It weakens opponents and sends them reeling with its poisonous gas. Salandit doesn't deal well with Spinda, since it's always reeling.
 	 	 	 	: They live in sunken ships or in holes in the seabed. When Golisopod and Grapploct battle, the loser becomes the winner's meal.
 	 	 	 	: It stuns its prey with psychokinesis and then grinds them to mush with its strong teeth. Even Shellder's shell is no match for it.
 	 	 	 	: Its skin is thick enough to fend off Mareanie's spikes. With its robust teeth, Bruxish crunches up the spikes and eats them.
 	 	 	 	: When a small Wailmer is attacked by Sharpedo or Dhelmise, its whole pod works together to protect it.
 	 	 	 	: It wraps its prey in green seaweed and sucks away their vitality. It only likes to go after big prey like Wailord.
 	 	 	 	: A Greedent drawn in by the sweet scent of these Pokémon will tuck the Bounsweet in among the berries in its tail and carry them all away.
 	 	 	 	: Its natural enemies, like Rookidee, may flee rather than risk getting caught in its large mandibles that can snap thick tree branches.
 	 	 	 	: Any Corvisquire that pecks at this Pokémon will be greeted with a smack from its sepals followed by a sharp kick.
 	 	 	 	: It's very sensitive to danger. The sound of Corviknight's flapping will have Bunnelby digging a hole to hide underground in moments.
 	 	 	 	: With their large mandibles, these Pokémon can crunch their way through rock. They work together to protect their eggs from Sandaconda.
 	 	 	 	: This hungry Pokémon swallows Arrokuda whole. Occasionally, it makes a mistake and tries to swallow a Pokémon other than its preferred prey.
 	 	 	 	: It spins its tail fins to leap from the water, then viciously bites down on Wingull flying close to the water’s surface.
 	 	 	 	: Scolipede engage in fierce territorial battles with Centiskorch. At the end of one of these battles, the victor makes a meal of the loser.
 	 	 	 	: They live in sunken ships or in holes in the seabed. When Golisopod and Grapploct battle, the loser becomes the winner's meal.
 	 	 	 	: Arrokuda can swim quickly only in a straight line. The ones that become sluggish from overeating are the first to be targeted by flocks of Wattrel.
 	 	 	 	: It's so vicious that it's called the Thug of the River. Yet Basculin is still targeted by predators, such as Dondozo and Bombirdier.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon can pick up the scent of a Veluza just over 65 feet away and will hide itself in the sand.
 	 	 	 	: It's so vicious that it's called the Thug of the River. Yet Basculin is still targeted by predators, such as Dondozo and Bombirdier.
==== Pokédex images ====
Several Pokédex images in allude to predator-prey relationships.
Predator	Predator	Prey	Prey	Image	First time mentioned and notes
 	 	 	 	 	Paldean Pokédex Images
: Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
 	 	 	 	 	Paldean Pokédex Images
: This cunning Pokémon hides under the cover of darkness, waiting to attack its prey.
 	 	 	 	 	Paldean Pokédex Images
: When under attack from bird Pokémon, it spews a poisonous black powder that causes paralysis on contact.
 	 	 	 	 	Kitakami Pokédex Images
: It spends its entire life inside an apple. It hides from its natural enemies, bird Pokémon, by pretending it's just an apple and nothing more.
 	 	 	 	 	Kitakami Pokédex Images
: They tend to guard their posteriors with suitable bones they have found. They pursue weak Pokémon.
 	 	 	 	 	Blueberry Pokédex Images
: Its territory has a radius of just over a mile. If any bird Pokémon should enter, it will show them no mercy.
 	 	 	 	 	Paldean Pokédex Images
: By masquerading as a bug Pokémon, it lowers the guard of actual bug Pokémon lured in by a scent of sweet flowers. Its sickles bring them down.
 	 	 	 	 	Paldean Pokédex Images
: Volcanoes or dry, craggy places are its home. It emanates a sweet-smelling poisonous gas that attracts bug Pokémon, then attacks them.
 	 	 	 	 	Paldean Pokédex Images
: Eating a sweet apple caused its evolution. A nectarous scent wafts from its body, luring in the bug Pokémon it preys on.
 	 	 	 	 	Kitakami Pokédex Images
: Eating a sweet apple caused its evolution. A nectarous scent wafts from its body, luring in the bug Pokémon it preys on.
==== In spin-off games ====
Predator-prey relationships between Pokémon are also observed in .
In , several can be seen chasing at various points on the . Near the end of the course, one can be witnessed lurking around a Pidgey nest before it is by the Pidgey which roost there.
In New Pokémon Snap, there are several instances of Pokémon acting as predators of Pokémon species they have not yet been observed preying upon in the core series games.
* An is seen attacking a .
* A Meowth chases a .
* A is seen attacking a .
* hunt a in Shiver Snowfields.
* can be seen hunting , , and .
* A can be seen carrying a .
* A is seen carrying a , presumably to absorb its life energy.
* A Lumineon can be seen digging up a Clamperl from the seafloor.
* are seen grabbing , Lanturn and in the Undersea Cave.
* A goes after a Magikarp.
* An is seen hypnotizing a .
* A is seen carrying away a .
* A is seen attempting to attack a Clamperl.
* A jumps up to bite a .
==== In animation ====
Events in the also reference predator-prey relationships.
* In Ash Catches a Pokémon, Misty warns Ash that might try to eat the he is battling it with.
* In Pokémon Shipwreck, a starving attempts to eat James's Magikarp.
* In Snack Attack, attempts to eat Misty's Goldeen.
* In Pokémon Food Fight!, Ash's Snorlax attempts to eat Gulzar's .
* In Team Rocket's Shocking Recruit!, a tries to swallow Iris's Axew.
* In Showering the World with Love!, a was shown consuming meteor dust that was a leftover from expired .
In 's reveal video, it was shown that are lured by its sweet scented paint.
=== Rivals ===
These Pokémon are described in the core series games as either for the same unspecified prey species or often coming into contact fighting over territory where they find their food.
Rival	Rival	Rival	Rival	First time mentioned
 	 	 	 	: Nectar from pretty flowers is its favorite food. In fields of flowers, it has heated battles with Cutiefly for territory.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon likes to lick its palms that are sweetened by being soaked in honey. Teddiursa concocts its own honey by blending fruits and pollen collected by Beedrill.
 	 	 	 	: When it starts fighting for territory with Parasect, the entire area gets completely coated in spores!
 	 	 	 	: It loves shiny things. It often fights with Murkrow over prey they're both trying to catch.
 	 	 	 	: Its elegant and refined behavior clashes with that of the barbaric Perrserker. The relationship between the two is one of mutual disdain.
 	 	 	 	: It is quite skilled at climbing trees. If it comes across a Primeape while searching for berries in the treetops, trouble will surely ensue.
 	 	 	 	: Hawlucha live quietly without flocking together. They fight constantly with their natural enemies: noisy groups of Primeape.
 	 	 	 	: While it's quite friendly toward humans once it's grown used to them, in the wild it must be quite fierce to defend its territory from Rockruff.
 	 	 	 	: One solid blow from its horns is enough to split apart a large tree. Its greatest rival in Alola is Vikavolt.
 	 	 	 	: With the arrival of a storm at sea, this Pokémon will show itself on the surface. When a Kingdra and a Dragonite meet, a fierce battle ensues.
 	 	 	 	: It crawls along the seafloor using its long front fins like legs. It competes for food with Lanturn.
 	 	 	 	: It's proud of its thick horn. In Alola, its biggest rival is Vikavolt, which it's always fighting with.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon discreetly follows Combee to find their hive. It scoops up big dollops of honey in its palms to eat.
 	 	 	 	: The pointed feathers of these Pokémon are sharper than swords. Skarmory and Corviknight fight viciously over territory.
 	 	 	 	: A colorful and incredibly beautiful but also greedy Pokémon. In an effort to keep its favorite food all to itself, it will chase away Combee as they try to gather nectar.
 	 	 	 	: It moves as if skating on the surface of the water. It often fights with Dewpider over food.
 	 	 	 	: It's a fiend for gemstones, so it stalks Carbink. Unfortunately, Gabite almost always grabs them first.
 	 	 	 	: With its sturdy jaws and fangs, it can easily chomp wooden boats to splinters. It fights with Basculin over food.
 	 	 	 	: Memories of battling its arch-rival Seviper are etched into every cell of Zangoose's body. This Pokémon adroitly dodges attacks with incredible agility.
 	 	 	 	: It flies at the speed of sound while searching for prey, and it has midair battles with Salamence as the two compete for food.
 	 	 	 	: It loves the honey of flowers and steals honey collected by Combee.
 	 	 	 	: In their search for comfortable trees, they get into territorial disputes with groups of Passimian. They win about half the time.
 	 	 	 	: Venipede and Sizzlipede are similar species, but when the two meet, a huge fight ensues.
 	 	 	 	: Scolipede engage in fierce territorial battles with Centiskorch. At the end of one of these battles, the victor makes a meal of the loser.
 	 	 	 	: Fletchling can be found in both rural and urban areas. They once had a huge territorial dispute with Squawkabilly. Fights broke out all over town.
 	 	 	 	: Bergmite protects itself by coating its body in ice formed by frigid air of -148 degrees Fahrenheit. It fights with Frigibax whenever they meet.
 	 	 	 	: Toxapex gets into fierce battles with Bruxish over areas where warm ocean currents flow, but the odds are always against it.
 	 	 	 	: They live in sunken ships or in holes in the seabed. When Golisopod and Grapploct battle, the loser becomes the winner's meal.
 	 	 	 	: With a lithe body and sharp claws, it goes around stealing food and eggs. Boltund is its natural enemy.
 	 	 	 	: It swims at speeds of over 100 knots and battles fiercely with pods of Finizen over prey.
On the official Pokémon website, is described as having a rivalry with , with the two species often fighting in the mountains of Galar.
In the episode A Sappy Ending, and are depicted as rivals over territorial disputes for food sources, being the tree sap from forests. However, this rivalry was because the Pinsir were forced out of their natural habitat by rather than this being a regular occurrence. On the other hand, in the same episode, and Heracross are depicted as having a commensalistic relationship with each other, where Heracross uses its sharp teeth to break the bark to obtain its fill of tree sap, while Butterfree eat the tree sap from the broken areas made by the Heracross, which it would otherwise be unable to obtain.
===Pokémon parasitically feeding off other Pokémon===
Other cases of Pokémon preying on each other involve more parasitic means. 
Parasite	Parasite	Host	Host	First time mentioned
 	 	 	 	: In Alola, Komala is Hypno's main target. It rarely harms people.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon is constantly fighting with Togedemaru that try to steal its electricity. It's a pretty even match.
 	 	 	 	: When it finds a stone appealing, it creates a hole inside it and uses it as its home. This Pokémon is the natural enemy of Roggenrola and Rolycoly.
 	 	 	 	: When it finds a stone appealing, it creates a hole inside it and uses it as its home. This Pokémon is the natural enemy of Roggenrola and Rolycoly.
 	 	 	 	: Joltik latch on to other Pokémon and suck out static electricity. They're often found sticking to Yamper's hindquarters.
 	 	 	 	: Nectar and pollen are its favorite fare. You can find Cutiefly hovering around Gossifleur, trying to get some of Gossifleur's pollen.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon is constantly fighting with Togedemaru that try to steal its electricity. It's a pretty even match.
 	 	 	 	: When some Lechonk come along to lick the sweet nectar on Appletun's back, Appletun will spew sticky nectar at them to drive them away.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon will attack groups of Pawniard and Bisharp, gathering metal from them in order to create a large and sturdy hammer.
 	 	 	 	: This Pokémon will attack groups of Pawniard and Bisharp, gathering metal from them in order to create a large and sturdy hammer.
 	 	 	 	: This intelligent Pokémon has a very daring disposition. It knocks rocks into the sky with its hammer, aiming for flying Corviknight.
These parasitic means include sucking blood, sap, energy, or life force from another Pokémon. This is seen with and , who in , together with Gastly, lick the partner Pokémon until they vanish.
The Official Pokémon Handbook mentions drinking the blood of its enemies, which is noted in most of its in-game Pokédex entries as well.
's Pokédex entry in mentions that enjoys the taste of the ooze that comes out of the Slowbro's tail. This is likely why Shellder are attracted to biting ; thus initiating the evolution into Slowbro and starting Shellder's parasitic, but symbiotic relationship with the Hermit Crab Pokémon. In Pokémon Snap this can also be witnessed while exploring the River. Todd Snap can use Pokémon food to lure Slowpoke to spots where they will begin fishing for Shellder. The Bivalve Pokémon quickly takes advantage of this, and bites the Slowpoke's delicious tail and forming Slowbro.
On numerous occasions in , Ash's has targeted his 's bulb for sap. Even in the heat of battle, he will quickly pin down Bulbasaur and help himself to the sap inside. While not malicious or particularly harmful in nature, this still annoys and causes Bulbasaur discomfort to no end; Heracross seems to be indifferent to this fact, however.
In Crisis at Chargestone Cave!, a latched onto Ash's Pikachu and drained his electricity. Trying to aid Pikachu, Cilan and Iris decide to send out and , only to find out that more Joltik have already latched themselves onto their Poké Balls and drained the Pokémon from outside.
==Pokémon eating non-Pokémon animals==
There are some examples and suggestions that non-Pokémon animals, if they exist, are preyed on by some Pokémon. The Pokédex entries for and mention them preying on small insects, although in more recent games Venonat is described as preying on small bug Pokémon. is also mentioned to eat bugs and flying insects it shoots down with its ink. Both and are known as flycatcher Pokémon, and the latter is mentioned to use the of its honey to lure prey such as bugs, as well as large animals. It is even hinted that Victreebel eat humans who venture into the jungle in search of a large Victreebel colony. has multiple Pokédex entries suggesting it eats , and , which are small and microscopic plants and animals. Swimming on the sea floor in prehistoric times, would eat plankton.
Examples of this also appeared from time to time in the original series of . Before being , is seen eating a . In Fossil Fools, a statue based on fossil remains shows preying on a large . of Team Rocket has also been seen fantasizing about fish, and eating animal based foods such as clams and fried chicken.
According to Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia, a very recent discovery of 's fossilized droppings lead scientists to theorize that this Pokémon was carnivorous and preyed on small creatures with its large claws.
==Pokémon eating humans==
Some Pokémon are implied or stated to prey on humans, often as parasites; others, especially certain Pokémon, consume people's or souls, while some feed on blood or dreams, such as through moves like and .
===In the games===
The Battle Pike facility is designed to resemble a giant , with its open mouth serving as the entrance, meant to appear disturbing as if one is being swallowed by a massive snake.
The inhabitants of Lacunosa Town claim that a monster from the sky comes at night to kidnap and eat people, making them afraid to go outside after dark. This Pokémon is later revealed to be .
In , , consumes Lusamine.
In , it is stated that ate Nanu's old partner who was a faller.
====Pokédex entries====
Pokémon	Pokémon	First time mentioned
 	 	: Said to live in huge colonies deep in jungles, although no one has ever returned from there.
 	 	: By licking, it saps the victim's life. It causes shaking that won't stop until the victim's demise.
 	 	: Even your home isn't safe. Gengar will lurk in whatever dark corner of a room it can find and wait for its chance to catch its prey.
 	 	: If you think that you had a good dream, but you can't remember it, a Drowzee has probably eaten it.
 	 	: When it is very hungry, it puts humans it meets to sleep, then it feasts on their dreams.
 	 	: Misdreavus frightens people with a creepy, sobbing cry. The Pokémon apparently uses its red spheres to absorb the fearful feelings of foes and turn them into nutrition.
 	 	: Sableye lead quiet lives deep inside caverns. They are feared, however, because these Pokémon are thought to steal the spirits of people when their eyes burn with a sinister glow in the darkness.
 	 	: If a traveler is going through a desert in the thick of night, Cacturne will follow in a ragtag group. The Pokémon are biding their time, waiting for the traveler to tire and become incapable of moving.
 	 	: Shuppet grows by feeding on dark emotions, such as vengefulness and envy, in the hearts of people. It roams through cities in search of grudges that taint people.
 	 	: The raw material for the gas inside its body is souls. When its body starts to deflate, it's thought to carry away people and Pokémon.
 	 	: It has been said that they swallow those who get too close and turn them into mummies. They like to eat gold nuggets.
 	 	: Litwick shines a light that absorbs the life energy of people and Pokémon, which becomes the fuel that it burns.
 	 	: The spirits it absorbs fuel its baleful fire. It hangs around hospitals waiting for people to pass on.
 	 	: It absorbs a spirit, which it then burns. By waving the flames on its arms, it puts its foes into a hypnotic trance.
 	 	: It appeared in this world from an Ultra Wormhole. Nihilego appears to be a parasite that lives by feeding on people and Pokémon.
===In animation===
In Professor Oak's Pokémon Lecture at the end of the Japanese version of the episode Tracey Gets Bugged, gets swallowed by an while telling a poem about it.
In the Pokémon the Series: The Beginning episode Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon, Ash Ketchum is kidnapped by where it is implied that it might want to consume him.
 and have been seen to kidnap humans and keep them in their web implying they're keeping them for later as food like real-life s do, such as in the episode Abandon Ship!, and the episodes Stopped in the Name of Love! and DPS01.
In the Ruby and Sapphire series episode Deceit and Assist, used the moves and and consumed Jessie temporarily.
===In the manga===
In the 22nd chapter of Pokémon Adventures, A Hollow Victreebel, there are multiple in the Safari Zone that kidnap and swallow Pokemon and humans.
==Humans eating Pokémon==
Meat is often shown in the , and it has also been seen in the games, most notably as ingredients in and . While it is not directly shown to come from Pokémon, no other food source has yet been explained. It is known that some Pokémon produce edible foods and by-products such as milk, nuts, and fruit, which can be safely harvested with little or no harm or discomfort to the Pokémon. However, it has been mentioned that some Pokémon are hunted and used for their meat; in particular are noted for making a good meal, especially when cooked with leek, and were nearly hunted to extinction because of this, ultimately leading to their rareness.
===In the games===
During a story arc within the Generation II games and their remakes, the newly reformed Team Rocket begin stealing , cutting off their tails, and selling them as a rare delicacy. It is indicated that the tail is not eaten, but is sucked or lightly chewed on, similarly to the manner in which one would enjoy . This is also mentioned in the Slowpoke Song, wherein it is implied that this is most common among children. In the Alola region, Slowpoke tails simply fall off and are used in many Alolan dishes. However, the tails need to be dried and then simmered in a salty stew in order to be properly edible. Many products are made from Slowpoke tails, which can be observed when examining the shelves at the Thrifty Megamart. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Smoke-Poke Tails—smoked Slowpoke tails—are a curry ingredient.
In the Canalave Library, contains a story where Pokémon caught from the sea are eaten, and then the bones thrown back into the water. It is also mentioned that the Pokémon that were eaten will return fully fleshed.
An NPC in Porto Marinada mentions that the town name relates to marination, and talks about soaking meat or fish in lemon juice or vinegar sauce to create a delicious dish.
====Pokédex entries====
A few Pokédex entries allude to people eating Pokémon, sometimes in the past tense. It can be assumed they are harmed in the process.
Pokémon	Pokémon	Pokédex entries
 	 	: Lives where reedy plants grow. They are rarely seen, so it's thought their numbers are decreasing.
 	 	: A Pokémon that has been overhunted almost to extinction. It can ferry people across the water.
 	 	: It has a sad history. In the past, its dorsal fin was a treasured foodstuff, so this Pokémon became a victim of overfishing.
 	 	: Red- and blue-striped Basculin are very violent and always fighting. They are also remarkably tasty.
 	 	: It's awfully weak and notably tasty, so everyone is always out to get it. As it happens, anyone trying to bully it receives a painful lesson.
 	 	: This Pokémon has a jaw that's as sharp as a spear and as strong as steel. Apparently Barraskewda's flesh is surprisingly tasty, too.
 	 	: It coils its 10 tentacles around prey and sucks out their nutrients, causing the prey pain. The folds along the rim of its head are a popular delicacy.
* Due to protective regulations, are no longer facing extinction by the time of Pokémon Moon and there is now an overabundance of them.
* used to be a common sight on the dinner table. Red-Striped Basculin meat is fattier and more popular with the youth, while Blue-Striped Basculin apparently have an inoffensive, light flavor.
* The skin on 's back is said to be especially yummy, and was once commonly enjoyed by children as a snack. It is not known whether the Appletun could regrow its skin.
===In animation===
A couple references to Pokémon as food occurred in .
In Mystery at the Lighthouse, caught a that was quickly sent to 's laboratory. Ash called the Professor to check that Krabby was safe, fearing Oak would eat it. Although Oak was not going to eat it, he noted that Ash's Krabby would be too small to enjoy in a meal, and that 's much larger Krabby would be a much better meal.
In Pokémon Shipwreck, Ash, , and were stranded in the middle of the ocean without food. Eventually, due to their hunger and the dire nature of their situation, Ash and Brock began to discuss and fantasize about eating James's Magikarp. Unfortunately for them and in particular, Magikarp's body composition rendered it nearly inedible. Misty elaborated on this, stating that Magikarp are nothing more than scale and bone, thus there would be little sustenance obtained.
===Food produced by Pokémon===
Some species of Pokémon are known to produce various kinds of food which can be safely consumed by humans and other Pokémon, presumably without the Pokémon in question being killed and consumed in the process. Beside food, some Pokémon produce medicine.
 tails are considered a delicacy in certain regions such as Alola, with them naturally and painlessly falling off and regrowing. A sweet sap leaks from the tail's tip, and they can be sucked on, simmered in a salty stew or smoked and used in a curry. In Galar, the tails have a spicy flavor due to differences in the Pokémon's diets.
 produce Moomoo Milk which can be bought in the games and used as a healing item. It is stated in both the games and to be both nutritious and delicious. It is also stated in the games that it is said kids who drink it will become hearty, healthy adults. As shown in Pokémon the Series, groups of Miltank are often kept to produce the milk not only for drinking, but also for the milk used to make dairy products as part of a business.
 are well known for storing certain kinds of Berries in their shells, which slowly ferment into juice. The juice has special properties if consumed by humans and Pokémon, and, as demonstrated in the episode A Better Pill to Swallow, can be used to make love potion.
In the episode A Race for Home!, it has been shown that milk made by are also used to make dairy products such as cheese and soft-serve ice cream.
In some parts of Paldea, 's claws are considered a valuable cooking ingredient. Its claws grow back a while after being lost. Klawf Sticks are made with a concentrate derived from shed Klawf shells.
The spicy extract produced by is used to make a chili sauce with a fiery kick.
====Pokédex entries====
Several Pokédex entries refer to the edible byproducts of Pokémon.
Pokémon	Pokémon	Pokédex entries
 	 	: What appears to be drool is actually sweet honey. It is very sticky and clings stubbornly if touched.
 	 	: Although their tails, which fall off naturally, can easily be found lying around, they're a precious ingredient for cooking.
 	 	: Because Galarian Slowpoke eat the seeds of a plant that grows only in Galar, their tails have developed a spicy flavor.
 	 	: A gentle and kind-hearted Pokémon that shares its nutritious eggs if it sees an injured Pokémon.
 	 	: The vines of a Tangela have a distinct scent. In some parts of Galar, Tangela vines are used as herbs.
 	 	: The fluid secreted by its toes carves holes in rocks for nesting and can be mixed with Berries to make a drink.
 	 	: It usually sleeps in caves. The pitch-black ink that Octillery spits is also used for cooking.
 	 	: Its milk is packed with nutrition, making it the ultimate beverage for the sick or weary.
 	 	: Anyone who takes even one bite of Blissey's egg becomes unfailingly caring and pleasant to everyone.
 	 	: If Surskit senses danger, it secretes a thick, sugary syrup from the tip of its head. There are some Pokémon that love eating this syrup.
 	 	: The bunches of fruit around Tropius's neck are very popular with children. This Pokémon loves fruit, and eats it continuously. Apparently, its love for fruit resulted in its own outgrowth of fruit.
 	 	: The shell is hardened soil. Some Pokémon come to peck the berries growing on the trees on its back.
 	 	: They swear fealty to a queen Pokémon and work diligently to gather nectar. Each swarm produces a different flavor of honey.
 	 	: The small ball holds the nutrients needed for evolution. Apparently, it is very sweet and tasty.
 	 	: In the spring, it grows berries with the texture of frozen treats around its belly.
 	 	: This Pokémon dwells deep in the forest. Eating a leaf from its head whisks weariness away as if by magic.
 	 	: The leaves on its head are very bitter. Eating one of these leaves is known to refresh a tired body.
 	 	: Once each year, this Pokémon scatters its seeds. They're jam-packed with nutrients, making them a precious food source out in the desert.
 	 	: This Pokémon's leaves can be made into a black tea, the taste of which varies depending on the region of origin. Paldea's is especially aromatic.
 	 	: Its claws occasionally fall off, and it keeps a low profile until they grow back. The meat of its claws is so delicious!
 	 	: Its right arm is packed with meat. When its pincer falls off, it's exported to be used as a cooking ingredient.
 	 	: It punches so much, its pincers often come off from overuse, but they grow back quickly. What little meat they contain is rich and delicious.
 	 	: The detached pincers of these Pokémon are delicious. Some Trainers bring Lechonk into the mountains just to search for them.
 	 	: It rolls up pollen into puffs. It makes many different varieties, some used as food and others used in battle.
 	 	: Pokémon living in the forest eat the delicious caps on Morelull's head. The caps regrow overnight.
 	 	: Although it's too sugary for human consumption, Bounsweet's sweat can be watered down into a juice with just the right amount of sweetness.
 	 	: Its body is covered in sweet nectar, and the skin on its back is especially yummy. Children used to have it as a snack.
 	 	: This Pokémon is said to have been born when a lonely spirit possessed a cold, leftover cup of tea.
 	 	: Trainers Polteageist trusts will be allowed to experience its distinctive flavor and aroma firsthand by sampling just a tiny bit of its tea.
 	 	: After deflecting attacks with its hard leaf shield, it strikes back with its sharp leek stalk. The leek stalk is both weapon and food.
 	 	: This Pokémon was born from sweet-smelling particles in the air. Its body is made of cream.
 	 	: When it trusts a Trainer, it will treat them to berries it's decorated with cream.
 	 	: The yeast in Fidough's breath is useful for cooking, so this Pokémon has been protected by people since long ago.
 	 	: It protects itself from enemies by emitting oil from the fruit on its head. This oil is bitter and astringent enough to make someone flinch.
 	 	: Dolliv shares its tasty, fresh-scented oil with others. This species has coexisted with humans since times long gone.
 	 	: This calm Pokémon is very compassionate. It will share its delicious, nutrient-rich oil with weakened Pokémon.
 	 	: It was born in a layer of rock salt deep under the earth. This species was particularly treasured in the old days, as they would share precious salt.
 	 	: Many Pokémon gather around Garganacl, hoping to lick at its mineral-rich salt.
 	 	: These Pokémon make their nests on coastal cliffs. The nests have a strange, crackling texture, and they're a popular delicacy.
 	 	: Toedscool lives in muggy forests. The flaps that fall from its body are chewy and very delicious.
 	 	: Traditional Paldean dishes can be extremely spicy because they include the shed front teeth of Capsakid among their ingredients.
 	 	: When Veluza discards unnecessary flesh, its mind becomes honed and its psychic power increases. The spare flesh has a mild but delicious flavor.
==See also==
* Pokémon food
Category:Pokémon world