the facts
One of the most popular game fish in North America, the northern pike is an apex predator that can be found all over the continent. Though it has a fearsome reputation, northern pikes have some of the least deadly dentition among other freshwater fish.
A Northern Pike has seven rows of teeth, on the top and bottom of the mouth. When they are born, they have a row of teeth on each jaw, with 15 teeth in each row. All these teeth are razor sharp when they erupt from the gums.
Northern Pike have between 300 and 700 teeth! They use their teeth to capture and kill their prey. Once they bite their prey, they let go but will continue to chew until the flesh of their victim becomes detached from its bones.
Pike can bite humans, but they typically won’t unless they’re provoked or hungry. If you do get bitten by a pike, you should rinse the wound with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound, and see a doctor as soon as possible.