Nests built in cactus provide a degree of protection to young; yet even in cactus, young wrens are vulnerable to predation by coachwhip snakes.[1] When threatened, young in nests were observed to try to blend in with the nest and flattened themselves against the nest walls.[2] Adults are preyed upon by coyotes, foxes, hawks, bald eagles, domestic cats, and greater roadrunners.[20][3][5] Upon detection of predators, cactus wrens will usually mob the predator and vocally scold it.[22] They may also chase ground based predators and intruders.[5] Predator alarm calls are usually a low buzz, or sometimes a staccato "tek" which is repeated.[4] In response to birds of prey adults may attempt to move closer to the ground or leave calling spots.[5]