Tracker Predator: Profile Of The Yautja Dog Handler

Tracker Predator was one of three Super Predators featured in Predators (2010) and was distinguished by his role as a beast master who controlled feral Yautia dogs. Tracker belonged to a faction of Yautja that differed from the classic species, exhibiting more aggressive behavior and a bigger size. Tracker Predator was the first to die, and can be considered to be the least capable of the three.

The Third Super Predator

Tracker was introduced as one of three Super Predators operating on the Game Preserve planet, alongside Berserker and Falconer. These three represented a genetically divergent offshoot of the Yautja species, often referred to in expanded media as the "Super Predator" clan, or the "Berserker Subspecies". The Yautja three-dot symbol symbolises three members of a Yautja clan, but also indicates the three suns on Yautja Prime. Physically larger and more imposing than traditional Yautja, the Super Predators had darker skin tones, longer mandibles, and distinct armor designs (augmented by bones). Tracker functioned as the dog handler and tracker within the group, complementing the roles of the other two.

Capturing The Crucified Predator

Prior to the events of the film, Tracker participated in the capture of a classic Yautja who came to be known as the "Crucified Predator." These events were described in a short prequel motion-comic titled "Crucified" that was released with the DVD of Predators. Tracker constructed and raised a totem, while the other Predators caught the Jungle Hunter in a net with the help of the Yautja dogs. The Crucified Predator was restrained on the totem within the Super Predators' camp, left alive but incapacitated. The Crucified Predator’s imprisonment reflected a deeper conflict between the two Predator subspecies, suggesting at a Yautja Civil War over hunting methods.

Human Hunt On The Game Preserve

Soon after, Tracker was involved in orchestrating the human hunt that unfolded on the Game Preserve, which served as a controlled environment for stalking advanced prey. He, along with his counterparts, monitored the group of human combatants transported to the planet for the purpose of being hunted. Tracker engaged in indirect methods at first, using environmental surveillance and his Yautja Dogs to wear down the prey. His approach illustrated the Super Predators’ preference for orchestrated hunts with strategic control over their surroundings.

Releasing The Dogs

Early in the film, Tracker released a group of alien hunting creatures, commonly known as Predator Hounds, to pursue and destabilize the human group. These quadrupedal creatures displayed high aggression, thick armor plating, and a heightened sense of smell, enabling them to chase targets through dense jungle. Tracker deployed the hounds and observed the results from a distance. The attack allowed the Super Predators to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the humans, while wounding some of them, reinforcing Tracker's role as a tactical asset. However, most of the dogs were killed by gunfire, while possibly only one survived, never to be used again during the same hunt.

Fight In The Giant Drill

The three Predators tracked the humans to a giant abandoned drill, where they holed up together with Ronald Noland. After Ronald betrayed the humans, he was soon killed by Tracker Predator's shoulder cannon, his only kill on the hunt. Tracker then started tracking down Edwin, the seemingly weakest of the human group (but actually a serial killer). However, Nikolai, the Russian soldier, came to his aid. The combat between the two was close-quarters, with Tracker relying on physical strength and melee combat, while Nikolai wielded a pistol, after losing his minigun.

Death Of Tracker Predator

Tracker was ultimately killed in the same encounter with Nikolai, who used Claymore mines to detonate himself at close range. The resulting explosion fatally wounded Tracker, marking the first death among the three Super Predators. The humans barely escaped while the explosion's flames burst out of the drill. Tracker's demise was a turning point in the film, as it shifted the odds slightly in favor of the human survivors. The loss also illustrated that the Super Predators, while powerful, were not invincible and could be outmatched through sacrifice and surprise.

Armor And Gear

Tracker wore heavy, dark-toned armor consistent with the Super Predator style, featuring reinforced plating and aggressive design elements. His bio-helmet was distinct, with combat damage on the left side, and two elephant-like tusks attached to the jaw. In addition to his standard wrist gauntlet interface, Tracker appeared to use advanced communication and control systems to direct his hunting beasts. His armor prioritized intimidation while leaving him somewhat unprotected, especially in the chest area. Tracker used the Yautja cloak, which seemed to be more advanced than versions seen in previous Predator movies, being almost completely invisible.

Weapons

Like the other Super Predators, Tracker employed a single wristblade attached to his right arm. Tracker had a standard plasma caster on his left shoulder, which seemed to be especially powerful (or he charged it up), able to vaporize Noland in an instant. It is not clear if the tusks on the mask would have held any offensive capability, but he did not try to stab Nikolai with them. Tracker relied on brute force and the help of his Yautja dogs to do most of the work for him.

Behind The Scenes

The character of Tracker Predator was portrayed by actor and stuntman Carey Jones, who performed under a full-body practical effects costume. The suit and creature design were developed by KNB EFX Group, with supervision by Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger. The Predator Hounds were created using a blend of physical animatronics and digital effects. Predator dogs showed up again in the next Predator movie, The Predator, but were completely different, with green blood and Yautja dreadlocks.

Conclusion

Tracker Predator served as a representation of the tactical and physically dominant aspects of the Super Predator clan. Although three Predators have hunted in a Yautja clan together in the first Alien vs. Predator movie, here they actually worked together. Tracker's use of Yautja dogs expanded the depiction of Yautja hunting strategies beyond one-on-one combat. Though his screen time was limited, this Predator was well remembered by his distinct tusked mask and the hunting dogs.

Tag Categories: Individual Predators, Predators From The Movies