Did you know that many animals like to eat snakes? While most people think of snakes as feared predators, the truth is that they are often on the menu for other animals. A wide variety of creatures prey on snakes, including other reptiles, mammals, birds, and even some fish. Nevertheless, many creatures see snakes as a tasty meal. Here’s a list of some of the animals that prey on snakes.
1. Wolverines
Wolverines are mammals that belong to the weasel family. They are most common in North America’s forests, the subarctic, parts of Canada, and Nordic countries. They are known to be ferocious animals who eat whatever they come across, including snakes. Wolverines are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants.
Some of their favorite prey include rodents, rabbits, birds, and snakes. They also enjoy eating nuts, berries, seeds, and other plants. With snakes, they would crush or bite them into pieces.
2. Mongoose
As part of the herpestidae family, mongooses are closely related to other weasel animals such as the wolverine. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the species. The majority of native mongooses live in Africa.
Mongooses are known to be very good at killing snakes. They are quick on their feet and can dodge a snake’s attack easily. Mongooses will also kill snakes for food or to protect themselves and their young. Some species of mongoose are even immune to certain types of snake venom.
3. King snakes
King snakes are a type of rat snake that is native to North and Central America. They are non-venomous snakes that kill their prey by constriction. King snakes are known to be predators of other snakes, including rattlesnakes, cobras, and even anacondas. Whether the food is venomous or not, king snakes will kill and eat it.
4. Hawks
This group of birds of prey is known for its sharp vision and powerful talons. Hawks hunt during the day and use their keen eyesight to spot their prey from a distance. They will then swoop down and grab their prey with their talons.
Hawks typically eat small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and snakes. Hawks may also prey on reptiles, and rattlesnakes are among their favorites.
5. Bobcat
The bobcat belongs to the Felidae family, which includes other cats such as lions, tigers, and jaguars. Bobcats are usually nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
Bobcats are known to eat a wide variety of prey, including rodents, rabbits, birds, and snakes. Snakes make up a large part of their diet. Bobcats will typically kill their prey by biting its neck or head.
6. Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. These animals are nocturnal and spend most of their time hiding in nests during the day.
Hedgehogs are known to eat a variety of small animals, including insects, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. They will also eat snakes if they come across them. Hedgehogs are known to kill and eat venomous snakes, such as cobras and vipers. They incapacitate and kill snakes using their pointed spines.
7. Honey Badger
The honey badger belongs to the mustelid family, which includes other animals such as weasels, otters, and ferrets. Honey badgers are native to Africa, the Middle East, and India.
Honey badgers are known to be fearless animals that will eat anything they come across. This includes snakes, rodents, birds, and even bee larvae. Honey badgers have been known to prey on king cobras. They are also omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants.
8. King Cobra
Snakes eating another snake? It may sound strange, but it’s true! The king cobra is a venomous snake that is native to Asia. These snakes are the longest venomous snake in the world. It is native to India, Hong Kong, Southern China, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
King cobras are known to be predators of other snakes, including rat snakes, pythons, and even other cobras. They will also eat lizards, rodents, and birds. King cobras have been known to kill and eat venomous snakes, such as vipers and rattlesnakes.
9. Secretary Bird
The secretary bird is a large bird of prey that is native to Africa. They are known to eat a variety of prey, including snakes, lizards, rodents, and birds.
Stomping on their food with their feet is a common practice among secretary birds. They’ve been seen to kill and consume poisonous snakes like cobras and vipers. In addition to snakes, they eat arthropods including beetles, wasps, scorpions, and grasshoppers.
10. Largemouth Bass
Another type of snake predator is the largemouth bass. This fish is native to Eastern and Central America and is a popular gamefish. Largemouth bass typically eats smaller fish, but they have been known to eat snakes as well.
The largemouth bass is known to eat a variety of small animals, including waterbirds, bats,frogs, crawfish, and hatchlings of turtles and alligators. they use their sense of smell, vibration, sight and hearing to attack and eat their prey.
Conclusion
Snakes are part of the food chain and are eaten by a variety of animals. These include other snakes, birds of prey, and mammals. Some of these animals are venomous themselves, while others have adapted to be immune to snake venom. Snakes provide a valuable source of food for many predators. So, the next time you see a snake, take a moment to think about all of the creatures that would love to make it their next meal!
