For the most part, we’re safe from predators in our everyday lives—but snakes? Snakes are lurking and waiting to pounce on us at any moment, right? Wrong!
While it’s true that some snakes have evolved venomous bites to subdue their prey, some animals have evolved ways to defend themselves against them!
Here are 15 animals that eat snakes—you won’t believe who’s on the list!
1. Alligators
With good reason: alligators are some of the most feared predators in the world.
These massive reptiles can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. They are very good animals that eat snakes.
And while they mostly stick to freshwater swamps and marshes, alligators have also ventured into saltwater environments. But what do these fearsome predators eat?
2. Bobcats
The bobcat is a North American wildcat that ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas and semi-desert, urban edges, forest edges, and swampland environments.
A versatile hunter, bobcats are animals that eat snakes and more than 70 species. Prey includes rabbits, squirrels, mice, rats, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
When preying on larger animals, such as deer, the bobcat will stalk its prey and then ambush it with a short burst of speed before delivering a fatal bite to the neck or throat.
3. Cats
You might not think of cats as snake-eaters, but they are quite skilled.
A cat’s sharp claws and teeth make short work of a snake, and their quick reflexes mean they can usually avoid being bitten.
Many cats will play with a snake before killing it, allowing them to practice their hunting skills.
Some people even train their cats to be animals that eat snakes.
4. Cobras
Of all the animals that eat snakes, cobras are probably the most well-known.
After all, they’re often depicted in movies and TV shows preying on unsuspecting victims.
What you may not know, however, is that cobras don’t kill their prey with their venom. Instead, they use it to subdue their meal so they can swallow it whole.
5. Cormorants
Cormorants are water birds often seen with long necks and curved beaks sticking out of the water.
You may not know that these birds are skilled at hunting or animals that eat snakes.
They swim underwater until they find a snake, then quickly pounce on it, killing it instantly.
When a group of cormorants finds a snake in one go, they can eat it all in one sitting or take turns to have a go at the tasty meal.
6. Dogs
Dogs are one of the most common animals that eat snakes. This is likely because they are natural predators and have strong hunting instincts.
While most dogs will not hesitate to kill and eat a snake, some breeds are likelier to do so than others.
These include terriers, hounds, and herding dogs. Some dog owners train their pets to hunt and kill snakes as pest control.
7. Eagles
Eagles are one of the most iconic predators in North America. They’re also among the active hunter’s animals that eat snakes.
Eagles will swoop down and grab a snake in their talons before flying back to their nest to eat it.
While eagles typically go for smaller snakes, they have been known to take down rattlesnakes and other large species.
8. Hedgehogs
The hedgehog’s resistance to various toxins is one of its peculiar and exceptional traits.
It enables the animal to devour several poisonous members of the food chain without suffering any negative consequences.
This includes snakes, frogs, bees, spiders, scorpions, and beetles.
The bobcat consumes a third of its body weight during each nighttime hunt, gorging on plants, insects, tiny vertebrates, and other small animals that would otherwise injure or kill humans. Hedgehog species that live mostly off of tiny insects exist.
Herbivores, insectivores, and carnivores are all present in other hedgehog species (i.e., omnivores).
They consume anything and continuously eat; the creature is, however, known to go for long stretches without eating.
9. Honey Badgers
Honey badgers might be the most surprising of all the animals on this list.
These small carnivores are native to Africa and known for their fearless nature.
Honey badgers have been known to take down snakes much larger than they are.
And they’re not picky about what kind of snake they eat, either. They’ve been known to animals that eat snakes, mostly eating venomous snakes like cobras without ill effects.
10. Kingsnakes
One of the most common predators of snakes is the kingsnake.
These reptiles are immune to venom, so they’re not afraid to take on even the most dangerous prey.
Kingsnakes will kill their prey by constricting it until it can no longer breathe. In addition, kingsnakes are animals that eat snakes, lizards, rodents, and birds.
11. Kookaburras
Kookaburras are well-known for their distinctive call, which sounds like laughter.
These birds are found in woodlands throughout Australia and New Guinea.
Kookaburras eat a variety of food, including snakes. They have been known animals that eat snakes, like venomous snakes, such as brown and tiger snakes.
12. Mongoose
The mongoose is a small carnivorous mammal native to southern Eurasia and Africa.
The mongoose is known for its ability to kill snakes, especially cobras. The Mongoose is the only animal that can kill a cobra.
Mongooses are fearless animals that eat snakes and will even attack a king cobra.
So, if you’re ever in danger of being attacked by a snake, hope that a mongoose is nearby!
13. Secretary Birds
You might not expect it, but these big birds are adept at killing and eating snakes. They have long legs to kick at their prey, stunning or killing it.
Then, they use their beaks to rip the snake open and eat it whole. Pretty impressive, right?
14. Wild Boars
You might not think wild boars are particularly dangerous, but they’re one of the few animals that will actively seek out and eat snakes.
These animals that eat snakes have sharp tusks and a strong sense of smell, which help them root out their prey.
Wild boars will eat just about any type of snake, including venomous ones.
While they’re not immune to snake venom, they can withstand larger doses than most other animals.
So, if you ever find yourself in the wilderness and come across a wild boar, beware – it might just be looking for its next meal!
15. Wolverines
Wolverines are animals that eat snakes. They are very powerful and have sharp claws that help kill their prey.
Wolverines are also known to be very aggressive and can be dangerous to humans if they feel threatened.
While they may not be the biggest animal on this list, they are certainly one of the most feared.
Regarding snake-eating, wolverines are second only to human beings.
The wolverine is a ferocious predator with an insatiable appetite for meat; it will even prey on rabbits and mice when food is scarce.
Unlike most other mammals, its diet consists exclusively of meat from various sources, including deer, bear cubs, ground squirrels, and carrion (the flesh of dead animals).
Conclusion
Do you have a fear of snakes? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are afraid of these slithering creatures.
But did you know that quite a few animals that eat snakes?
Many animals like to dine on snake meat, but here is a list of 15 animals who also love to take down a snake for lunch: crocodiles, king cobras, monitor lizards, pythons, boa constrictors, and more.
And some mammals, too- like foxes and raccoons. Even some birds- like vultures and owls- also enjoy eating snakes!
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