You might think snakes are apex predators with few natural enemies, but you’d be surprised. Across every continent except Antarctica, dozens of animal species have evolved specialized techniques to hunt, kill, and consume snakes—even venomous ones.
From lightning-fast birds of prey to immune mammals and fellow reptiles, nature has created an intricate web of predator-prey relationships that keeps snake populations balanced.
Understanding what animals eat snakes reveals fascinating adaptations and hunting strategies you won’t find anywhere else in the animal kingdom.
1. Mongooses
Mongooses (Herpestidae) rank among the most famous snake hunters in the world, and their reputation is well-earned. These small carnivorous mammals possess partial immunity to snake venom, allowing them to tackle even cobras and vipers with remarkable confidence.
When hunting snakes, you’ll notice mongooses use their incredible speed and agility to their advantage. They dart in and out, provoking strikes from the snake while staying just out of reach. Their thick fur and tough skin provide additional protection against bites. The mongoose typically aims for the back of the snake’s head, delivering a fatal bite that severs the spinal cord.
Pro Tip: Mongooses don’t rely solely on venom immunity—their reflexes are up to three times faster than a snake’s strike speed, making evasion their primary defense mechanism.
Their effectiveness at controlling snake populations led to their introduction in Hawaii, the Caribbean, and other locations, though this sometimes created ecological problems when they targeted native species instead.
2. Secretary Birds
Secretary birds (Sagittarius serpentarius) stand as one of Africa’s most distinctive snake predators, reaching heights of up to 4 feet. These terrestrial raptors earned their name from the crest feathers resembling quill pens tucked behind a secretary’s ear.
You’ll find these birds stomping through African grasslands and savannas, using a hunting technique that’s both brutal and effective. They deliver powerful kicks to their prey, stunning or killing snakes with force equivalent to five times their body weight. Their long legs keep their bodies safely away from striking fangs while their thick scales on the lower legs provide armor against bites.
Secretary birds don’t discriminate—they’ll attack puff adders, cobras, and other venomous species with equal enthusiasm. After stunning a snake with repeated stomps, they’ll grasp it behind the head and either swallow it whole or tear it apart.
3. Eagles (Especially Snake Eagles)
Several eagle species specialize in hunting snakes, but snake eagles (Circaetinae) have evolved specifically for this purpose. These raptors possess thick, scaled legs that protect against venomous bites and exceptionally keen eyesight for spotting camouflaged serpents from great heights.
The short-toed snake eagle can spot a snake from over a mile away and dive at speeds exceeding 100 mph to snatch it. You’ll observe these birds gripping snakes just behind the head with powerful talons, preventing the snake from coiling around them or delivering a bite. Many eagle species will kill the snake mid-flight by dropping it repeatedly onto rocks.
Key Insight: Snake eagles have developed enlarged eyes with two focal points in each retina, allowing them to track both their flight path and spot prey simultaneously—a unique adaptation among birds of prey.
Brown snake eagles, bateleurs, and martial eagles across Africa and Asia have made snakes a dietary staple, consuming everything from blind snakes to black mambas.
4. Hawks
Various hawk species hunt snakes opportunistically, though red-tailed hawks and Harris’s hawks rank among the most frequent ophiophages. You’ll find these medium-sized raptors across North and South America, hunting snakes in diverse habitats from deserts to forests.
Hawks use their exceptional vision to spot snakes basking on rocks or moving through grass. They typically attack from above, using their sharp talons to pierce vital areas while their curved beaks tear flesh. Unlike snake eagles, most hawks lack specialized protection, so they target smaller, non-venomous species or young snakes.
Hunting technique varies by species:
- Red-tailed hawks prefer a perch-and-pounce strategy
- Harris’s hawks sometimes hunt cooperatively in family groups
- Roadside hawks actively pursue snakes on the ground
Their contribution to snake population control becomes especially important in agricultural areas where rodent-eating snakes might otherwise proliferate unchecked.
5. Owls
Several owl species include snakes in their diet, particularly the great horned owl, barn owl, and eastern screech owl. These nocturnal hunters target snakes that are active during twilight and nighttime hours.
Great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) demonstrate remarkable courage, attacking rattlesnakes and other venomous species despite the obvious danger. Their silent flight allows them to approach without alerting their prey, while powerful talons deliver crushing force to the snake’s body. You’ll find these owls can exert over 500 pounds per square inch of pressure—more than enough to subdue even large snakes.
The hunting advantages owls possess include:
- Night vision adapted for low-light conditions
- Asymmetrical ear placement for precise sound location
- Specialized feathers that eliminate flight noise
- Exceptionally strong grip strength
Barn owls typically target smaller snake species like garter snakes and ring-necked snakes, which they swallow whole after killing them with a quick bite to the head.
6. Herons
Great blue herons, green herons, and other wading birds hunt snakes near water sources where both animals frequently cross paths. You’ll observe these patient hunters standing motionless in shallow water or along shorelines, waiting for movement that betrays a snake’s presence.
When a heron spots a snake, it strikes with lightning speed, using its long, sharp beak like a spear. The bird typically targets water snakes, garter snakes, and other semi-aquatic species. After catching a snake, herons face the challenge of subduing and swallowing their writhing prey—often beating it against rocks or the ground until it stops moving.
Important Note: Herons occasionally tackle venomous cottonmouths and copperheads, relying on their quick reflexes and the reach advantage their long necks provide to avoid bites.
7. Roadrunners
Roadrunners (Geococcyx californianus) might look comical, but these desert-dwelling birds are fierce predators that regularly hunt rattlesnakes and other venomous species. You’ll find them throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico, where they’ve become legendary for their snake-hunting prowess.
Their hunting strategy involves teamwork and intelligence. Roadrunners often hunt in pairs, with one bird distracting the snake from the front while the other attacks from behind. They grab the snake by the tail and repeatedly slam it against rocks or hard ground until it’s stunned or dead. Their speed—reaching up to 27 mph—helps them dodge strikes.
Physical adaptations that make roadrunners successful snake hunters:
- Zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) for better grip and maneuverability
- Heavy-duty beak for delivering powerful pecks
- Quick reflexes honed by desert survival
- Low moisture requirements allowing them to hunt in extreme heat when snakes are sluggish
After killing a snake, roadrunners typically swallow it whole, starting with the head. If the snake is too large, they’ll consume what fits and let the rest hang from their beak until it digests.
8. Coyotes
Coyotes (Canis latrans) hunt snakes opportunistically throughout their range across North America. While snakes don’t form a major part of their diet, you’ll find coyotes will readily kill and eat them when encountered, especially during spring and summer when snakes are most active.
These adaptable canids use their keen sense of smell and hearing to locate snakes hidden in vegetation or burrows. When attacking, coyotes typically leap backward after each bite, avoiding counterstrikes. They target the snake’s midsection, using quick bites and shakes to break the spine before consuming their prey.
Coyotes show remarkable learning ability—they quickly distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species and adjust their caution level accordingly. Pack hunting occasionally occurs when a coyote discovers a large snake, with multiple animals taking turns harassing the serpent until it’s exhausted.
9. Foxes
Red foxes and kit foxes both include snakes in their varied diet, though snakes typically represent less than 5% of their food intake. You’ll observe these cunning predators using their intelligence and quick reflexes to capture snakes with minimal risk.
Fox hunting behavior demonstrates careful calculation. They approach snakes cautiously, testing the snake’s reaction with light paw taps from a safe distance. Once they’ve gauged the snake’s speed and temperament, foxes use their superior agility to dart in, grab the snake behind the head, and deliver a fatal bite.
Common Mistake: Assuming foxes avoid all venomous snakes—they’ll attack copperheads, rattlesnakes, and other dangerous species if hungry enough, though they prefer non-venomous prey when available.
10. Wild Boars
Wild boars (Sus scrofa) consume snakes as part of their omnivorous diet, using their powerful snouts to root out snakes hiding in leaf litter, logs, or underground. You’ll find these animals throughout Europe, Asia, and introduced populations in North America showing little fear of even venomous species.
Their thick skin and layer of fat provide substantial protection against snake bites, though they’re not immune to venom. Boars typically kill snakes by trampling them with their sharp hooves or biting down with powerful jaws. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect snakes that other predators might miss.
Wild boars demonstrate particular effectiveness at controlling snake populations in forested areas where they root through soil and vegetation, exposing snakes and consuming them along with insects, roots, and small mammals.
11. Raccoons
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are opportunistic feeders that will catch and eat snakes when they encounter them near water sources or during nocturnal foraging. You’ll notice these intelligent mammals show remarkable dexterity when handling snakes, using their sensitive front paws to grasp and manipulate their prey.
Their hunting approach combines caution with curiosity. Raccoons will often investigate a snake thoroughly, prodding it with their paws while staying alert for strikes. Once committed to the hunt, they grab the snake behind the head and bite down repeatedly until it stops moving.
Raccoon advantages when hunting snakes include:
- Nocturnal activity overlapping with many snake species
- Excellent tactile sensitivity for detecting hidden snakes
- Strong jaws capable of crushing vertebrae
- Thick fur providing some protection against bites
Water snakes and garter snakes frequently fall victim to raccoons hunting along streams and wetlands.
12. Opossums
Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) possess a remarkable advantage when hunting snakes—they’re largely immune to pit viper venom, including that of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. You’ll find these marsupials actively seeking out snakes as a protein-rich food source.
Their immunity stems from a peptide in their blood that neutralizes venom toxins. This biological defense allows opossums to hunt venomous snakes with minimal risk, though they still exercise caution to avoid physical injury from bites. They typically grab snakes by the midsection and bite repeatedly, working their way toward the head.
Pro Tip: Opossums consume snakes slowly and methodically, often taking several hours to fully consume a large snake—they’re one of the few predators that will eat the entire snake, including the head and fangs.
13. Skunks
Striped skunks, spotted skunks, and hog-nosed skunks all include snakes in their diet, using their excellent digging ability to uncover snakes from burrows and hiding spots. You’ll observe these mustelids showing surprising boldness when confronting snakes, perhaps because they know their potent spray provides an ultimate defensive weapon.
Skunks possess partial immunity to snake venom, allowing them to tackle even rattlesnakes with relative safety. They use their strong claws to pin the snake down and their sharp teeth to deliver killing bites. Their low-to-the-ground body structure and thick fur offer additional protection.
Snake eggs also feature prominently in skunk diets during spring and early summer. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate buried clutches that other predators might overlook.
14. Badgers
American badgers and European badgers rank among the most fearless snake predators, possessing thick, loose skin that makes it difficult for snakes to deliver effective bites. You’ll find these powerful diggers actively excavating snake dens and consuming any serpents they discover.
Their hunting technique emphasizes brute force over finesse. Badgers use their massive front claws to pin snakes to the ground, then dispatch them with powerful bites from strong jaws. Their low center of gravity and muscular build allow them to overpower even large snakes like bull snakes and racers.
Comparison of badger species as snake predators:
| Species | Primary Habitat | Snake Types Hunted | Hunting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Badger | Grasslands, prairies | Rattlesnakes, bull snakes, gopher snakes | Excavation and pursuit |
| European Badger | Woodlands, farmland | Grass snakes, adders, smooth snakes | Opportunistic foraging |
| Honey Badger | African savannas | Cobras, puff adders, mambas | Aggressive direct attack |
Honey badgers deserve special mention—they’re so resistant to venom that they’ve been documented killing and eating some of Africa’s most dangerous snakes, including black mambas and Cape cobras.
15. Weasels
Long-tailed weasels, short-tailed weasels (ermines), and least weasels all prey on small to medium-sized snakes. You’ll notice these slender carnivores can follow snakes into narrow spaces where larger predators cannot reach, making them particularly effective hunters.
Their hyperactive metabolism requires them to eat frequently, so weasels rarely pass up any potential prey item, including snakes. They kill with a characteristic bite to the back of the neck, using their needle-sharp teeth to sever the spinal cord. Their elongated body shape allows them to dodge snake strikes by twisting and contorting in ways other mammals cannot match.
Despite their small size (some species weighing less than 2 ounces), weasels show incredible courage and will attack garter snakes, ring-necked snakes, and even young rat snakes that outweigh them.
16. Bobcats
Bobcats (Lynx rufus) hunt snakes as supplementary prey throughout their North American range. You’ll observe these solitary cats using their excellent vision and hearing to locate snakes during dawn and dusk hunting sessions.
Their approach combines stealth with explosive power. Bobcats stalk to within pouncing distance, then leap forward with claws extended, pinning the snake to the ground. They deliver a killing bite to the back of the head while using their front paws to control the body. Their quick reflexes allow them to dodge strikes from venomous species.
Key Insight: Bobcats show learned behavior regarding snake species—individuals living in areas with high rattlesnake populations develop more cautious hunting techniques than those in regions with only non-venomous species.
17. Snapping Turtles
Common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) prey on water snakes and any terrestrial snakes that venture into water. You’ll find these aquatic predators lying motionless on pond and river bottoms, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Their hunting success relies on patience and explosive speed. When a snake swims within range, the turtle’s neck extends with shocking rapidity—capable of striking a distance equal to half its body length in milliseconds. The powerful beak-like jaws clamp down and rarely let go, crushing bones and preventing escape.
Snapping turtles offer several advantages as snake predators:
- Armored shell protecting against bites
- Ability to hold breath for hours while waiting
- Incredibly powerful bite force (up to 1,000 pounds per square inch)
- No need to leave water to hunt aquatic snakes
Water snakes, including cottonmouths, regularly fall victim to large snapping turtles that can easily overpower them in their aquatic environment.
18. Crocodiles
Various crocodilian species eat snakes opportunistically, including American alligators, saltwater crocodiles, and Nile crocodiles. You’ll observe these apex predators showing no hesitation when encountering snakes near water, treating them as just another prey item.
Crocodilians use their immense bite force—over 3,700 pounds per square inch in saltwater crocodiles—to instantly kill snakes. They typically grab the snake in their jaws and perform a death roll, disorienting and drowning the snake simultaneously. Their armored scales make them virtually impervious to snake bites, including those from highly venomous species.
American alligators in Florida and the Gulf Coast regularly consume cottonmouths and other water snakes. Larger individuals have been documented eating pythons and even anacondas in South America, demonstrating that no snake is too large for a sufficiently sized crocodilian.
19. Other Snakes (Including King Snakes and King Cobras)
Ophiophagy—the practice of snakes eating other snakes—occurs across multiple snake families worldwide. You’ll find that king snakes (Lampropeltis species) and king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) are the most famous examples, but many other species regularly consume their serpentine cousins.
King snakes possess remarkable immunity to pit viper venom, allowing them to prey on rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths without risk. They kill by constriction, wrapping coils around their prey and suffocating it before swallowing it whole. Their muscular build and aggressive temperament make them dominant predators in their territories.
Common snake-eating snake species include:
- King cobras (eat other cobras and kraits)
- Mussuranas (specialize in other snakes including venomous species)
- Indigo snakes (consume rattlesnakes and other species)
- King snakes (all varieties eat other snakes opportunistically)
- Black-headed pythons (prey on venomous Australian snakes)
Important Note: King cobras aren’t true cobras and belong to their own genus precisely because of their snake-eating specialization—their scientific name Ophiophagus hannah literally means “snake-eating hannah.”
Rat snakes, coachwhips, and racers also consume smaller snake species when opportunities arise, particularly targeting young snakes and eggs from competing species.
20. Humans
Humans represent unique snake predators, hunting serpents for food, materials, and population control rather than solely for sustenance. You’ll find snake consumption practiced across many cultures, with python, rattlesnake, and cobra featured in traditional cuisines throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Modern humans employ various methods for catching snakes:
- Snake hooks and tongs for safe capture
- Traps designed specifically for snakes
- Snake bags for temporary containment
- Hunting during specific seasons when snakes are active
In some regions, professional snake hunters remove venomous species from residential areas, contributing to both human safety and snake population management. The leather industry also creates demand for snake skins, particularly from pythons, boas, and rattlesnakes.
Cultural attitudes toward eating snakes vary dramatically. In parts of China, Vietnam, and Thailand, snake meat is considered a delicacy with medicinal properties. Native American tribes historically consumed rattlesnakes, while modern Southern cuisine in the United States includes rattlesnake dishes at festivals and restaurants.
Common Mistake: Believing all snake harvesting is unsustainable—well-managed snake hunting programs in places like Florida actually help control invasive python populations while providing meat and leather products.
Snake farms now raise pythons, rat snakes, and cobras commercially, reducing pressure on wild populations while meeting demand for meat, leather, and venom (used in antivenom production and medical research).
The diversity of snake predators demonstrates nature’s complex food webs and the important role serpents play as mid-level predators.
From specialized hunters like mongooses and secretary birds to opportunistic feeders like raccoons and wild boars, animals across every major vertebrate group have developed methods to hunt these challenging prey.
Whether you’re interested in wildlife ecology, snake population dynamics, or simply fascinated by predator-prey relationships, understanding what eats snakes reveals the intricate balance that maintains healthy ecosystems worldwide.
These natural control mechanisms prove far more effective than human intervention at managing snake populations while preserving the ecological benefits snakes provide.
