20 Snake Predators: Discover the Main Enemies of Snakes and Snake-Eating Birds

Snakes are often perceived as some of the most powerful and deadly animals in the animal kingdom. However, like all creatures, snakes have natural predators. Beyond the fear they evoke, snakes are reptiles without limbs that move by slithering, and many species possess venom to defend themselves. This article from EcologíaVerde presents 20 snake predators — the natural enemies of snakes — and also reveals which birds are known for eating snakes.

1. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

The king cobra is one of the most notorious snake predators. As its scientific name "Ophiophagus" suggests ("snake-eater"), its diet primarily consists of other snakes. It is the largest venomous snake in the world, capable of delivering about 500 mL of potent neurotoxic venom that paralyzes the respiratory and cardiac systems of its prey. Some king cobras specialize in hunting specific snake species, such as large pythons or Asian rat snakes (Ptyas spp.). They play a crucial role in controlling snake populations.

2. Mongoose or Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)

Mongooses are fierce carnivores known to prey on all types of snakes, with a particular preference for cobras. Remarkably, they possess immunity to the deadly venom of the king cobra. Mongooses use a tactic of feigning vulnerability to approach snakes and then launch a swift attack. This predator-prey relationship is a constant evolutionary arms race. Despite their venom resistance, large snakes can inflict serious injuries on mongooses, sometimes resulting in death due to puncture wounds from snake fangs.

3. Snake Eagles (Spilornis spp.)

Snake eagles are birds of prey specialized in hunting snakes. Utilizing their keen eyesight from great heights, they swoop down at high speed, striking snakes with their talons before the snakes can react. They typically grab snakes by the head to prevent counterattacks. Snake eagles either carry their prey away in flight or consume it on the ground. Their thick-scaled legs protect them from snake bites.

4. Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Raccoons have a varied diet that includes plants and animals, including snakes. They tend to target injured or slower snakes, avoiding venomous species. While not specialized snake predators, raccoons opportunistically feed on snakes when available.

5. Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Foxes are omnivores and opportunistic hunters. Though snakes are not their primary food source, they will hunt and consume snakes if encountered. Their acute sense of smell and hunting skills make them efficient predators, but they lack immunity to venom and can be fatally bitten.

6. Hedgehogs (Family Erinaceidae)

Hedgehogs might not be the first animals that come to mind as snake predators, but they are known to feed on venomous snakes such as vipers. They possess antibodies that protect them from snake venom-induced bleeding, making them effective snake hunters.

7. Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

Wild boars are omnivorous and have a diverse diet including snakes. They are resistant to snake venom thanks to a receptor that blocks the neurotoxic effects. This immunity allows them to safely prey on venomous snakes.

8. Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis)

Honey badgers are among the few mammals immune to snake venom. They consume a wide variety of prey, including venomous snakes like cobras and boas. Honey badgers use their dexterous paws to tear prey apart thoroughly, leaving no bones or skin behind.

9. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

Great horned owls are nocturnal raptors that occasionally feed on snakes. Although snakes are not a primary food source, they will prey on smaller snakes when the opportunity arises, making them important snake predators among birds.

10. Meerkat (Suricata suricatta)

Meerkats, relatives of mongooses, inhabit African deserts and primarily eat insects but will also prey on snakes and scorpions. Some species have immunity to certain snake venoms, including that of the king cobra. When threatened, meerkat groups surround snakes, collectively intimidating the predator.

11. Lynx (Lynx spp.)

Lynxes can successfully prey on rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.). Typically, snakes initiate confrontations by raising their neck and striking forward. Lynxes counter with agile swipes, seizing the snake's head and killing it with sharp canine teeth. Although lions are related felines, there is little evidence they prey on snakes.

12. Humans (Homo sapiens sapiens)

Humans are significant snake predators due to fear and habitat destruction. Many snake species, including the king cobra, face threats of extinction from persecution and environmental changes caused by human activities.

Other Snake Predators

• Thick-tailed opossums (Lutreolina spp.)

• Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)

• Barred owls (Strix varia)

• Common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis)

• Coyotes (Canis latrans)

• Owls (Order Strigiformes)

• Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos)

• Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

For more fascinating articles on snakes and wildlife, explore our Wild Animals category.

Bibliography

Beatty, R., Beer, A., & Deeming, C. (2010). The book of nature. Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley.

Young, D. (1999). "Ophiophagus hannah" Available at: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ophiophagus_hannah/

Featherstone, D. (2021). Why Are Mongooses And Snakes Enemies?. Available at: https://www.forestwildlife.org/why-are-mongooses-and-snakes-enemies/

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (s.f.) Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758. Available at: https://www.gbif.org/species/113274582

animal tags： Snake Predators