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What is the Most Common Snake Prey?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

There are approximately 2,700 different species of snakes, and snake prey varies from species to species. Some snakes, such as the Brahminy blind snakes, are quite small, measuring only a few inches long (4-5 cm), while others, such as anacondas, can grow to be nearly 40 feet (12.2 m) in length. Consequently, the prey of snakes can range from small termites and the larvae of insects to large mammals, such as cows, jaguars, sheep, and dogs. The most common snake prey includes mice, frogs, and other small or mid-sized creatures.

Nearly all snake prey is eaten whole. In addition, the prey can be nearly three times the size of the head of the snake. This is because the bottom jaw can dislodge from the top jaw. The result is a wide bite and the ability to eat animals in their entirety. Generally, the teeth are not used for chewing the snake prey, but for holding it.

Rats are common prey for many types of snakes.
Rats are common prey for many types of snakes.

Some species of snakes, such as the Groen Boomslang, have opisthoglyphous, or rear-facing fangs, toward the back of their jaws. Although the saliva of these kinds of snakes is usually toxic, the rear-facing teeth also do their part to catch snake prey. Specifically, some snake prey, such as frogs, toads, and other snakes, tend to inflate their lungs and bodies to defend themselves from predators. The rear-facing fangs work to puncture the inflated air sacs and make the snake prey easier to swallow.

Anacondas and pythons have been known to prey on alligators.
Anacondas and pythons have been known to prey on alligators.

There are some species of snakes that are venomous, such as the pit viper and the rattlesnake. The venom is injected into the creature upon the first bite and will either affect the nervous system or the vascular system. Some snakes may only cause pain and swelling, while others inject deadly toxins.

Anacondas and pythons are constrictors. They squeeze their prey until the animal dies. Interestingly, if one of these snakes catch a large enough prey, they can live for nearly a year without catching more prey. They have been known to catch cows, alligators, wallabies, jaguars, and other large animals.

Pythons are constrictors.
Pythons are constrictors.

Some people enjoy owning pet snakes. They may wonder whether they should use pre-killed snake prey or give their snake live prey. Most snake specialists recommend that pet snakes eat mice, frogs, or rats that are already dead. They fear that a live rat or mouse could injure a snake if he wasn’t ready to hunt. In addition, the cost of keeping live prey may be more than some people would want to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common prey for snakes in the wild?

Most snakes enjoy eating mice.
Most snakes enjoy eating mice.

Snakes have a diverse diet, but rodents are the most common prey for many terrestrial snake species. This includes mice, rats, and voles, which are abundant and provide a substantial amount of nutrients. Rodents are often found in the same habitats as snakes, making them accessible and a staple in the snake diet.

Do snakes eat insects, and if so, which kinds are most commonly consumed?

Yes, snakes do eat insects, especially smaller or juvenile snakes. Insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars are commonly consumed. These insects are rich in protein and are easier for small snakes to catch and digest. Insect-eating is particularly prevalent among species like garter snakes and smooth green snakes.

How do aquatic snakes hunt, and what are their primary food sources?

Aquatic snakes, such as water snakes and sea snakes, hunt by swimming and diving to catch their prey. Their primary food sources include fish and amphibians, which they capture with their sharp teeth and sometimes venom. They are adept at navigating water to ambush or chase down these aquatic creatures.

Can snakes prey on other reptiles or even their own kind?

Yes, snakes can and do prey on other reptiles, including lizards, smaller snakes, and occasionally even their own species in acts of cannibalism. This behavior is more common in larger snake species that require more substantial meals. King snakes, for example, are known for eating other snakes, including venomous ones.

What role do birds play in the diet of snakes?

Birds, along with their eggs, are a significant part of the diet for some snake species. Tree-dwelling or arboreal snakes, such as the green tree python, are well-adapted to capturing birds. Snakes may consume birds by invading nests or catching adult birds by surprise, using their stealth and constriction abilities.

Are there any snakes that specialize in eating eggs, and how do they consume them?

Yes, some snakes, like the African egg-eating snake, specialize in consuming eggs. These snakes have evolved a unique method to consume eggs: they swallow them whole and use specialized vertebral protrusions to crack the eggshell internally. After extracting the contents, they regurgitate the empty shell.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to AllThingsNature.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to AllThingsNature.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

summing

Why are some snakes venomous and some snakes not? It doesn't seem to have anything to do with size and location because there are big and small snakes the world over who have developed the ability to transmit venom. I'm sure it has to do with the mysteries of evolution, but have herpetologists come up with any theories about how this trait developed?

ZsaZsa56
I saw this photography exhibit recently that was all very large very high definition pictures of snakes swallowing prey. It ranged from tiny snakes eating little mice to huge constrictors that could eat a whole pig.

Most of the shots were taken in profile so you could see how wide the snake's jaw was. It also helped to contrast the placid looking face of the snakes with the frantic back half of the animal being swallowed alive. I don't normally go for nature photography but this was a great exhibit.

nextcorrea

So you know in those movies about killer snakes the snakes are always able to eat human beings, usually while they are still alive? I know in that one movie Anaconda the snake ate like 10 different people. The movies aren't real of course, but can snakes really eat a human being? Will they actually go after a person and swallow them?

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    • Rats are common prey for many types of snakes.
      By: Ilia Shcherbakov
      Rats are common prey for many types of snakes.
    • Anacondas and pythons have been known to prey on alligators.
      By: eastmanphoto
      Anacondas and pythons have been known to prey on alligators.
    • Pythons are constrictors.
      By: fivespots
      Pythons are constrictors.
    • Most snakes enjoy eating mice.
      By: german
      Most snakes enjoy eating mice.