What Eats Snakes? A Lot of Animals, Including Other Snakes

Owls, foxes, raccoons and big cats are just a few of the many snake-killing (and snake-eating) creatures out there. Most animals kill snakes for meat, not for sport. Carlos Carreno / Getty Images

While snakes skillfully hunt their prey, they aren’t at the top of the food chain. From birds of prey to larger mammals, there are plenty of animals in the wild that hunt snakes for a tasty meal.

But what eats snakes? And what about venomous snakes? Do their toxins keep them safe from predators? Not always. Some animals can consume venomous snakes without getting sick.

6 Natural Predators of Snakes

When it comes to natural predators, snakes have plenty to worry about. Here are a few predators that help control snake populations.

Great horned owl: The great horned owl and other birds of prey are expert hunters that often eat smaller snakes. These owls use their powerful talons to grab snakes right off the ground and kill them quickly before consuming them.
Moongoose: The mongoose is a fearless mammal that hunts snakes — even venomous ones. They move quickly and can use their sharp teeth on the back of a snake's head.
Foxes: Foxes aren't picky; as such, they will eat snakes.
Raccoons: Raccoons have a varied diet and will also eat snakes
Big cats: Several type of big cats, including jaguars and leopards, feast on snakes. They strike quickly to kill snakes.
Snakes: Yes, there are snake-killing snake species that prey on each other. Snakes like rattlesnakes, Eastern indigo snakes and banded kraits are just a few snakes that eat other snakes.

How Animals Can Eat Venomous Snakes Without Getting Sick

Some animal can eat a venomous snake without feeling the effects of poisonous snakes.

The mongoose are animals that kill snakes. They have a natural resistance to snake venom. The mongoose can take on deadly cobras and other venomous snakes, biting the snake and quickly killing it before enjoying the meal.

Other wild animals, like birds of prey, rely on their quick reflexes to avoid snake bites. They strike venomous snakes with their sharp talons and beaks, killing the snake before it has a chance to bite back.

Some snake predators also target baby snakes or smaller snakes, which may not have fully developed their venom yet.

How Humans Have Historically Consumed Snakes

Humans also eat snakes. Snake meat is a delicacy in many cultures. In parts of Asia, people consume sea snakes. In the Southwest in the United States, rattlesnake meat is sometimes a local dish.

Eating snakes might sound unusual to some, but in areas where snakes are plentiful, it’s just another way to use local resources.

You can prepare snake meat in soups, grilled or fried. Snake meat is low in fat and high in protein, making it a lean source of nutrition for people living in areas where larger game might be scarce. From rattlesnake jerky to snake soup, humans have found creative ways to consume snakes across the globe.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.