Ruqayyah Snyder
Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem in Australia, and while they are often vilified, they can be beneficial to farmers by keeping rodent populations under control. While snakes are apex predators, they are not immune to being eaten themselves. Ophiophagy refers to the dietary habit of animals that hunt and eat snakes. This behaviour is most common among certain snake species, but birds, mammals, fish, and other reptiles also exhibit ophiophagy. In Australia, birds such as owls, hawks, and falcons are known to prey on snakes, and in some Indigenous communities, snakes are eaten as part of traditional diets. Additionally, other snake species, insects like tarantulas and spiders, and even mammals like bobcats and honey badgers are known to eat snakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals | Owls, hawks, falcons, herons, eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, secretary birds, blue-faced honey eaters, mongoose, honey badger, bobcat, wolverine, tarantulas, golden silk orb-weavers, redback spiders, giant water bugs, snakes |
| Birds | Yes |
| Mammals | Yes |
| Reptiles | Yes |
| Insects | Yes |
| Spiders | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Birds, including owls, hawks, falcons, herons, and birds of prey
Birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and herons, are all known to eat snakes in Australia.
Owls
Owls are nocturnal hunters with varied diets. They are opportunistic eaters, consuming whatever they can find in their habitat. Owls are capable of killing snakes with their powerful talons and sharp beaks. They can even catch large snakes like bull snakes, but typically only eat younger, smaller ones. The Great Horned Owl, for example, has been known to eat over 13 species of snakes.
Hawks
Hawks are carnivorous birds of prey with a varied diet. They eat anything smaller than themselves, including small mammals, insects, lizards, frogs, and snakes. Red-shouldered hawks, for instance, are known to eat snakes.
Falcons
Falcons are large, crow-sized birds of prey with a worldwide presence. They are known to eat small snakes, but these make up a small proportion of their diet. The Australian Peregrine Falcon, or "Black-cheeked Falcon", is a non-migratory species found in all regions of Australia except the southwest.
Herons
Herons are tall, striking birds with long necks and legs. They are carnivorous, with a preference for fish, but they will also eat amphibians, crustaceans, reptiles, small mammals, and small birds. While it may be rare, herons are likely to eat snakes if they come across them in their habitats, such as freshwater wetlands and marshes. The Australia Pied Heron is one such example.
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Other snakes, including the king snake and cobra
King snakes, including the king brown snake, are native to Australia and are known to eat other snakes. They are constrictors and rely on this method to subdue their prey before eating them. They are immune to the venom of venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes, and use a special technique to bite the jaws of their prey to prevent them from fighting back. King snakes also eat frogs, turtles, birds, eggs, and rodents.
The king cobra, on the other hand, is not native to Australia. It is found in Southern China, India, and Southeast Asia. The king cobra is a snake-eater and is perhaps the smartest snake in the world. It is a calculated hunter that changes its hunting strategy based on its prey and circumstances. The king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world, with an average length of 11 to 13 feet and a record length of over 18 feet. It typically eats other snakes, birds, and lizards but will also prey on rodents when options are limited. Some of its preferred snake prey include the Asian rat snake, dhamans, pythons, Indian cobras, kraits, vipers, and wolf snakes.
The Eastern indigo snake is another snake that eats other snakes. It is native to North America and is the longest snake on that continent. It is resistant to rattlesnake venom. Unlike king snakes, Eastern indigo snakes are not constrictors and instead rely on chasing and brute force to capture their prey.
Blue coral snakes have venom that allows them to take down bigger and stronger venomous snakes quickly. They prey on various snake species, including young king cobras.
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Mammals, such as the mongoose, honey badger, bobcat, and wolverine
While wolverines are known to eat snakes, they are not found in Australia. Wolverines are large weasels with a ferocious temperament and a voracious appetite. They are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They will eat almost anything, including small mammals, birds, insects, and snakes. They typically kill snakes by biting them in half or crushing them with their powerful jaws.
Mongooses are fearless mammals that hunt and eat snakes, even venomous ones. They are known for their quick reflexes and sharp teeth, which they use to bite the back of a snake's head. Mongooses are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, but not in Australia. They are seen as defenders against venomous snakes, especially in regions where snakes are a symbol of evil and malice.
Honey badgers, found in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, are known to eat snakes as well. They are tough and intelligent animals with unusually tough skin and a natural immunity to venom. They get their name from their preferred food choice of honey and bee larvae, but their main calorie source is small vertebrates, including snakes.
Bobcats are carnivores that can be found in North America. They are skilled predators and eat a variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and snakes. They are known to target rattlesnakes specifically but are not immune to their venom. Bobcats usually adopt opportunistic hunting tactics, and their diet depends on what is easily available in their environment.
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Insects, like tarantulas and spiders
Spiders can also eat snakes. In fact, spiders from 11 different families are able to catch and eat snakes, and this behaviour has been observed on every continent except Antarctica. In Australia, redback spiders are known to eat brown snakes, which are among the most venomous snakes in the world. Black widow spiders are the most successful spider species at catching and eating snakes, making up around half of all reported incidents. Their venom contains a toxin that specifically targets the nervous systems of reptiles, allowing them to paralyse and kill much larger snakes.
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Humans, the biggest killers of snakes
Humans are the biggest killers of snakes in Australia, with a widespread view that venomous snakes pose a significant danger to human life. This perception often leads to attempts to kill snakes, which can result in fatal snake bites. In reality, bites from brown snakes, one of the most lethal species, rarely prove fatal unless the snake is attacked first. This negative attitude towards snakes stems from the perceived danger of snakebites, despite the fact that most species are too small or rare to pose a significant risk to humans.
The Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis), found throughout eastern Australia, has earned a reputation as the country's most dangerous snake due to its highly venomous bite, speed, and aggressive temperament. Its proliferation in agricultural areas has further solidified its reputation as a dangerous pest, despite its role in providing pest control by preying on rodents.
Negative perceptions of snakes are not without reason, as snakebites can be life-threatening. In Australia, deaths from snakebites are rare, with only a few fatalities each year, thanks to the availability of effective antivenom and adequate medical care. However, the fear of snakebites has led to a culture of snake killing, particularly in rural areas, where people attempt to kill every snake they encounter, as evidenced by a study in rural Australia where 38% of respondents admitted to trying to kill snakes whenever possible.
This human-wildlife conflict has resulted in the decline of snake populations, with species like the Brownsnake being persecuted in agroecosystems across southern Australia. While the initial bite of an Eastern Brown Snake may be painless and often undetected, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent severe envenomation and potential death. Simple precautions, such as wearing protective clothing when outdoors, can also significantly reduce the risk of snakebite.
The benefits of snake populations in agricultural areas are numerous. Snakes play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature by preying on rodents that damage crops and spread diseases. A more balanced view of the costs and benefits of snakes is necessary. Tolerating and coexisting with venomous snakes can bring about economic, environmental, and health benefits that outweigh the relatively low risk of snakebite.
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Frequently asked questions
Birds, snakes, and mammals are among the animals that eat snakes. Birds of prey such as owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, herons, and secretary birds are known to eat snakes. Some snakes, like the king snake, also eat other snakes and are immune to their venom. Mammals such as the mongoose, honey badger, bobcat, and wolverine are also known to eat snakes.
Yes, insects such as large tarantulas, golden silk orb-weavers, and redback spiders (found in Australia) have been known to prey on small snakes.
Yes, snakes can help control the population of pests such as rodents and crop-eating insects.
In certain Indigenous communities in Australia, snakes are eaten as part of traditional diets, although this practice is less common today. In some African countries, snake meat is also consumed, either out of necessity or preference.
Keeping your grass short can help deter snakes as they are wary of birds, which are more likely to spot them in open spaces.
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