What Do Snakes Eat?

Snakes are carnivorous reptiles, meaning they exclusively eat other animals. Their diet varies widely depending on the species, their size, habitat, and whether they are venomous or constrictors. Here's an overview of what snakes eat:

Mammals

Most snakes, especially larger species, eat small to medium-sized mammals. This includes:

Rodents: Mice, rats, voles, and squirrels are staple prey for many snakes.
Rabbits: Consumed by large snakes such as pythons and boas.
Bats: Some arboreal snakes can catch bats mid-flight or while roosting.

Birds and Bird Eggs

Many snakes are skilled climbers and will raid bird nests.

Songbirds, chicks, and fledglings are often targeted.
Eggs are eaten whole by species like the egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis).

Reptiles

Snakes often prey on other reptiles:

Lizards are common prey, especially for small to medium-sized snakes.
Other snakes: Some snakes, like the king cobra or indigo snake, specialize in eating other snakes.

Amphibians

In wetter environments, amphibians are a key food source.

Frogs and toads are commonly eaten by water snakes and others that live near aquatic habitats.
Some snakes, like the garter snake, are known for eating salamanders and newts.

Fish

Aquatic and semi-aquatic snakes, such as the banded sea krait or water snakes, feed on fish.

These snakes often have adaptations for swimming and catching slippery prey.

Invertebrates

Smaller or juvenile snakes may feed on:

Insects (e.g., grasshoppers, crickets)
Earthworms
Slugs and snails
Spiders or scorpions in some desert species

Eggs and Carrion (Rarely)

A few snakes will eat eggs exclusively or opportunistically.
Carrion (dead animals) is generally avoided; snakes prefer live prey they can detect through movement and scent.

Feeding Method

Constrictors (e.g., boas, pythons) coil around prey and suffocate it before swallowing whole.
Venomous snakes (e.g., vipers, cobras) inject venom to immobilize or kill prey.
Non-venomous, non-constricting snakes often rely on ambush and quick strikes to seize and swallow prey live.

Digestive Adaptation

Snakes have highly elastic jaws and powerful digestive systems that allow them to consume prey larger than their head and digest bones, feathers, and fur over time.