Curious question for the Year of the Snake! What animals in the world can’t be defeated by snakes?

Review expert: Wang Lei, National Park and Nature Reserve Researcher, PhD in Ecology

Editor's Note

The Year of the Snake is here. How much do you know about snakes? Beijing Science Center has carefully planned a series of popular science columns titled "Curious Questions in the Year of the Snake" to explore the wonderful world of snakes from a scientific perspective and start a wonderful journey of exploring the science of snakes in the new year.

Snakes are reptiles that are widely distributed around the world. With their keen senses, powerful venom, and swift movements, they terrify many animals. So, do snakes, which seem to be top predators, have any natural enemies?

Raptors: Predators that swoop down from the sky

Birds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, and vultures, have a very good handle on snakes. These predatory birds have excellent eyesight and powerful claws that allow them to quickly spot and catch snakes in mid-air. They primarily kill snakes by flying and swooping down to grab a firm hold of them. Once off the ground, it is difficult for the snake to fight back.

Eagles are one of the most common natural enemies of snakes. They can catch snakes with their powerful flying ability and sharp claws. In some areas, especially in grasslands and forests, the struggle between eagles and snakes is often extremely fierce.

Eagles usually choose smaller or less venomous snakes as prey, but for some large or highly venomous snakes, eagles will choose the time to attack more carefully.

Vultures are also a type of raptor that preys on snakes. Although they usually feed on carrion, they will also take the initiative to catch live snakes when resources are scarce. With their powerful flying ability and keen eyesight, vultures can easily identify and catch snakes.

Mammals: Dexterous Ground Hunters

On the ground, many mammals are also natural enemies of snakes, especially larger predators such as foxes, raccoons, raccoons, wild boars, etc. They have strong bite force and flexible movements, which can effectively fight against and prey on snakes.

0 1 Fox and Raccoon

These animals have a very keen sense of smell and a flexible body, which allows them to quickly detect the presence of snakes. Some snakes emit a specific smell when they escape, and foxes and raccoons use this to locate the hiding place of snakes.

Their snake-catching skills rely mainly on quick reactions and strength advantages. Some foxes and raccoons can not only easily overpower smaller snakes, but can even repel venomous snakes with a powerful bite.

0 2 Wild Boar

Wild boars are very strong animals with strong bite force and sharp teeth. In the fight with snakes, wild boars usually use their strong physique to directly fight. For those snakes hiding in the mud or grass, wild boars can use their keen sense of smell and large body to bite and suppress the snakes for a long time, making it difficult for the snakes to fight back.

0 3 Raccoon

Raccoons may look cute, but they are superb hunters known for their smart behavior and strong climbing ability. Raccoons can move in trees, on the ground, and in water. When a snake tries to escape, raccoons can catch it with their quick reactions and diverse hunting techniques and avoid the snake's bite attack.

Other reptiles: cold-blooded competitors

Snakes' competitors in nature are not limited to mammals and birds. Other reptiles, such as lizards and crocodiles, can also make snakes "tremble in fear." In front of some large lizards and crocodiles, snakes are often helpless.

0 1 Giant Lizard

Some giant lizards, such as the Komodo dragon, often feed on snakes. They have a very keen sense of smell and a strong bite force. Although the Komodo dragon is not as fast as a snake, its oral saliva contains certain bacteria and toxins. Once a snake is bitten, it will quickly weaken and lose its resistance.

0 2 Crocodile

Crocodiles, one of the strongest reptiles on Earth, often prey on snakes. Crocodiles live near water bodies, and snakes often enter the water to try to escape their enemies, but this becomes a "must-kill" opportunity for crocodiles. With their powerful jaws and swift maneuverability in the water, crocodiles can easily catch and swallow snakes.

In general, predators from different ecological niches are capable of hunting snakes. From aerial attacks by birds of prey to ground hunting by mammals and other reptiles, snakes are not invincible in nature. In the competition with natural enemies, snakes have continuously evolved various survival strategies, including venom, defensive behaviors, and rapid escape capabilities.