All snakes are carnivores, preying upon a variety of different animals including other snakes, fish, frogs, salamanders, rodents, insects, birds and slugs. Snakes have no claws or chewing teeth - they must eat their prey whole. They are able to eat prey larger than their head by allowing their jaws to disarticulate while swallowing and subsequently rearticulating the jaw when finished. Some snakes actively pursue their prey while others remain motionless and well camouflaged, waiting for unsuspecting prey to wander within striking distance. Snakes' diets vary among species and depend upon their size and behavior. For example, small snakes typically prey upon small, slow-moving animals like slugs and earthworms. Larger snakes often prey upon larger, more active prey. Snakes lack chewing teeth, and therefore, must eat their prey whole. Also, snakes lack appendages to grip and hold prey. As a result, many species have developed intriguing methods for capturing, immobilizing and killing their prey. Some snakes are able to kill their prey by constriction, thereby suffocating their victim, while others make use of venom that immobilizes their prey.
Snakes have evolved a variety of defense strategies since they are preyed upon by mammals, birds, and even other snakes. Camouflage coloration may conceal a snake's shape and confuse predators. When threatened, some snakes become immobile or "freeze" when they sense danger. Since many predators (hawks, owls, etc.) hunt by visual cues, they do not notice the motionless snake. Snakes also often employ a variety of bluffing behaviors. Several species vibrate their tail when threatened, making a rattling sound when it strikes dry leaves. Believing the snake to be a venomous rattlesnake, the predator may move on, unwilling to risk a potentially dangerous encounter. The eastern hog-nosed snake makes itself appear larger and more threatening by flattening its neck, and hissing loudly. If this does not work, these snakes will even play dead by lying on their backs and discharging a foul smell from specialized glands.
Micrurus (click to enlarge)
