Rattlesnakes might strike fear into the hearts of the locals living in the areas where they dwell. But there are actually a number of creatures that, in turn, strike fear into the hearts of the rattlesnakes themselves. Here are 18 animals that are a big threat to rattlesnakes.
Hawks
According to the Texas Panhandle Bird Nerd, a hawk will swiftly attack a rattlesnake from above and either break its neck or suffocate it with its talons. So, it’s pretty clear why rattlesnakes consider these mighty birds of prey as an enemy!
Eagles
The sharp vision of the mighty eagle helps it to see rattlesnakes from quite a distance, and when that happens, you can bet that it’s dinner time! The powerful grasp of the eagle allows it to pick up and carry off rattlesnakes with great ease.
Coyotes
The enemies of rattlesnakes aren’t just found in the skies. Coyotes are often in close quarters with rattlesnakes, and they frequently prey on them. These opportunistic feeders are quite happy to kill rattlesnakes when they’re hungry or just if they feel threatened.
Roadrunners
Roadrunners are agile birds that regularly hunt rattlesnakes, especially in the desert. Their immense speed means that it’s easy for them to catch one. They tend to peck at the heads of the snakes, killing them instantly.
Owls
Nighttime is no escape for rattlesnakes. In the dark, the owl is the top predator, and it can detect rattlesnakes even in pitch black. Rattlesnakes aren’t their preferred prey, but if the options are scarce, then snakes are on the menu.
King Snakes
In 2021, the Macon Telegraph documented a king snake brutally eating a rattlesnake, and apparently, it’s not uncommon. These snakes aren’t venomous themselves, but they’re actually immune to the venom of a rattlesnake, so they will happily enjoy one for dinner from time to time. Scary stuff.
Black Racers
The fast and agile black racer snake poses a serious problem to the rattlesnake population. It’s easy for them to catch rattlesnakes and then constrict them when they do. It’s possible for the black racer to even swallow the rattlesnake whole!
Badgers
Badgers are strong and aggressive predators that can take down rattlesnakes with ease. They’re able to dig out rattlesnakes from their hiding spots and use their powerful claws to kill them in one or two swift movements. The rattlesnakes don’t stand a chance!
Mongooses
More bad news for rattlesnakes: mongooses have developed resistance to snake venom, which means that the rattlesnake doesn’t have any defense against them. As a result, mongooses have turned into natural predators for rattlesnakes, so we can certainly consider them to be sworn enemies.
Bobcats
There have been many reports of bobcats easily killing rattlesnakes. The San Luis Obispo Tribune reported one such incident, saying that while the bobcat isn’t immune to the rattlesnake venom, it’s just too quick and gets its claws in before the rattlesnake can defend itself.
Turkeys
Turkeys don’t actually hunt rattlesnakes, but these big birds will attack them if they feel their flock is threatened – quite often the case. When it happens, they can use their talons and beaks to kill rattlesnakes, often avoiding the head and venomous parts.
Gopher Snakes
Here’s another snake that often causes problems for the lives of rattlesnakes. Gopher snakes can actually mimic the rattlesnakes to confuse and catch them. And at that point, they’re able to constrict and consume them. Not good for the rattlesnakes once again!
Skunks
Skunks have been known to hunt and consume rattlesnakes from time to time. They’re not a preferred meal, but because of the scarce diet of a skunk, these killings do happen. The strong claws and fearless nature of the skunk are bad news for rattlesnakes.
Weasels
Weasels are small but aggressive predators that hunt rattlesnakes pretty regularly. Their small size means that they’re more agile and pretty quick, so they’re better at avoiding being bitten when they go on the hunt. Weasels aren’t afraid of rattlesnakes, that’s for sure.
Ferrets
There are more small animals out there that can hunt and kill rattlesnakes despite being small in size, and the ferret is one of them. Size plays to the strength of ferrets as they’re able to wriggle into small spaces and grab rattlesnakes out from them.
Bullsnakes
Have Snakes Will Travel says with some confidence that bullsnakes are more than happy to eat rattlesnakes. And seeming as they’re not venomous themselves, they pose little threat to humans, so you might want to think about getting one as a guard to protect you from the rattlers!
Herons
Dry land is dangerous, and air attacks are also common, but what about water? Nope, that’s not safe for rattlesnakes either. That’s because herons hunt them in marshy environments by using their long legs to wade through water. These rattlesnakes just cannot catch a break wherever they go.
Opossums
The opossum will eat pretty much anything it can get its hands on, so while it might not actively hunt for rattlesnakes, you can bet your bottom dollar that it will kill and eat one if it ever crosses its path. A rattlesnake is no match for their sharp teeth and strong jaw.
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