Snakes are among the most fascinating animals on the planet. Their silent movements, hunting strategies, and ability to survive in almost every environment make them one of nature’s most successful predators. Yet one of the most common questions people search for is what do snakes eat, what do garter snakes eat, what eats snakes, what do corn snakes eat, and what animals eat snakes in the wild.
This guide brings together the latest information available as of November 2025, written in a clear, natural, and user-friendly way. Whether you want to understand wild snake diets, know what pet snakes should eat, or learn about the animals that prey on snakes, everything is explained step by step.
Understanding What Snakes Eat
Snakes are strict carnivores. They do not eat plants, fruits, or vegetables. No matter the species—small garden snakes or large pythons—snakes survive entirely on animal-based food.
However, the specific diet varies depending on size, location, hunting style, and environment. A snake living in a forest has different prey than a snake living in a desert or grassland. Some snakes rely on ambush hunting, while others actively chase prey.
In general, snakes eat the following categories of food:
- insects
- worms
- frogs and amphibians
- fish
- birds
- eggs
- rodents
- reptiles
- larger mammals (in the case of big snakes like pythons and anacondas)
Their flexible jaws allow them to swallow prey whole, which is one of their most well-known traits.
What Do Snakes Eat in the Wild?
To fully understand what snakes eat, it helps to look at different groups of snakes based on size and hunting habits.
Diet of Small Snakes
Small snakes primarily eat prey they can easily overpower, including:
- insects
- slugs
- earthworms
- small fish
- tiny amphibians
These snakes depend on quick strikes and minimal struggle.
Diet of Medium-Sized Snakes
Medium snakes, such as rat snakes or king snakes, eat:
- mice
- rats
- frogs
- bird eggs
- small birds
- lizards
- smaller snakes
They often climb trees, explore burrows, and hunt in water depending on the species.
Diet of Large Snakes
Large snakes like boas, pythons, and anacondas consume:
- rabbits
- large rodents
- monkeys
- wild pigs
- deer (for extremely large pythons)
- birds
- reptiles
Large snakes rarely eat but consume big meals when they do.
What Do Garter Snakes Eat?
Garter snakes are one of the most common snakes in North America. People often see them in backyards, gardens, and parks, which makes the question what do garter snakes eat especially important.
Garter snakes have a diverse diet because they live close to water and grassy habitats.
The Primary Diet of Garter Snakes
Garter snakes eat:
- earthworms
- slugs and snails
- small fish
- frogs and tadpoles
- insects
- small rodents (occasionally)
They do not rely heavily on rodents, unlike many other snake species. Their preference for moist environments explains why their diet includes a lot of amphibians and earthworms.
Do Garter Snakes Eat Garden Pests?
Yes, garter snakes help control pests such as:
- slugs
- beetles
- small insects
This makes them beneficial for gardens, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
Do Garter Snakes Eat Other Snakes?
Some species of garter snakes have been known to eat smaller snakes, but this is not common. They mainly focus on soft-bodied prey.
What Do Corn Snakes Eat?
Corn snakes are among the most popular pet snakes in the world due to their calm behavior and easy care requirements. Many people search what do corn snakes eat when they are planning to keep one as a pet or want to understand how they survive in the wild.
Wild Corn Snake Diet
In the wild, corn snakes typically eat:
- mice
- small birds
- eggs
- lizards
- tree frogs
Corn snakes are excellent climbers, so their diet includes arboreal prey as well.
Corn Snake Diet in Captivity
For pet corn snakes, the recommended diet is straightforward:
- frozen-thawed mice
- frozen-thawed rats (for larger adults)
Reptile experts strongly discourage feeding live prey unless necessary, as it can injure the snake.
Feeding Schedule for Corn Snakes
- Juveniles: every 5–7 days
- Adults: every 7–14 days
Corn snakes are efficient eaters and require less food than most beginners expect.
What Eats Snakes?
While snakes are strong predators, they are also prey for many animals. This leads to the popular question what eats snakes or what animals eat snakes in natural ecosystems.
Many wildlife species rely on snakes for food. The predators depend on the region, snake size, and availability of other prey.
Below is a detailed breakdown of animals that eat snakes.
What Animals Eat Snakes?
Snakes have a variety of natural predators. These predators help balance ecosystems and prevent snakes from becoming dominant in certain habitats.
Birds That Eat Snakes
Birds are among the most effective snake hunters. They use speed, vision, and aerial advantage.
Birds that eat snakes include:
- hawks
- eagles
- owls
- secretary birds
- herons
- roadrunners
The secretary bird, found in Africa, is one of the most powerful snake hunters in the world and can kill venomous snakes with fast, accurate kicks.
Mammals That Eat Snakes
Many mammals see snakes as a source of protein and hunt them actively.
These mammals eat snakes:
- foxes
- raccoons
- mongooses
- wild cats
- badgers
- coyotes
- hedgehogs
The mongoose is particularly known for hunting venomous snakes thanks to its agility and resistance to certain toxins.
Reptiles That Eat Snakes
Some reptiles are snake specialists.
These reptiles eat snakes:
- king snakes
- monitor lizards
- crocodiles
- alligators
King snakes are famous for eating other snakes, including venomous ones.
Amphibians and Fish That Eat Small Snakes
In swampy regions and wetlands, small snakes may fall prey to:
- bullfrogs
- large toads
- big fish like bass or catfish
These cases are less common but do occur in the wild.
Humans Eating Snakes
In some cultures, people consume snake meat for traditional or dietary reasons. Species such as rattlesnakes and pythons may be used in regional dishes. However, this depends on local laws and conservation status.
Why Are Snakes So Important in the Food Chain?
Understanding what animals eat snakes helps show why snakes play a central part in ecosystems. Snakes function as both predators and prey.
Snakes Control Pests
By eating rodents, insects, and other small animals, snakes help prevent:
- crop damage
- spread of disease
- overpopulation of pests
Their presence reduces dependence on chemical pesticides.
Snakes Feed Larger Animals
Birds of prey, mammals, and reptiles rely on snakes as part of their natural diet. Without snakes, these species would lose a major food source.
Snakes Maintain Balance in Ecosystems
By hunting smaller creatures and being hunted by larger ones, snakes keep the food web stable and healthy.
Differences Between Wild Snake Diets and Pet Snake Diets
Wild snakes must hunt, adapt, and sometimes go weeks without food. Pet snakes rely on their owners for consistent, safe feeding.
Wild Snake Diet
Wild snakes eat:
- live prey
- varied species
- prey available by season
Their diet changes with weather and habitat.
Pet Snake Diet
Pet snakes typically eat:
- frozen-thawed rodents
- occasional supplements (depending on species)
- consistent portions
Feeding the wrong food can make a pet snake sick, so owners must know species-specific needs.
How Often Do Snakes Eat?
Snakes eat less frequently than mammals because of slow metabolism and efficient digestion.
Small Snakes
They may eat every 5–7 days.
Medium Snakes
They often eat every 7–14 days.
Large Snakes
They can go weeks or months between meals depending on prey size.
Some snakes in the wild survive seasonal droughts by slowing their metabolism dramatically.
How Snakes Hunt and Capture Food
Snake diets depend heavily on hunting strategies. Understanding how snakes hunt helps explain why they choose certain foods.
Constriction
Species such as boas, pythons, and some colubrids use their bodies to wrap around prey and compress it before swallowing.
Venom
Venomous snakes such as vipers, cobras, and rattlesnakes inject venom to immobilize or kill prey. They then swallow it whole.
Ambush
Snakes like pythons and rattlesnakes wait patiently, letting prey come close before striking.
Active Hunting
Garter snakes or racers search for prey, using speed and scent detection.
What Snakes Do Not Eat
To avoid confusion, it is helpful to know what snakes do not eat.
Snakes do not eat:
- fruits
- vegetables
- grains
- plants
- processed foods
- dairy products
Their digestive systems are not built for plant material. They rely entirely on protein from prey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do snakes eat humans?
No. Even the largest species cannot swallow an adult human. Attacks on people are extremely rare.
Do snakes eat other snakes?
Yes. King snakes, cobras, and some pythons may eat smaller snakes.
Do snakes eat insects?
Small snakes and young snakes may eat insects, but large species generally do not.
What do baby snakes eat?
Small prey such as insects, tiny fish, small frogs, pinkie mice, or small lizards depending on species.
Can snakes live without eating for long periods?
Yes. Some snakes can fast for weeks or even months.
Final Summary
Understanding what snakes eat, what garter snakes eat, what corn snakes eat, what animals eat snakes, and what eats snakes reveals how snakes fit into ecosystems, survive in the wild, and thrive in captivity. Snakes are carnivores, eating prey that ranges from insects and worms to rodents and birds. Garter snakes prefer amphibians and earthworms, while corn snakes focus on rodents and small birds. In the wild, snakes are preyed on by birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even humans.
Their role in nature is crucial. They help control pests and serve as food for larger predators, maintaining balance in the environment
