Despite their frightening reputation, Rattlesnakes are far from the top of the food chain. In fact, a lot of different animal species kill and eat rattlesnakes. Here are 21 animals capable of hunting rattlesnakes.
Mongoose
The mongoose is well-known for its ability to evade dangerous snakes. Its speed and quick reflexes allow it to avoid venomous blows, and its partial venom tolerance gives it a leg-up advantage in these situations. But despite popular perception, mongooses are not natural enemies of rattlesnakes. They are simply extremely adept at protecting themselves from snakes, and they also happen to enjoy snake meat, which is one of their favorite diets.
Turkeys
Rattlesnakes can be surprisingly vulnerable to wild turkeys. The snake’s teeth are unable top penetrate the bird’s tough scales or thick feathers, and, if it gets too close, it can potentially kill the snake.
Owls
These predators are known for hunting tiny mammals. However, because there are over 225 different owl species, not all have the same food preferences, and not all will hunt and consume snakes. But at least five major species are known to devour snakes as part of their diet. Snakes are not their primary food source, but if they come across one, owls will gladly hunt them. They use their quiet flying and razor-sharp claws to capture oblivious snakes at night.
Hawks
Hawks are well-known for their exceptional vision, which allows them to locate prey from great heights while soaring and thoroughly observing the ground. Many hawk species are known to be capable of killing snakes using their strong talons and beaks. However, the red-tailed hawk especially loves to consume them.
Coyotes
Rattlesnakes and coyotes live in similar environments, and coyotes often kill venomous snakes. Not only are they predatory eaters, but they will kill rattlesnakes if they believe the snakes pose a threat to their young. But coyotes also eat rattlesnakes as part of their normal diet. Many coyote species reside in deserts or locations with little natural food supplies, thus devouring snakes with their strong jaws comes effortlessly to them.
Bobcats
Bobcats are excellent at hunting a variety of animals, including rattlesnakes. They usually employ their speed to approach undetected and then launch a forceful pounce, instantly killing the snake with a clean bite to the head.
Badgers
Badgers eat mostly tiny mammals like ground squirrels and pocket gophers, and occasionally branch out with insects and small birds. But badgers also eat rattlesnakes, and fortunately for them, the snake’s venom doesn’t harm them unless they are struck on their noses.
Crocodiles
You may believe that this reptile is slow and ineffective against fast-moving snakes. But this isn’t the case. Crocodiles attack quickly, typically utilizing ambush strategies. No snake can withstand the fatal bite of such massive jaws; therefore they are frequently crushed and consumed whole. The worst part is that the snake has little chance of defending itself because crocodiles are mostly immune to snake fangs as they can’t easily puncture a crocodile’s skin.
Weasels
Despite their small size, weasels are agile and strong enough to take on rattlesnakes. Their rapid reflexes and slim physique allow them to successfully escape venomous blows, allowing them to crush and kill their reptile prey.
Eagles
Eagles are one of the main predators of almost any species of snake. Eagles are known to devour a wide variety of creatures, including snakes, fish, and smaller mammals, and will essentially eat anything it can carry to its nest, even a highly deadly rattlesnake. Even though eagles are not immune to snake venom, almost every species of eagle consumes both venomous and non-venomous snakes. They can catch snakes off the ground using their sharp talons and eyesight and shred the snakes apart with their strong talons and beaks.
Wolverine
This species is known for its wrath and strength despite its size, and it can kill prey that is several times larger than it. While snakes aren’t usually a major food source, if prompted wolverines are capable of attacking and consuming a rattlesnake. Aside from hunting, they are also scavengers. If wolverines find a carcass, they feed on it after the predator is done, or even steal it from another predator.
Roadrunners
Roadrunners are known for their agility and actively hunt rattlesnakes. These birds are capable of striking at the snake’s head and killing it, showing remarkable courage in their interactions with deadly snakes.
Large Centipedes
Like rattlesnakes, centipedes are predators. But for smaller or young rattlesnakes, giant centipedes are a tough opponent, using their deadly bite to defeat the snake.
Raccoons
Raccoons are curious creatures, so it’s no surprise that they’re capable of breaking down a rattlesnake’s defenses out of curiosity or self-defense. With quick paws and strong teeth, raccoons are unafraid to take down any creature that threatens its environment.
Herons
Herons have been seen attacking and eating young rattlesnakes, using their sharp beaks to give lethal blows to the snake’s head.
Domestic Cats
Surprisingly, domestic cats are unafraid to confront rattlesnakes, especially if one enters its territory. With rapid reflexes and agile movements, cats can avoid snake attacks, and sometimes even kill or scare them away.
Feral Pigs
Known for their strong nature, wild pigs can overpower rattlesnakes. These animals frequently settle in snake territory and will violently attack and eat a snake if they encounter one.
Skunks
Skunks are known to prey on rattlesnakes, using their fur to defend themselves from bites. Relying on their spray as a defense before engaging physically, Skunks are brave enough to attack rattlesnakes when threatened.
Foxes
Foxes, notably grey foxes, hunt young rattlesnakes with their sharp hearing and speed. They approach their prey silently and attack fast, frequently eating the snakes.
Mountain Lions
Mountain lions, while not typical snake predators, will kill and eat rattlesnakes when their paths cross. These apex predators effortlessly take out rattlesnakes, often out of chance or necessity.
Hedgehogs
Aside from other qualities, this small mammal is also known to be resilient to a range of toxins. They can safely consume beetles, spiders, scorpions, frogs, bees, and rattlesnakes. Typically, they feed at night and can consume one-third of their bodyweight.
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