Why do snakes eat themselves?
Quick Answer
Snakes of the species which prey on other snakes may bite their own tail if they are kept in too small of an enclosure. In these cases, the snake confuses its tail for a separate individual. Snakes may also confuse their tail for prey if they are stressed or overheated.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
This peculiar behavior, though rare, has been observed both in captivity and in wild snakes. Rat snakes in particular have been observed attempting to consume themselves. Rat snakes do not typically prey on other snakes, so their tail-biting may be due more to poor eyesight and confusion from overheating than an overly strong predatory drive.
Snakes biting their own tails is more common in fiction than in reality. Many spiritual traditions use the symbol of a snake biting its own tail. The symbol of the snake biting its own tail is called Ouroboros, from the Greek for "tail swallower".
Learn more about SnakesRelated Questions
-
Q:
What do water snakes eat?
A: Water snakes are scavengers and carnivores, eating prey such as amphibians, crayfish, other snakes, birds, small mammals, fish and large insects. These sna... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What do snakes eat?
A: According to VCA Hospitals, all snakes are carnivores and prefer to eat whole prey items. The specific prey items depend on the snake species and the size ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What do garter snakes eat?
A: Garter snakes are carnivorous and prey upon insects, slugs, worms, lizards, amphibians, rodents and sometimes fish. Certain species of garter snake, such a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the characteristics of a python snake?
A: Pythons are a group of non-venomous snakes that ambush and constrict their prey to death, then swallow them whole. Most pythons can sense heat in addition ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
