Black Snake Bites
While the most common black snakes or Western rat snakes are not venomous, all black snakes can bite in self-defense or if stepped on. The black snake’s bite may not be fatal, but it can still hurt a lot. Black snake bites are also full of bacteria that can cause infection. While these snakes do not have venom, they can get quite enormous. A snakebite from an eight-foot-long snake sure can’t be pleasant! The black snake’s dark black color allows it to blend in with the forest floor or close surroundings while remaining extremely calm. When threatened, the black snake will most likely remain motionless. Yet, it can become aggressive when provoked and inflict numerous bites. Black snakes do not have fangs as they do not need them to deliver venom, so the bite marks resemble human teeth when they bite. Do not be too comfortable, though, because they have razor-sharp teeth! Their back teeth are curved, which adds to their bite’s impact. However, black snakes won’t typically go out of their way to bite you.
Are Black Snakes Dangerous to Humans?
Humans shouldn’t be afraid of black snakes as they are not dangerous. They may bite, but only when provoked or cornered. The black snake is a popular breed of snake to be kept as a pet. Western rat snakes are calm, shy, and docile when handled from a young age. As non-venomous snakes, they rely on constriction when attacking their prey, but since humans are not part of their natural diet, there is no reason to fear getting attacked. Nonetheless, if you happen to come across a black snake in the wild, make sure to give it some space. While a black snake is unlikely to bite you, it might become aggressive if it feels threatened. If they are uncomfortable, they coil up or bend at unusual, acute angles. They may also emit a foul-smelling scent when touched by a predator or picked up by a person, which they disperse around them with their tail. Black snakes are relatively harmless. Frankly, they are incredibly beneficial to farmers since they eat rats and other creatures that otherwise ruin grains and harvests. As a result, black snakes are excellent pest controllers and can even be pets! However, given their climbing skills, make sure to keep the lid of their enclosure tight. They fear humans more than we need to be of them but always remember to respect their own space.
Are Black Snakes Poisonous?
Black snakes are not poisonous. Black snakes are known to bite, but only in extreme circumstances. Western rat snakes are large, powerful, non-venomous snakes that feed on a range of prey that they constrict and consume. However, keep watch on your cats or dogs while they’re outside. These snakes may not have venom but can become quite large, overpowering larger animals. If you notice black snakes in your area, they are most likely North American rat snakes or black racers. Both are non-venomous, have white or grayish bellies, and feed primarily on rodents and other small animals. Neither of them is out to harm you. They’re just here because there’s food nearby, which isn’t you. In addition, examining a snake’s pupils is one way to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes. Poisonous snakes have small, black, vertical pupils surrounded by a yellow-green eyeball, similar to a cat’s eye, whereas non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
What Do Black Snakes Eat in the Wild?
Adult black snakes frequently eat rodents. Their diet includes mice, chipmunks, voles, shrews, and even full-grown squirrels. Because of their climbing skills and time spent in trees, these snakes are likely to prey on birds and bird eggs too. It could be because eggs are much easier to eat, and it’s even more plausible because red-tailed hawks are one of the most dangerous predators of western rat snakes. Frogs, particularly treefrogs, lizards, and baby mice, are among the food sources for the young. Given that black snakes can swim, it’s only logical to think that black snakes have eaten their fair share of frogs, as well as the occasional fish or other aquatic species. For the most part, black snakes aren’t particularly hostile toward humans. They are, however, opportunistic eaters, which means they will consume any small mammal or bird that crosses their path!
How to Avoid Black Snake Bites
Black snakes will not bite humans unless they perceive a threat. Hence, the easiest way to avoid a bite is to leave them alone. Black snakes may bite you for a few reasons, including when you incorrectly handle or catch them or when the scent of their last prey is still on your hand. You can usually tell if it’s preparing to strike if you look at the snake’s tail. The tail’s position will eventually provide them with leverage and additional lunging force. They’ll gradually tighten it, and they might even put it up against something nearby to give the tail more traction. If you see that, stay as far away as you can from the snake.
