What Are Sidewinders' Enemies?

The sidewinder rattlesnake is a dangerous creature with a deadly bite. They grow up to around 2 feet (.6m) in length and can be identified from other rattlesnakes by the small horns they have above their eyes. As dangerous as the snake is, it does have enemies and other animals which can and will prey upon it.

  1. Common King Snake

    • Reaching lengths of between 3 and 6 feet (1 to 2m), the common king snake is a constrictor, subduing its prey by wrapping around it and squeezing the air out of its lungs. The snake has thick black stripes separated by thin white or yellow stripes running the length of its body. It is immune to most types of pit viper venom, including that produced by the sidewinder rattlesnake. In areas where both varieties of snake can be found, the king snake actually preys on the sidewinder.

    The Roadrunner

    • Depicted in the cartoons as very fast, the real roadrunner exemplifies a running speed of up to 17 mph, which is impressive considering their small size. They can grow up to 2 feet (.6m) in length from beak to tail and weigh between 8 to 24 ounces (227 to 680g). The bird is actually fast enough to catch and kill rattlesnakes, including the sidewinder. Using a brutal technique of catching the snake by its tail, the roadrunner then cracks the snake as if it were whip until it is dead.

    Birds of Prey

    • A number of hawks and eagles can be found throughout the same habitat as the sidewinder. Species like the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk and Cooper's hawk are all big enough to catch and kill rattlesnakes. With no immunity to the snakes venom, the birds need to use their quick, dive bomb-style attacks to pin the snake under their talons. Once pinned, the birds quickly kill the snakes with their powerful beaks.

    Humans

    • Humans can be both friend and enemy to the sidewinder. Often we do not set out to be an enemy of the snake, but in self-defense and by accident, humans can be deadly. Knowing the dangers a bite from a sidewinder can cause, humans may shoot or bludgeon the snake to death in self-defense. Also, desert roads in the snake's habitat are a gauntlet to cross with the risk of being crushed under the wheels of a vehicle.