What Do Coral Snakes Eat?

The coral snake is a venomous snake that kills live prey with the venom it stores in its fangs. This puts the prey into a paralysis that makes swallowing easier. This snake lives to eat and will eat nearly any living thing it can fit into its jaw, including its own species.

  1. Birds

    • Birds are one of the hardest animals for snakes to catch, but they will eat them if they get the chance. A birds nest of new hatchlings, a grounded bird looking for food, or a rested bird on a low branch are all ideal meals for a quick attacking coral snake.

    Rodents

    • Coral snakes often feed on rodents, mainly mice. If you own a coral snake, this would be the ideal diet for your pet. Younger snakes feed on "pinkies," or hairless baby mice, and as the snake grows, so does the size of the mouse. Coral snakes will also feed on baby gerbil, rats and hamsters.

    Lizards

    • Depending on the area, coral snakes feed on different species of lizards. These are typically smaller lizards like skinks and geckos. The long lizard body makes it easier for the coral snake to swallow.

    Snakes

    • With no other options, coral snakes will eat other snakes or even snakes from their own species. The venom on coral snakes will not affect one another, so the two snakes often have to battle until the other snake is swallowed alive.