Copperheads are venomous snakes, and they love to hunt for prey. But are they some of the most giant predators within the circle of reptiles, or are they considered prey by other snakes? We’ll look at some ophiophagus snakes (snakes that eat other snakes) that might kill and eat Copperheads.
Full-grown Copperheads are large, but they often fall prey to other snakes of the same size or bigger, like the Cottonmouths, Easter King snakes, and Eastern Indigo snakes. The only venomous predator in that list is the Cottonmouth, the King snake suffocates prey, and the Indigo eats prey alive.
This article discusses the Cottonmouth, Eastern King, and Indigo snakes’ killing methods and sizes. After reading the article, you’ll be more informed about the natural predators of the copperhead snake within the snake group.
1. Cottonmouth Snakes
Cottonmouths are venomous, unlike Eastern King snakes and Eastern Indigo snakes. If you’re wondering why its name is “Cottonmouth,” that’s because the inside of its mouth is white.
A bite from the Cottonmouth snake can kill someone. They sometimes eat the smaller snakes from their species and, surprisingly, can even consume young alligators and big birds. They love catching and eating fish, and they spend a lot of time in or around the water.
Copperheads reach sizes between 24 and 34 inches (61 and 91 cm). Cottonmouth snakes range from 24 to 48 inches (61 to 122cm). Cottonmouths are generally slightly bigger, but the difference isn’t huge.
If you want to know more about Cottonmouth snakes, check out this interesting article for more Cottonmouth-related facts.
2. The Eastern King Snake
King snakes are not venomous and can be kept as a pet. They are known to frequently consume a wide array of other snakes, like the Copperhead snake and Cottonmouths, which is also on the list of Copperhead predators.
The Eastern King snake is a constrictor, killing prey by wrapping around it and using its strength to suffocate the prey. It’s the only option for snakes that aren’t venomous, unless they are fast enough to crush prey with their strong jaws and swallow them. They can bite humans, but that wouldn’t kill anyone.
The King snake’s size lies between the biggest Copperheads and the biggest Cottonmouths.
3. Eastern Indigo Snake
Eastern Indigo snakes aren’t venomous, either. They usually eat smaller and younger snakes. Full-grown Copperheads are pretty big, so the younger ones are easier prey for other snakes.
The Indigo snake is one of those snakes that won’t suffocate prey but rather consume them alive. They are swift and strong and can even eat birds.
Baby snakes are often the victim of ophiophagus snakes. They even get eaten by their own species from time to time, which happens in many other animal species.
The Easters Indigo snake is the biggest snake on this list, with sizes between 60 and 82 inches (152 and 208 cm)