How does a snake attack a rat? - briefly
The snake strikes the rodent with a rapid bite, injecting venom that quickly paralyzes its muscles and circulatory system. It then coils around the prey, using muscular force to guide it head‑first into its mouth for ingestion.
How does a snake attack a rat? - in detail
A snake begins the hunt by locating the rodent through visual cues, heat‑sensing pits, or vibrations transmitted through the ground. Once the prey is within striking distance, the predator adopts a coiled posture, tensing its muscles to maximize force.
- Strike – The head is thrust forward with rapid acceleration, jaws opening to expose fangs. Venom is injected through hollow or grooved teeth, or, in non‑venomous species, the bite delivers a painful wound that may incapacitate.
- Envenomation effect – Toxins disrupt the rat’s nervous or circulatory systems, causing paralysis, respiratory failure, or rapid blood loss. The onset time varies with species and venom composition.
- Constriction (if applicable) – For constrictors, the snake wraps its body around the prey after the initial bite. Muscular pressure exceeds the rodent’s systolic blood pressure, halting circulation and leading to unconsciousness within seconds to minutes.
- Immobilization – Whether by toxin or compression, the rat becomes immobile. The snake may use its body to keep the prey in place while it prepares to ingest.
- Swallowing – The snake releases the bite, aligns its jaws, and performs a series of coordinated motions: the lower jaw expands, the skull flexes, and the body contracts to advance the prey down the esophagus. Muscular peristalsis and lubricating secretions facilitate the passage of the whole animal.
- Digestion – Once the rat reaches the stomach, gastric acids and enzymes break down tissues. The snake’s metabolism slows, allowing efficient extraction of nutrients over several days.
Throughout the process, sensory feedback from the prey’s movements and physiological state guides the predator’s adjustments, ensuring successful capture and consumption.