The common name “chicken snake” often leads to confusion about the identity and behavior of a widely distributed reptile. This colloquial term is applied to certain North American species, primarily those belonging to the Rat Snake genus. The name itself hints at their diet, but it does not fully explain their predatory habits. Understanding the true identity and ecological role of this animal is necessary to answer the specific question of whether it preys on other snakes.
Identifying the “Chicken Snake”
The name “chicken snake” is a regional nickname that most commonly refers to several species of Rat Snakes, such as the Eastern Rat Snake or the Corn Snake, found across the central and eastern United States. This application stems from their propensity to raid chicken coops, drawn by the presence of eggs and chicks, an activity that gave them their memorable but misleading name. The Rat Snakes are part of the Pantherophis genus, a group of nonvenomous constrictors known for their size and climbing ability. For the purpose of discussing the North American context, the Rat Snake is the primary species in question.
Are They Snake Eaters
Rat Snakes are generalist predators, but they are not specialized ophiophages, meaning they do not actively seek out other snakes as a primary food source. Unlike true snake-eaters, such as the Kingsnake, they lack immunity to snake venom. However, the diet of a Rat Snake is opportunistic and diverse, particularly when they are young, and this flexibility means that smaller snakes, including juveniles of other species, can occasionally be consumed. If a Rat Snake encounters a smaller, weaker, or injured snake, it may subdue and eat it, especially if other prey is scarce. This behavior is considered incidental predation rather than a systematic part of their foraging strategy.
Primary Prey and Foraging Habits
Adult Diet and Climbing
The main diet of Rat Snakes centers heavily on warm-blooded prey, which explains their ecological importance and their connection to human dwellings. They are highly efficient predators of rodents, including mice, rats, and voles, which they subdue using constriction. Rat Snakes are also well-known for their semi-arboreal nature, meaning they are excellent climbers, easily ascending trees, barns, and even the vertical sides of buildings. This climbing ability is a key adaptation for accessing their other major food source: birds and their eggs. They regularly raid bird nests in trees, rafters, and nesting boxes, consuming both the eggs and the hatchlings, which is the source of the “chicken snake” nickname.
Juvenile Diet and Benefit
Juvenile Rat Snakes often focus their diet on cold-blooded prey, such as lizards, frogs, and insects. As they mature, their diet shifts almost exclusively to warm-blooded animals, which offer a higher caloric return. This focus on small mammals and birds makes the Rat Snake a beneficial presence in agricultural areas, where they help control pest populations. Their foraging can be active hunting or ambush-style, using their developed sense of smell and heat detection to locate their prey.