Many people loathe snakes without realizing they are simply another aspect of nature. In fact, they are an important part of the food chain and it is a snake-eat-snake world out there. That's right, snakes have no qualms about resorting to cannibalism if another serpent is unlucky enough to be passing by at the time. Many people would probably be quick to give the edge to the many varieties of venomous snakes in a fight. However, today's video proves deadly venom is not always everything in a fight between snakes. Shot in Alabama, this deadly copperhead has found itself in the coils of what appears to be a speckled kingsnake. This non-venomous serpent has absolutely no fear of the copperhead's deadly and dangerous reputation. After a few moments, it coils itself up around the copperhead in a brutal fight to the death.
Although we rarely get to see it in the wild, it is not uncommon for these two species of snake to tangle with one another because in many parts of the U.S., their ranges overlap. It's just that this sort of life and death struggle usually does not happen in a place where humans can see it. The two snakes prefer the same types of habitat and prey items in small rodents, frogs, lizards, and birds. So, when the kingsnake ran across the copperhead, it obviously saw an opportunity for a meal. We found it fascinating how patient the kingsnake was when it moved in for the head of its venomous opponent. Note how the kingsnake coiled itself around the copperhead near the end of the video. Kingsnakes are constrictors, much like boas and anacondas. Although most people think this means the snake crushes or suffocates its prey to death, these snakes usually kill their victims by cutting off blood flow and causing cardiac arrest in the victim. The prey usually passes out as the blood flow also stops oxygen from circulating to the brain. A rough way to go for sure.
While you do not hear about the kingsnake as much, these serpents can grow to lengths exceeding 50 inches in length, making them quite the formidable thing to stumble across while you are hiking in nature. Fortunately, this species is non-venomous and only a real danger to the small prey items that inhabit these areas.
For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram For original videos, check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels.
