Snakes are not only intelligent but also lethal predators, capable of delivering a venomous bite that can swiftly incapacitate their (unfortunate!) prey.
Equipped with lethal fangs and a sleek, powerful body, snakes can strike with remarkable speed. We've compiled striking photography that captures these predators in all their fierce, bloodthirsty glory, showcasing just how deadly they truly are – even to each other!
Bush Viper (Atheris squamigera) with prey/Credit: Getty ImagesEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, (Crotalus adamanteus), in Central PA, USA/Credit: Getty ImagesVenomous Bush Viper Snake (Atheris squamigera) swallows a rodent/Credit: Getty ImagesAn incredible and rare moment captured on the lawn of a hotel, with a golden (or flying) tree snake subduing a blue crested forest lizard to eat/Credit: Getty ImagesViper eating a bird, Indonesia/Credit: Getty ImagesWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake, (Crotalus atrax) spotted in Tucson, Arizona/Credit: Getty ImagesGreen Pit Viper Trimeresurus full up after eating the chick birds in this nest/Credit: Getty ImagesCoiled around a lichen-covered branch, this royal python is looking down as if about to strike/Credit: Getty ImagesGreen Snake kills and feasts on this unfortunate gecko/Credit: Getty ImagesBoa Constrictor snake eating lizard in the Atlantic Rainforest, Tijuca Forest National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil/Credit: Getty ImagesThis snake snacks on a mouse/Credit: Getty ImagesThis grass snake in Germany eats a frog/Credit: Ralf Blechschmidt/Getty ImagesA venomous rattlesnake (Crotalus simus) is handled by a Venezuelan researcher, showcasing its huge fangs that pack a punch/ Credit: Getty ImagesThis pwerful Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) swallows a mouse/Credit: Getty ImagesSnakes are even brutal to each other – California Kingsnake, (Lampropeltis getula californiae), eating a rattlesnake/Credit: Getty Images
Carys is a freelance writer and digital editor, specialising in the outdoors, natural world, health and fitness and UK travel.
She has words in BBC Wildlife Magazine, BBC Countryfile Magazine, Live Science, Runner's World UK, Explore Magazine, Active Traveller, The Guardian, Boundless and many more publications.
