Every venomous animal has its own nemesis, which consists of species immune to their toxins.
From clownfish to non-venomous American snakes, bullfrogs, and honey badgers, these creatures have been gifted by nature with adaptations that help them survive. A prey species that can counteract its predator can tip the balance between life and death.
1. Ground Squirrels
When physical defenses fail, ground squirrels utilize their immune systems as a last resort against their fearsome predator – the rattlesnake. Rattlesnake venom is a lethal weapon, causing severe blood loss that can lead to death.
2. King Snakes
Life for rattlesnakes is arguably harsh. While they struggle to hunt squirrels that are unaffected by their venom, they must constantly watch out for an “assassin” lurking in the wild. King snakes are non-venomous, yet they are immune to rattlesnake venom and enjoy preying on rattlesnakes. Lacking venom to incapacitate their prey, they resort to a more violent method: constricting their prey until it suffocates and then swallowing it whole.
3. Clownfish
Clownfish are not immune to the toxins of sea anemones, yet they thrive among hundreds of venomous tentacles. All 28 species of clownfish possess a mucous layer that coats their bodies, preventing sea anemones from releasing stinging cells. Scientists are still unsure how clownfish acquire this “armor” – whether they produce it themselves or gather it from rubbing against anemone tentacles.
4. Bullfrogs
Bullfrogs only develop immunity as they reach adulthood. In their tadpole stage, they are vulnerable to the venom of water snakes, making them easy prey. However, upon reaching maturity, they develop resistance to both aquatic and terrestrial snake venoms. Scientists are still investigating how they acquire this ability, but this immunity is crucial for their survival as adults on land, where they face different predators.
5. Honey Badgers
Honey badgers love to eat honey, which drives them to attack beehives for honey and larvae. Additionally, they consume anything from young antelopes to baby cheetahs, and venomous snakes are also an easy meal for them. Zoologists are still unclear about the effects of honey badgers’ boldness on their immune and nervous systems, but it is a fact that they often hunt cobras for dinner. One recorded case describes a honey badger attacking and killing a cobra, even after the cobra bit its face. The badger then lay still as if dead, but after a while, it woke up and consumed its prize as if nothing had happened.
6. Mongooses
Similar to honey badgers, mongooses also relish eating venomous snakes. They rely on their agility to capture prey, and additionally, snake venom has no effect on them, making them formidable adversaries for snakes.
7. European Hedgehogs
European hedgehogs are renowned as the cutest snake hunters. They are small, round, and unassuming. However, to snakes, they are walking nightmares. Their spiky armor renders snakes helpless in using their fangs to attack, and in any struggle, snakes come out worse for wear. Even if a hedgehog is unfortunate enough to be bitten, it remains unharmed thanks to the natural antivenom present in its blood. In summary, in the game of “who will be lunch?” venomous snakes are no match for hedgehogs.
