Which Animals Are Immune To Snake Venom? | VenomousSnake

Which Animals Are Immune To Snake Venom? In the enthralling realm of nature, a select few creatures possess an extraordinary immunity to the lethal venom concocted by snakes. These resilient beings have evolved a remarkable defense mechanism that renders them impervious to the venomous assaults of their slithering adversaries.

Join us on an exhilarating journey as we delve into the world of these fearless warriors, exploring their incredible adaptations and their triumphant defiance against nature’s deadliest weapon—snake venom!

Which Animals Are Immune To Snake Venom?

Honey Badgers

Honey badgers are the poster child of venom immunity. Also known as the ratel, honey badgers are a mammal commonly found in Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. This species has a long, black body. That’s matched to a small, flat head with a short muzzle, and topped off with small eyes and ears. Its legs are short but study, with sharp claws used to fight viciously.

These small, fuzzy-looking mammals sure aren’t pettable. But would you imagine that snakes fear them too? Honey badgers are impressive snake predators. They also regularly take on animals much larger than them, such as lions and hyenas.

The honey badger is omnivorous, with one of the most varied diets in the weasel family. It’s known to eat berries, roots, and bulbs. It also prefers small animals like insects, birds, and rodents. Of course, this badger sometimes aims for larger, more challenging animals, like lion cubs and snakes.

What Gives Honey Badgers Venom Immunity?

Honey badgers have a double resistance to snake bites. Their blood can develop antivenom, which easily stops any bites from venomous snakes. Aside from their blood, it can be hard to land a bite on this animal in the first place. Because of the thickness of their hide, it’s extremely difficult to pierce any part of a honey badger’s skin.

Other than snakes, honey badgers are immune to bee venom. After all, honey badgers take their name from their love of honey. They regularly climb up trees and take it straight from beehives. While doing this, bees will sting them repeatedly. Unperturbed, these fearless animals simply continue eating as if the insects weren’t there at all.

In the regions these badgers call home, it’s common to find snakes of every shape, size, and toxicity in these very trees. No wonder badgers need two kinds of venom resistance!

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are often regarded as one of the cutest animals in the animal kingdom. Measuring at between 5 to 14 inches, they weigh about 2 pounds, even when fully grown. Despite their cute features, though, this small mammal can pack a punch.

Hedgehogs are easily recognizable by the spines on their back. These are hollow and made of the same material as hair: keratin. The spines are not poisonous, but are often coated in bacteria that hedgehogs cultivate in their mouths. Depending on the subspecies, hedgehogs may be able to eject a few spines when attacked.

If threatened, hedgehogs always prefer to roll up into a ball. It may appear simple, but this interesting defense mechanism is often enough to defend hedgehogs from larger predators. Within this a tight ball, the spines on the hedgehog’s back point defensively outwards. In this way, hedgehogs can protect other parts of their body that are not covered in spines. These include the face, legs, arms, and belly.

Some hedgehogs do more than just go on the defensive, however. A few subspecies are known to attack with their spines. That’s accomplished by rolling into a ball and ramming themselves against attackers. For these kinds, hiding in a ball is used as a last resort.

What Gives Hedgehogs Venom Immunity?

Considering their defense mechanism, it’s no surprise that hedgehogs have developed an immunity to snake venom. After all, when balled up, hedgehogs can only rely on their spines. If attacking snakes are dedicated, they’ll accept the painful stabs in exchange for biting the hedgehog. With immunity, hedgehogs can just safely wait out the attack.

This immunity comes from the protein erinacine. It can be found in the hedgehog’s muscular system. With that said, because of their size, hedgehogs can only handle a small amount of snake venom. A single snake bite – especially from more fatal species, like vipers – is sometimes enough to kill a hedgehog.

Additionally, bites to areas that do not have spines are more fatal. One bite to the face, belly, or extremities can be enough to kill this animal. That’s mainly from damage caused by the fangs to soft, unprotected flesh or organs.

Interestingly, hedgehogs are one of four mammals that have immunity against the a-neurotoxin. Other mammal groups include pigs, honey badgers, and mongooses.

Mongoose

Last, but not least, is the humble mongoose. Despite how it looks, the mongoose is perhaps one of the hardiest animals when pitted against a venomous snake. They’re prolific hunters of these reptiles, with no real preference for one species over the other. In many cases, both modernly and historically, they have been used as a method of population control. If an area has snakes in abundance, mongooses can easily dampen the numbers.

Mongooses are small carnivorous mammals. They’re native to southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have long bodies, with short legs, long faces, and short ears. Of course, their most defining feature is their long, tapered tail. Despite their weasel-like appearance and skinny bodies, these animals can easily take on a venomous snake.

What Gives Mongooses Venom Immunity?

Mongooses have a mutation in their cells that allows them to resist snake venom. Unlike other animals, however, mongooses are extra-resistant. The venom simply ‘bounces off’ their receptors. This is because of a glycoprotein that coats the cells, rendering the venom ineffective.

As mentioned, they’re one of the greatest hunters of snakes. Because of this, mongooses have yet another advantage. Not only is their blood extra venom-resistant. Mongooses are quick and agile. If forced to wrestle a snake, they can easily keep up with the twists, bends, and thrashes.

That leaves snakes at a disadvantage, struggling to wrap around or hold onto their predators. In fact, king cobras are known to avoid mongoose for this very reason. Once in their grip, snakes will very rarely escape – and certainly can’t flee quickly enough.

Read more: Are Milk Snakes Dangerous?

Comparing Venom Resistance in Prey and Predators

Comparing Venom Resistance in Prey and Predators sheds light on the fascinating dynamics between venomous creatures and their potential victims. While some animals have developed immunity to snake venom, others have evolved defensive strategies to minimize its impact.

Predators and prey have engaged in an intricate arms race throughout evolution, each side adapting and counter-adapting to gain an advantage. In the realm of venom resistance, predators often possess specialized physiological adaptations that allow them to withstand the toxic effects of venom.

Their bodies may produce unique antibodies or enzymes that neutralize the venom swiftly, enabling them to continue their predatory pursuits unharmed. On the other hand, prey species have evolved strategies to evade venomous attacks altogether, relying on agility, camouflage, or warning signals to avoid confrontation.

Some prey animals possess innate resistance to venom, while others develop tolerance through repeated exposure. By comparing the varying degrees of venom resistance in both predators and prey, we can unravel the intricate web of survival strategies that have shaped the delicate balance between hunter and hunted in the natural world.

Explore more: Do Snakes Smell Bad?

How Are Animals Immune To Snake Venom?

Antivenom Blood

Antivenom, also known as antivenin, is a term used to refer to any compound that can neutralize venom. When it occurs naturally, like in various animals, this is often due to mutations present in the blood. Certain receptors block off venom from binding to the blood, which stops it from affecting the body.

Antivenom is best for when venom still gets into the bloodstream. At low enough dosages, the animal will continue to go on with its day.

Cell Mutation

In contrast, there’s a more resistant form of antivenin blood. This is found in the mongoose. Certain mutations in this species’ cells make it almost entirely immune to snake venom.

Unlike other animals with antivenin blood, venom simply bounces off a mongoose’s cells. This is outlined in an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The average creature (or human) would experience a breakdown in red blood cells, proteins, or enzymes. In contrast, a mongoose seems to experience no such effects.

Interestingly, this is similar to the mutation that snakes themselves demonstrate. We don’t yet understand this protection fully. Even still, scientists hope that uncovering the root will help to develop more effective antivenoms for humans.

Really Thick Skin

Venom, unlike poison, has its greatest impact once it enters the body. Skin contact alone will not cause damage, irritation, or rashes of any kind. This means that bites that do not puncture are rather useless. Snake hunters use this to their advantage.

The honey badger is a prime example. A snake’s fangs will struggle to pierce the thick dermal layer. It may take several bites to do so. Matched to its general immunity, when the honey badger limits the number of bites that actually make contact, it creates a near-limitless advantage.

You can also see this in prey animals – like the domestic pig. What the pig lacks in flexibility, it compensates with a strong protective layer.

Venom-Resistant Vs. Venom-Immune Animals

Although used interchangeably, venom-resistant is not the same as venom-immune.

An animal that’s generally considered venom-proof can survive being injected with venom. In fact, they may shrug off a dose that would immediately kill any other animal. However, they still may die from a large or constant dose of venom. Bites to certain areas may also kill them, as demonstrated with the hedgehog.

In the wild, this is an unlikely scenario. Animals of every kind possess a fight or flight instinct. When bitten, most will flail, run, or even claw and bite back. This prevents snakes from dosing their victims indefinitely. That’s especially true if the venom doesn’t take hold, weakening the prey.

After all, that’s why venom exists – to give snakes a killing advantage. Without it, they rely solely on strength. As we see with the mongoose, not all snakes can count that as a winning skill.

Because of this ‘immune-but-not-quite’ technicality, many scientists and animal researchers use the term “venom resistant” instead. In practice, however, one can consider most venom-resistant animals to simply be venom-immune. They can mostly shrug off incredible doses – or, in the worst cases, at least survive. A lethal dose is unlikely – or for some animals, like the honey badger, nearly impossible. It would require almost clinical-level exposure to take them out.

What Causes True Immunity In Animals?

To understand true venom immunity, we must first understand venom. Snake venom works by releasing toxic proteins and enzymes into the body. For snakes, this is produced through modified saliva glands. Using a saliva-venom covered bite, they quickly inject the toxins into their victim’s:

While the toxic protein causes the most damage, the enzymes are what speed up the deadly effects of snake venom. By demolishing the chemical bonds between molecules, venom can result in:

• Ruined muscle control
• Dropping blood pressure
• Damaged red blood cells

The Evolution of Immunity

a captivating saga that traces the development of immune systems throughout history. Starting from the early stages of life, organisms gradually evolved defense mechanisms to protect themselves from pathogens and harmful invaders.

Over time, natural selection favored individuals with enhanced immune systems, leading to the emergence of complex and specialized immune responses. Through a relentless coevolutionary dance with pathogens, organisms refined their immune systems, resulting in the intricate defenses we witness today.

From innate immunity to adaptive immunity, the story of immunity reflects the ingenuity of life’s continuous adaptation and the perpetual quest for survival.

Are Horses Used To Make Antivenom?

Their unique immune response makes them well-suited for this role. To create antivenom, horses are injected with small amounts of snake venom, which stimulates their immune system to produce specific antibodies.

The horse’s blood is then drawn and processed to separate the plasma, which contains the desired antibodies. This plasma is purified and concentrated to create the antivenom. When administered to snakebite victims, the antivenom neutralizes the venom’s effects, providing life-saving treatment.

While efforts are being made to develop alternative methods, horses currently remain an important part of antivenom production, thanks to their remarkable immune capabilities.

Are Snakes Immune To All Snake Venoms?

A snake is only immune to the venom of the species it belongs to.

If a snake is bitten by a snake of a different species, it suffers just like any other animal. As mentioned, venom can differ widely between snake types. One species may be resistant to the chemical and molecular structure of their own venom. However, another species could be entirely different. Their body will have no natural defenses against this foreign substance.

Likewise, it’s suspected that part of a snake’s immunity is from exposure. By ingesting its own venom on a regular basis, its body learns how to accept it. The play-bites (and real bites) from members of its own species also help to build a resistance.

This happens with small, safe doses over time. However, a sudden new bite from a different species will not be a gentle introduction to the venom. With no partial immunity, the venom can be heavy enough to kill.