Constriction

Constriction is a method used by several snake species to kill or subdue their prey. While some venomous and mildly venomous snakes also use constriction, most constricting snakes are non-venomous. The process begins when a snake strikes its prey and holds on, either pulling the prey into its coils or, in the case of larger prey, pulling itself onto the prey. The snake then wraps one or two loops around the prey, creating a constriction coil. It monitors the prey’s heartbeat to determine when it is dead. This method can be physically demanding and poses risks for the snake, as its metabolism may accelerate up to sevenfold, leaving it vulnerable to attacks from other predators.