Vipers are ambush predators that eat rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and other small animals, striking with long hollow fangs and venom that begins breaking the prey down.
What Vipers Eat
The viper family includes rattlesnakes, adders, bush vipers, and pit vipers such as copperheads and cottonmouths. Diet varies by species and size, but most eat:
- Mice, rats, voles, and other small mammals
- Lizards and frogs
- Birds and bird eggs
- Insects and other invertebrates (in smaller species and young snakes)
How Vipers Hunt
Vipers are mostly nocturnal ambush hunters. They wait motionless along a trail, then strike with long, hinged, hollow fangs. Their venom is largely hemotoxic, so it breaks down tissue and makes the prey easier to digest. Vipers can adjust how much venom they inject depending on prey size. Many strike, then release the animal and track it by scent while the venom works.
Venom Safety
Viper bites are a medical emergency. Keep calm, limit movement, remove rings or tight clothing, and get to an emergency room immediately. Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, or apply ice or a tight tourniquet. If a pet is bitten, call your vet right away.
Bottom Line
Vipers are patient ambush hunters that eat small animals and help control rodent numbers. Learn about specific species in our guides to rattlesnakes, eyelash vipers, and the inland taipan.
