The Battle of a Garter Snake vs. a Water Snake

Have you ever wondered how two snakes solve a dispute? It’s normal to think that there would be some sort of fighting involved, but sometimes that’s not the case. Garter snakes and water snakes are two snakes that compete for resources. This video by Jeff and Leslie Wildlife & Nature Photography shows a garter snake and a water snake peacefully resolving a territorial dispute. Read on to learn more about how snakes resolve their conflicts.

Natural Enemies?

While snakes may engage in aggressive fights, they are not enemies in the same way as some other wild animals. Unlike natural enemies, such as lions and hyenas, snakes don’t actively look for fights against each other. However, they do fight for a few main reasons. The first is over territory. Snakes often fight for areas that have good burrows and water sources. This is most likely what occurred in the video above. Having access to these spots leads to a longer life for the snakes, making it important to drive out competition. Another reason for disagreement is prey. Tension between snakes rises when their food is on the line. Similarly, some snakes also prey on other snakes.

In cases where snakes fight, factors such as size, strength, and whether a snake is venomous can influence the outcome, but these encounters are uncommon and context-dependent. In fights between non-venomous snakes, size and strength are important. In an equal fight between two non-venomous snakes, fights often end when one snake decides to tap out, submitting to the strength of their opponent. However, this dynamic can be flipped on its head if there is a venomous snake present. The toxins in venomous snakes can cause paralysis, meaning that if it strikes first, the fight is already decided. Versus a constrictor, a venomous snake can avoid any escalation with a quick and well-aimed bite. This highlights the advantages that different snake species possess in conflicts.