Every venomous animal has a nemesis, a species that is immune to its venom.
From clownfish to non-venomous American snakes, bullfrogs and honey ferrets, these animals have been given the gift of survival. A prey, if it can counteract its predator, can tip the balance between life and death.
- Ground Squirrels
If self-defense with its limbs fails, ground squirrels will use their anti-venomous immune system as a last resort to fight off their fearsome predator, the rattlesnake. Rattlesnake venom is a deadly weapon, causing severe blood loss and death.
- Non-venomous American King Snake
Life can be a bit harsh for rattlesnakes. While they have to hunt squirrels that do not die from their venom, they also have to keep an eye out for an “assassin” lurking in the wilderness. American snakes are not venomous, but they are immune to rattlesnake venom and love to eat rattlesnakes. Because they do not have venom to kill their prey, they resort to a more violent method: squeezing their prey to death and swallowing it whole.
- Clownfish
Clownfish are not actually immune to the toxins of sea anemones, but they still live freely among hundreds of venomous tentacles. All 28 species of clownfish have a layer of mucus covering their bodies, which helps prevent the anemone from releasing its venomous stingers. Scientists are still unclear where and how clownfish get this “armor”; either they produce it themselves or they get it from the anemone when they rub against the tentacles.
- Bullfrogs
Bullfrogs only become immune to the venom of water snakes when they reach adulthood. As tadpoles, they are vulnerable to the venom of water snakes, making them a tasty meal. But as adults, they develop resistance to both water and land snakes. Scientists are still not sure how they get this ability, but this immunity clearly makes sense for them: as adults they live on land, so they need a weapon to deal with predators in this environment.
- Honey Badger
Honey badgers love honey, so they often attack honey bee hives to steal honey and pupae. They will also eat anything from baby antelopes to baby cheetahs, and venomous snakes are also an easy meal for them. Zoologists are not sure what happens to the immune and nervous systems of the honey ferrets (because they are so brave), but the fact is that they often hunt cobras for dinner. There is a recorded case: a honey ferret attacked and killed a cobra, but before that the cobra bit it in the face. The ferret then lay motionless as if dead, but after a while it woke up and ate its spoils as if nothing had happened.
- Mongooses
Like honey ferrets, these animals also like to eat venomous snakes. To catch their prey, they rely on their agility. Moreover, snake venom has no effect on them, so they are formidable enemies of snakes.
- Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are considered the cutest snake hunters. They are small, round, and unassuming. But for snakes, they are walking nightmares. The hedgehog’s bristling armor makes it completely impossible for snakes to use their fangs to attack, and in any struggle, the snake is at a disadvantage. Even if we are unlucky enough to be bitten, the hedgehog will still be unharmed thanks to the natural antivenom in its blood. In short, in the game of “who’s lunch?” venomous snakes are no match for this hedgehog.
