Agkistrodon Piscivorus - Predators

Predators

These snakes are preyed upon by snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), horned owls (Bubo virginianus), eagles, hawks (red-shouldered), loggerhead shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), and large wading birds, such as herons, cranes and egrets.

They are also preyed upon by ophiophagous snakes, including their own species (cannibalism). Humphreys (1881) described how a 34-inch (864 mm) specimen was killed and eaten by a 42-inch (1067 mm) captive kingsnake. On the other hand, Neill (1947) reported captive kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) were loath to attack them, being successfully repelled with "body blows". Also called body-bridging, this is a specific defensive behavior against ophiophagous snakes, first observed in certain rattlesnake (Crotalus) species by Klauber (1927), that involves raising a section of the middle of the body above the ground to varying heights. This raised loop may then be held in this position for varying amounts of time, shifted in position, or moved towards the attacker. In the latter case, it is often flipped or thrown vigorously in the direction of the assailant. In A. piscivorus, the loop is raised laterally, with the belly facing towards the attacker.