Snakes are fascinating yet dangerous creatures. They have the ability to inject venom through their fangs when they bite, making them a threat to humans and other animals. A common question many people have is whether a snake can bite more than once when it strikes. The short answer is yes, snakes can deliver multiple bites in a single attack under certain circumstances.
How do snake bites work?
When a snake bites, it opens its mouth wide and sinks its fangs into its target. The fangs act as hypodermic needles, injecting venom from the venom glands through ducts in the fangs. The venom contains a cocktail of toxins that disrupt the body’s systems and can cause paralysis, hemorrhaging, necrosis, hypotension and other serious effects in the victim.
Snakes have hinged fangs, meaning they can fold the fangs against the roof of their mouths. When they bite, muscles rapidly swing the fangs downward, allowing them to stab the target. The fangs release from the target when the snake disengages its jaws. The quick action allows snakes to land multiple bites as they strike.
Why do snakes bite multiple times?
There are a few reasons why snakes may bite repeatedly when they attack:
- Ensuring venom delivery – Snakes may strike multiple times to make sure they inject a lethal amount of venom. If the fangs fail to penetrate properly on the first strike, subsequent strikes improve the chance of envenomation.
- Defensive response – When threatened, snakes will repeatedly bite as a defensive reaction to danger. Each successive bite allows them to inject more venom.
- Holding on to prey – Some snakes that hold onto prey after striking will chew with their mouths and reposition their jaws to bite again, injecting more venom.
- Instinctive reaction – Striking rapidly and repeatedly may simply be an innate behavior, especially for venomous snakes that rely on their venom when attacking.
The bites allow snakes to maximize the chances that their venom will take effect. This increases their ability to kill prey or deter a threat when they feel the need to defend themselves.
How many times can a snake bite at once?
There is no set limit on how many times a snake can bite in a single strike. However, there are factors that influence the number of bites:
- Snake species – Different snakes have different biting capabilities. Larger, faster snakes like black mambas can strike repeatedly, while smaller snakes may only bite once or twice.
- Size of prey – When attacking large prey like a human, a snake will likely bite multiple times to inject enough venom. Smaller prey require fewer bites.
- Purpose of bite – Defensive bites often involve more repetitive strikes than a controlled attack on prey.
- Snake’s age and health – Older or injured snakes may not be capable of multiple bites as easily due to reduced strength and speed.
While the exact number varies, venomous snakes are capable of biting and injecting venom multiple times in succession. Some examples of how many times different snake species can bite include:
| Snake | Number of Bites |
|---|---|
| Black mamba | Up to 12 times |
| King cobra | Up to 7 times |
| Common krait | 2 to 4 times |
| Desert horned viper | Up to 8 times |
| Western diamondback rattlesnake | 4 to 6 times |
Factors that limit multiple bites
While snakes are capable of repeatedly biting in rapid succession, there are some limiting factors that prevent them from landing an unlimited number of bites on a single strike:
- Fang mechanics – The hinged fangs need to reset after each bite before they can penetrate again, which takes fraction of a second.
- Strike distance – The snake’s body limits how far it can strike and retract to land repeated bites.
- Venom availability – Snakes have a limited supply of venom at a time and will run out if they bite excessively.
- Energy expenditure – Striking and biting rapidly requires energy. Snakes eventually tire which limits further strikes.
- Prey escape – Prey may escape after being bitten once or twice, preventing further bites.
These constraints cap the number of times a snake can realistically bite in a single flurry of attacks, usually to under a dozen bites.
Results of multiple snake bites
When a snake unleashes multiple bites on its victim, the results can be dire:
- Increased venom dosage – Each successive bite injects more venom, rapidly increasing the dose and potency of the toxins.
- Greater damage – Repeated fangs piercing the skin cause additional lacerations and tearing of tissue.
- Higher mortality – With a higher overall venom load, the victim’s chances of death are greater.
- Faster onset of symptoms – Symptoms emerge quicker as more venom circulates through the body.
- Rapid paralysis – Neurotoxins take effect faster, potentially paralyzing muscles like the diaphragm.
- Decreased chance of survival – The compounded effects are much more difficult to survive.
With certain highly venomous snakes, just one bite can be lethal. Multiple bites almost assure rapid death without immediate medical treatment to slow or halt the venom’s progression.
Snake bite first aid
If you are ever bitten multiple times by a venomous snake, here are important first aid guidelines while awaiting medical care:
- Remain calm and still to avoid circulating venom.
- Do not cut, suck or apply tourniquets to the bite.
- Note the appearance of the snake if possible so doctors know which antivenom you need.
- Gradually move beyond striking distance of the snake.
- Remove jewelry or tight clothing that could cut off circulation.
- Seek emergency medical attention immediately for antivenom treatment.
- Monitor breathing. Be prepared to perform CPR if breathing stops.
- Keep the bitten area at heart level while moving as little as possible.
Staying calm and minimizing venom circulation through the body can buy precious time until antivenoms can be administered.
Preventing snake bites
The best way to avoid the dangers of multiple snake bites is to prevent getting bitten in the first place. Safety precautions when around snakes include:
- Leave snakes alone if encountered. Do not try to kill or handle them.
- Wear protective clothing like boots and thick pants when in snake habitats.
- Watch closely for snakes when stepping over logs or rocks.
- Avoid dense bushes and tall grass whenever possible.
- Stay on marked paths to avoid startling hidden snakes.
- Keep hands and feet away from areas snakes may hide.
Being alert and giving snakes space is the best way to avoid getting bitten at all. But if a bite happens, seek immediate medical care to minimize the damage from toxins.
Conclusion
Snakes are capable of biting quickly multiple times when they strike defensively or to inject prey with venom. Species like cobras and mambas can land repeated bites in fractions of a second. While the exact number of bites varies based on circumstances, snakes do not have an unlimited ability to strike due to physical and biological constraints. Still, multiple rapid bites result in a larger venom dose that can overwhelm the victim’s body and prove fatal without emergency care. Prevention through caution and awareness remains the best protection when snakes are present. Their ability to bite more than once underscores the need to give these deadly creatures distance and respect.