Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)
Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
Auburn, Alabama
This Eastern Kingsnake is ingesting a Copperhead.
The head of the Kingsnake is at the top left with the Copperhead in its mouth.
The body of the Kingsnake is wrapped around the body of the Copperhead.
Eastern Kingsnakes are strong constrictors and feast on a variety of
other animals including venomous snakes such as copperheads and rattlesnakes.
Although it has not been scientifically proven that Kingsnakes lower the
abundance of Copperheads, good anecdotal information suggests this is the case.
Source: David Steen, "Living alongside Wildlife Blog, 12/9/2013
http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/2013/12/kingsnakes-keep-copperheads-in-check.html
Thanks to Dr. Graeme Lockaby, Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University.