They strike with a short, forced hiss and try to quickly slither away and under cover when they get the chance. Food Milk snakes feed on a wide variety of animals including mice, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, reptile eggs, birds and birds' eggs. They are a type of kingsnake and will consume venomous snakes when they chance upon them. They are at least partially immune to the venom of the venomous snakes in their range and many venomous serpents will use defensive tactics other than biting to protect themselves from kingsnakes. Young snakes comprise a large portion of a baby milk snakes' diet, but they are not found to be the most significant food item for adults.
Milk snakes are constrictors and kill their food by suffocation.