Defense Strategies Avoiding an Enemy Snakes are both predator and prey. Many snakes have died at the hands of humans, whether through direct killing or through habitat change. Snakes evade enemies through various strategies. The most common defense is to keep from being seen, since it reduces the need to fight. That's why snakes spend most of their time hiding, aided by colors and patterns that camouflage them or serve as warnings to potential enemies.
Most snakes try to flee when threatened.
If this strategy doesn't work, they have a variety of behaviors to ward off attackers. Usually snakes attack only as a last resort. Where They Live Snakes live in almost every part of the world except the poles and mountain top ranges. They are found in deserts and rainforests as well as in salt and fresh water. Some snakes burrow under the ground while others hang around the tops of the highest trees.