Some snakes break through this membrane before being born while others break through after their birth. All snakes are carnivores, preying upon a variety of different animals including other snakes, fish, frogs, salamanders, rodents, insects, birds and slugs. Snakes have no claws or chewing teeth they must eat their prey whole. They are able to eat prey larger than their head by allowing their jaws to disarticulate while swallowing and subsequently rearticulating the jaw when finished. Some snakes actively pursue their prey while others remain motionless and well camouflaged, waiting for unsuspecting prey to wander within striking distance.
Snakes diets vary among species and depend upon their size and behavior.
For example, small snakes typically prey upon small, slow-moving animals like slugs and earthworms. Larger snakes often prey upon larger, more active prey. Snakes lack chewing teeth, and therefore, must eat their prey whole. Also, snakes lack appendages to grip and hold prey. As a result, many species have developed intriguing methods for capturing, immobilizing and killing their prey.