Why doesn't a mongoose die after eating a venomous snake?

Answer 1

Mongooses of this genus are famous for their snake-fighting ability

and are often portrayed fighting a cobra. Research has shown that although

the mongoose is tolerant of small dosages of cobra venom, it is not immune

to it. Mongooses are almost always victorious because of their speed,

agility, and timing and also because of their thick coat.

The venom has to injected into the animal, therefore, merely eating

the snake does not cause a problem since the venom is digested by the

acids in the animal's stomach.

Venom is actually just modified saliva. It's primary function is to

capture/kill the prey and then it also helps to digest the prey.

Some venoms are referred to as hematoxic which means that they primarily

affect the blood. Almost all American pitvipers fall into this category. A

hematoxic venom destroys tissue and is very painful.

Neurotoxic venoms attack the nervous system and brain. These may cause

almost no pain, but shut down the respiratory systems and interfere with

heart functions. Good examples of these types of snakes are the cobra and

coral snakes.

Snake venom is made up of about 20 different enzymes. Species usually

have 6-12 of theseenzymes. These enzymes determine the toxicity of the

snake and whether it is hemotoxic or neurotoxic.

Answer 2

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. Venom must be injected. If it is eaten, it is harmless unless you have an ulcer. Plus, venom is only present in the glands of the head, so the rest is completely safe to eat. Mongooses are known for their immunity to neurotoxic snake venom, which comes from special acetylcholine receptors that do not allow venom to attach to them.

Answer 3

Mongooses are highly resistant if not immune to most snake venom.