Are snakes edible

Answer 1

While there are many venomous snakes, there are a few poisonous snakes (poisons are absorbed or ingested, while venoms are injected), among those are the Japanese Rat snakes (not venomous) and the Asian Tiger snake (the only poisonous and venomous snake). Many garter snakes may become poisonous through a diet of poisonous frogs and toads, so be careful before eating them.

I searched the web a bit and the best I can tell is that all snakes are edible. If cooked properly they are supposed to be mighty tasty as well. If your worried about poison, don't be. Cutting off the head gets rid of the venom. Cooking the venom kills the poison. However, the only way the venom can effect a person is getting into ones circulatory system. You can drink pure venom of any snake without any ill effects.

**added by jinglejangle**

My understanding is that snakes are all edible, and although that may not be true, i do suspect that all North American and European snakes are probably edible. Three things to bear in mind.

1. For poisonous snakes, the venom is not poisonous to eat I THINK, but if you have a sore in your mouth or stomach you don't know about it might be dangerous to consume, especially if it is a snake that uses Neurotoxins, like the cobra family.

2. The poison glands are behind the head, so I would remove this, CAREFULLY. Many snakes can still bite you when they are dead, even when their heads are cut off, and they can still kill you this way. Bury or burn the head after removal.

3. With all snakes, even the non-poisonous ones, as well as with any reptile or amphibian, it is important to cook the meat thoroughly, and to wash your hands after handling snake flesh, because as many as 90% of reptiles carry salmonella, and you don't want that, especially if you are in a survival situation.

end of jinglejangles bit**

**edit added by Nathan Xplosion on 02/02/10 3:04PM**

From the tours I've taken at zoos and from personal internet and reference book research, I have learned that all snakes are edible. The venom sacs reside in the back of the head, just remove the head and cook, venomous or not. Obviously, one would not want to eat the tail of a rattlesnake, but their meat is very delicious.

**end edit by Nathan Xplosion**

Answer 2

Any of the several North American snakes we call bull snakes can be eaten.

Answer 3

Nearly all snakes, including rattlesnakes and bull snakes, are edible.