There are around 3500 species of snakes in the world.
Of this number, about 600 species are venomous. While this means not all snakes are venomous, one might not be able to tell them apart until things have gone wrong.
Snakes are a threat, not just to humans but also to other animals.
So, if you have animals in your yard, you may want to get a watchdog. Dogs, cats, and even guinea fowls play the role of snake guard as well.
But what about goats? Can they kill snakes?
Will a goat kill a snake? Yes, a goat will kill a snake.
Generally, hooved animals like goats, cows, and horses are naturally afraid of snakes. In their outburst of fear, they just might stomp on the snake violently until it dies.
Alternatively, goats will run away when they see a snake.
The subsequent paragraphs of this article will provide information on goats and snakes. It also discusses how to keep snakes away.
Will a Goat Kill a Snake?
As we already mentioned, yes, a goat will kill a snake.
Naturally, snakes are not afraid of goats, although goats and other hooved animals are afraid of snakes.
It is this fear that leads to the violent response from goats when they come across a snake.
For animals that graze, having four operational legs is necessary for survival.
Even though these animals have been domesticated, the need to shield their legs will always remain. For this reason, these animals will stomp a snake ruthlessly to death if they come across one.
If the snake is lucky, the goat might decide to run away. However, if the goat happens to be the leader, then the snake might end up dead.
Do Goats Help Keep Snakes Away?
No, goats will not keep snakes away. As said earlier, snakes are naturally not afraid of goats. Besides, when goats come across snakes, they can get bitten.
These bites can sometimes be fatal. With these facts, it is safe to say goats will most certainly not keep snakes away.
Can Snakes Kill Goats?
Yes, snakes can kill goats. Snakebites from any type of snake can be a threat to the life of a goat.
In fact, you should not be concerned about the species of snake that bit your goat. Instead, treat every snake bite in the same manner.
Bites from venomous snakes are uncommon. But when they happen, you must treat them immediately and seriously.
Goats mostly get snakebites on their legs and noses.
When snakes attack goats, they strike several times, so if you notice any snakebite on your goat, look for others.
The severity of the snakebite is influenced by the age and size of the snake.
It also depends on the number of bites and the species of the snake. Note that the amount of venom released varies by species.
Nonetheless, most snake venom can damage the heart and prevent blood clotting, while others contain neurotoxins.
Some signs a goat has been bitten by a snake include cardiac arrhythmias, pain, puncture wounds, swelling, and sloughing of tissues.
Others include shock, the impaired ability for their blood to clot, paralysis, collapse, and death.
Snakebites to the head are less severe because there is not enough blood supply to transport the venom to other parts of the body.
Snakebites to the body and legs lead to a lot of swelling.
It will take several days for the swelling to spread while the bloodstream distributes the toxin.
Snakebites above the goat’s hoof will result in swelling on the leg and across its chest.
If a goat gets bitten by a venomous snake, seek immediate veterinary care. Do not try sucking out the snake venom or using a tourniquet.
Ensure the goat remains calm while you seek veterinary care.
What Animals Keep Snakes Away?
Your domestic pets like dogs and cats will tackle a nonvenomous snake occasionally.
However, you do not want your pet taking on a deadly viper in your yard.
The Scottish terrier is a dog breed skilled in hunting down snakes, although it is not immune to snake venom.
This dog breed was made for the sole purpose of hunting snakes and rodents. It is something that has become integrated into its behavior.
Raccoons and foxes can also help to keep snakes away.
If there are foxes in your area, you will find that fox urine makes a good snake repellent when you spread it around your home.
Pigs will also help keep snakes away.
With both animals living close to the ground, the pigs will not want to share their pens with snakes.
Also, to protect their young pigs, they will confront any snake that gets into their pigsty.
Birds like turkeys, guinea fowls, and chickens are excellent snake fighters.
These birds enjoy eating snakes, and if the snake is small, they immediately gobble it down.
Despite being good snake fighters, a fair number of these birds do die from snakebites.
Chickens are not immune to snake venom. Although, their feathers are tough enough to provide protection from a snake’s fangs.
What Animal Kills the Most Snakes?
The animal with the highest snake kill streak is a \mongoose.
This frantic little animal has unique attributes that make it ideal for hunting and killing snakes.
Mongooses eat snakes and have unique traits that make them immune to snake venom.
Some of these traits include its thick coat and its agility.
The importation of mongoose to non-native countries is controlled. So, it can be tough to attain one.
Mongoose importation is regulated because of the potential danger they pose to the plant and animal life in a new environment.
What Smell Do Snakes Hate?
Here is a list of smells snakes hate:
Essential Oils
Some essential oils will repel snakes because snakes are not fond of the smell.
Essential oils like cinnamon and cloves make excellent snake repellents. You can mix these essential oils together in a bottle and spray directly on the snakes to get maximum effect.
However, be cautious because the snakes will slither in the opposite direction of the spray. So, ensure you cover all grounds.
You can also use this mixture indoors as a fumigant.
Ammonia
Snakes do not like the odor of ammonia.
You can apply ammonia in two ways. The first option is to spray the affected areas.
The second option is to soak a rag with ammonia, put it in a sealed bag, and place it around any spot inhabited by snakes.
Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions are some of the best plants you can use to repel snakes.
They contain various sulfur compounds which produce smells that can keep snakes away.
You can repel snakes by planting garlic and onions – this is most ideal. Alternatively, you can prepare a spray from these two vegetables and apply it in areas where snakes may hide.
This spray is ideal for places like crawlspace entrances, doorways, and windowsills.
You can also apply it to the areas around pens, chicken coops, and any other outbuilding.
Remember you will need to apply a decent amount and reapply every 2-3 weeks or whenever it rains.
Lime
You can make a snake repellant using a mixture of peppermint or hot pepper and lime.
Pour this mixture around your home and property.
Snakes are affected by the smell of this mixture, and the fumes it produces irritates their skin.
Final Thoughts
Goats will kill snakes, but only when they feel threatened by their presence.
Goats are not natural snake killers, so they cannot keep snakes away.
In fact, they can get bitten by snakes if the conditions are right.
If you notice that a goat has a snakebite, take it to a vet immediately to prevent it from dying.
Resources
- https://www.therusticelk.com/naturally-repel-snakes/
- https://www.mymove.com/pest-control/guides/remove-snakes/
- https://www.callnorthwest.com/2019/04/home-remedies-to-keep-snakes-away/
- https://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/snakebite.html
- https://opensanctuary.org/article/things-that-are-toxic-to-goats/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/snakes-1
