Yes snakes can get food poisoning. It is rare and you need the right pathogenic kinds of bacteria, but it is possible. And it would be more obvious in neonates that do not yet have a fully competent immune system.

I will feed a mouse that has sat for a day, but beyond that when they start to bloat and stink you are playing a risky game. Most of the time it will be fine. But a dead animal is a great anaerobic environment and perfect for growing some REALLY nasty bacteria like clostridium (botulism and tetanus ect).

Snakes in the wild probably do scavenge, and they probably suffer for it occasionally. I just wouldn't risk it personally.


hey what do i know. When i travel to brazil, c. america or mexico I drink lots of tequila to kill off montezumas revenge. I always thought these 'extra" bacteria will help aid digestion.

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