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Study Reveals Snake Cannibalism More Common Than Believed

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Biological Reviews finds snake cannibalism is more common than thought, with over 500 incidents documented across 200 species.
Researchers from Brazil spent two years analyzing various sources to identify patterns.
The study indicates cannibalism evolved independently at least 11 times in snake history.
Elapids, including cobras, accounted for 19% of incidents.
Blind snakes were not involved due to jaw structure.

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Story summary

A study published in Biological Reviews finds snake cannibalism is more common than thought, with over 500 incidents documented across 200 species.
Researchers from Brazil spent two years analyzing various sources to identify patterns.
The study indicates cannibalism evolved independently at least 11 times in snake history.
Elapids, including cobras, accounted for 19% of incidents.
Blind snakes were not involved due to jaw structure.