King Ratsnake eats deadly cobras and vipers; genome mapping reveals how it survives venom

Scientists mapped the chromosome-level genome of the nonvenomous king ratsnake (Elaphe carinata), which hunts and eats venomous snakes like cobras, kraits, and vipers.

The genome provides a genetic resource to study how the king ratsnake naturally resists a wide range of snake venoms.

Findings could improve understanding of snake evolution and venom resistance, and support future research into better antivenom therapies.