Editing Snakebite (section)

=== Predatory vs. defensive bites ===
Snake bites are classified as either predatory or defensive. During defensive strikes, the rate of venom expulsion and total volume of venom expelled is much greater than during predatory strikes. Defensive strikes can have 10 times as much venom volume expelled at 8.5 times the flow rate.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Young BA, Zahn K | title = Venom flow in rattlesnakes: mechanics and metering | journal = The Journal of Experimental Biology | volume = 204 | issue = Pt 24 | pages = 4345–4351 | date = December 2001 | pmid = 11815658 | doi = 10.1242/jeb.204.24.4345| bibcode = 2001JExpB.204.4345Y }}</ref> This can be explained by the snake's need to quickly subdue a threat. While employing similar venom expulsion mechanics, predatory strikes are quite different from defensive strikes. Snakes usually release the prey shortly after the envenomation allowing the prey to run away and die. Releasing prey prevents retaliatory damage to the snake. The venom scent allows the snake to relocate the prey once it is deceased.<ref name="Hayes et al. 2002">{{cite book |chapter=Factors that influence venom expenditure in viperids and other snake species during predatory and defensive contexts | vauthors = Hayes WK, Herbert SS, Rehling GC, Gennaro JF |year=2002 |url= http://eaglemountainpublishing.s3.amazonaws.com/PDF/Biology%20of%20the%20Vipers/CH%2013_hayes_.pdf |title=Biology of the Vipers |pages=207–233 |publisher=Eagle Mountain Publishing}}</ref> The amount of venom injected has been shown to increase with the mass of the prey animal.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hayes WK |title=Venom metering by juvenile prairie rattlesnakes, ''Crotalus v. viridis'': effects of prey size and experience |journal=Animal Behaviour |date=1995 |volume=50 |issue=1 |pages=33–40 |doi=10.1006/anbe.1995.0218|s2cid=53160144}}</ref> Larger venom volumes allow snakes to effectively euthanize larger prey while remaining economical during strikes against smaller prey. This is an important skill as venom is a metabolically expensive resource.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}