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Hissing to Rattling: 7 Sounds that snakes make and which one is the dangerous

ETimes.in | Last updated on - May 4, 2026, 20:33 IST
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Hissing to Rattling: 7 Sounds that snakes make and which one is the dangerous

There’s an age-old phrase saying "silent as a snake," and for someone who has spent time in the wilderness, this remains the most fascinating fact about snakes. But you will be amazed to know that snakes can make some scary noises, despite the fact that they do not have voice cords like other animals and humans. Here are seven sounds that snakes make and which one is the most dangerous one!

2/9

Hissing

Hissing is one of the most common sounds that snakes make! They make this noise by blowing air out of their mouth and nose fast. It is like a warning sign that says "stay." Snakes do this when they feel cornered or scared. It is their way of saying "leave me alone."

3/9

Rattling

The buzzing sound that some snakes make, which is called rattling. They make this noise by shaking their tails fast; the tail has pieces on it that knock against each other to make the sound. Like hissing, it is a warning sign that says, "Do not come any closer."

4/9

Rasping


Some snakes like the saw-scaled viper make a sound that's like sandpaper on wood. They do this by rubbing their scales against each other. It is a scary sound that means the snake is getting ready to attack. Snakes only make this noise when they are really mad or scared.

5/9

Buzzing

Some snakes do not have a rattle. They can still make a buzzing sound. They do this by vibrating their tail against leaves or the ground. It is like a humming noise that says "stay away." Snakes use this sound to scare away predators.

6/9

Growling


The king cobra is one snake that can make a sound like a cat growling. They do this by making a rumbling noise in their throat. It is a sound that says, "I am the king," and this sound is as scary as this snake.

7/9

Shrieking


Some snakes, like the pine snake, can make a loud shrieking sound. They do this by using a flap in their throat. It is a sudden and scary noise that is meant to startle predators. Snakes use this sound to get from things that are trying to hurt them.

8/9

Hiss-Sputtering


Some snakes make a noise that's like a combination of hissing and spitting. It is an aggressive sound that says, "I am mad and I am going to attack." Snakes use this sound when they are feeling really threatened or scared.

9/9

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

All of these sounds are warnings but some are more dangerous than others. The rasping sound of the saw-scaled viper is dangerous. This snake is responsible for more human deaths than any other snake. When you hear that sizzling sound, you know that the snake is getting ready to attack. It is a scary sound that means you should stay away. The saw-scaled viper is an aggressive snake and it will not hesitate to bite if it feels threatened.

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Copyright © May 26, 2026, 10.31AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service