Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

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
Comments
Share
1/9

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.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Photostories
  • 10 beautiful indoor plants for your desk, bedside, and centre table that can help you feel happier, calmer, and less stressed
  • 8 expressway corridors creating new real estate opportunities
  • The joint pain mistake millions make, and why doctors want it to stop
  • Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: "Attachment creates fear; acceptance creates peace"
  • 6 Beautiful plants that thrive with very little sunlight
  • Forget chemo or immunotherapy: ‘Revolutionary’ cancer jabs destroy tumours in treatment-resistant cases in trial
  • From British rejection to fashion revolution: The story behind India’s most iconic saree moment
  • Morning affirmation at 5 am: The early-morning words that can reset your mindset
  • Brad Pitt to Tom Holland: Hollywood actors who spoke about addiction and sobriety
  • Out of the shadows: The Women who made Madhubani art global
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    Forget chemo or immunotherapy: ‘Revolutionary’ cancer jabs destroy tumours in treatment-resistant cases in trial
  • 5
    The rare and unique snakes of the Amazon forests
  • 8
    From ponds to oceans: 7 snakes that quietly live in water
  • 6
    5 stunning Indian parrot species still found in the wild
  • 5
    ​Eaten four times, and now stolen: Maurizio Cattelan's famous ‘banana’ has vanished again and internet is absolutely losing it​
Up Next
  • News
  • /
  • Etimes
  • /
  • Animals & Pets
  • /
  • Hissing to Rattling: 7 Sounds that snakes make and which one is the dangerous
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 2, 2026, 08.20AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service