Common kingsnakes are beneficial for the ecosystem. As predators, they help keep numbers of rodents, frogs and other snakes like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths in check. They are eaten by larger snakes and predatory birds and mammals. They also get some parasites from the group apicomplexans.ommon kingsnakes are eaten by alligators in Florida, larger snakes, hawks, raccoons, striped skunks, and Virginia opossums. They defend themselves from predators by hissing, striking, making a striking pose shaped like an S, biting, and flying.