It’s that time of year again when snakes make their way out of hibernation and onto walking trails, campgrounds, and suburban backyards. While some species such as the North American Racer may benefit surrounding ecosystems, others also pose risks like the Diamondback Rattlesnake. It is classified as one of the most Venomous Snakes in North America and is classified as either an Eastern or Western Diamondback.
Like all species, this snake has the unique ability of camouflaging themselves making it nearly impossible to see them until you get too close. However, the Diamondback Rattlesnake warns you by shaking its tail to make a sound that is likened to a baby rattle. It also does this to warn predators before it gets ready to strike.
Let’s take a look at some quick facts about the Diamondback Rattlesnake to learn where it originated, how many species there are, its habitat and Diet, and why it is considered to be one of the most Venomous Snakes in North America.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus Adamanteus)
Named for the diamondlike pattern that covers it from top to bottom, The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus Adamanteus) is predominately native to the Southeastern Coastal regions of the United States and is considered the heaviest and longest of all venomous snakes in North America and grows from 3 to 6 feet long on average and some have even been recorded to be as long as 8 feet.
It can live for up to 20 years maximum and can be found in forests, scrublands, wiregrass flatwoods, and moist areas such as swamps, savannas, and wet prairies. Even though they do not prefer moist areas they have an excellent ability to adapt and can be found under brush and in fields. However, they are expert swimmers and can adapt to both fresh and salt water.
This snake comes in a variety of colors ranging from olive grey, slate grey, or muddy gray making it much easier for it to blend into its surroundings so that it can catch prey. Unlike other species of snake in North America that have shiny scales such as the Non-Venomous North American Racer, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes have dull scales and a tail that some say looks like it’s different from the rest of its body.
And you wouldn’t be wrong if you agreed because its tail is a different color than the rest of its body and is typically brownish or grayish and attached to a rattle made of keratin. Other distinctive markings include black bands and lines around the eyes, catlike pupils, long tubular fangs, and a pit that is between the nostrils of the nose and on each side of its face.
Their diet on the other hand starts with Mice and Rats for younger snakes while adults prefer to eat larger mammals including squirrels and rabbits. They hunt for prey using scent and have the unique ability to sense heat and infrared waves produced by warm-blooded mammals.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus Atrox)
Like its Eastern counterpart, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus Atrox) is named after the unique diamond patterning found on its body. It can be found across regions in Southwestern North America including Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Western and Central Texas. It prefers diversity in its surroundings and is therefore found in grassy plains, forests, river bottoms, and coastal prairies.
It can live anywhere from 15-20 years and grow from 4 to 6 feet long but can grow to over 7 feet long. Weighing between 3 and 14.7 pounds, however, the average full-grown Western Diamond typically weighs from 3 to 6 pounds.
While similar patterning is shared among the Eastern and Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, the color patterns are not. For Example, it can be pinkish, grayish, or brownish and will be one of these three colors depending on the color of its surroundings. Its triangular head is adorned with diagonal black stripes one on each side of the snake’s face similar to a Zorro mask making it easy to identify.
Additionally, it has long tubular fangs which are a trademark characteristic of all venomous snakes, a tail that resembles that of a raccoon with black and white rings, and a rattle made of keratin like its Eastern Diamondback brethren.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake has a similar diet to the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, feasting on small animals such as rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, prairie dogs, and birds. However, these snakes are not picky and will prey on anything within reach.
Why Diamondback Rattlesnakes are Considered the Most Dangerous Snakes in North America
Diamond Rattlesnakes gained their fierce and intimidating reputation due to their large size. catlike eyes, fangs, and eerie-sounding rattle at the ends of their tails. But what makes them even more worrisome is the fact that they are among the most dangerous snakes in North America because of the potency of their venom. Their venom contains Hemotoxin which breaks down red blood cells and damages tissue if bitten.
It does not take long for the Diamondback Rattlesnake’s wrath to take effect making it crucial to seek medical attention at your nearest emergency room in as little as half an hour. If left untreated it is possible to suffer from organ failure and death as a result of internal hemorrhaging. This is what gives them the classification of being the most dangerous snake in North America.
Should you find yourself in or around the habit of an Eastern or Western Diamondback Rattlesnake make sure you exercise caution.
Conclusion
While Diamondback Rattlesnakes are among the most dangerous in North America, they are also quite interesting creatures to learn about. If you are interested in learning more about them there are groups on social media that raise awareness and education about these snakes and so many others. You not only learn how to identify them but also learn their positive contributions to our ecosystem.
Make sure you check out these groups because they are highly beneficial. Take it from someone who knows. I joined one to teach my son about different species of snakes since he is really into them and learned far more than I originally anticipated.
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