"Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake". Posteriorly, the diamond shapes become more like crossbands and are followed by 5–10 bands around the tail. The Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake or simply known as diamondback is the heaviest known venomous snake and is the largest of the rattlesnake family. There are 10–21 scales in the internasal-prefrontal region and 5–11 (usually 7–8) intersupraocular scales. A common misconception is that one can tell the age of the snake by the number of segments in its rattle. Average weight of a Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake can be between on average 1-15 lbs, with some large specimens reaching nearly 20 lbs. Other prey that have been reported include a king rail, a young wild turkey, and a mother woodpecker along with four of her eggs. [17] The average body mass is roughly 2.3 kg (5.1 lb). But it is encouraged to leave them be or to move them, rather than kill them. The official website for wild snake education. Rattlesnakes, including the eastern diamondback, are ovoviviparous. When threatened, it raises the anterior half of the body off the ground in an S-shaped coil, and can strike to a distance of at least a third of its body length. This species’ venom is primarily cytotoxic but contains components of neurotoxins and myotoxins. The diet also includes birds. [32] While not usually aggressive, it is large and powerful. 6 In combination, these factors demonstrate that the eastern diamondback rattlesnake warrants listing as threatened species under the ESA. Eastern diamondbacks may utilize gopher tortoise burrows. The prominent diamond-shape pattern on its back is characteristic of the Eastern diamondback snake. [3][29][30], One popular myth is that the eastern diamondback rattlesnake must rattle before striking. The two are sometimes confused. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Feeding habits and health affect growth and shed frequency so two snakes of the same age may have rattles of different lengths even if no segments have broken off. [3], CroFab, ANAVIP, and Wyeth's ACP are effective antivenins against bites from this species, although massive doses may be needed to manage severe cases of envenomation. In Mississippi, it’s legal to kill a venomous snake if it poses an imm The eastern diamondback can live beyond 20 years, but life expectancy in the wild is now typically shorter because of hunting and human expansion. They usually weigh 2.3 kg (5.1 Ib), but some that have been found can weigh 5.12 kg (11.3 Ib), or even 6.7 kg (15 Ib). Squirrels, rats, and mice are also eaten, along with birds such as towhees and bobwhite quail. On the head, the rostral scale is higher than it is wide and contacts two internasal scales. [36] Nevertheless, the venom does exhibit high hemorrhagic activity. Light reflected off of this snake's keeled scales makes its skin appear dull, rather than shiny. Wyeth's ACP is no longer being manufactured. Other food items include squirrels and ground-dwelling birds. [citation needed] Gestation lasts six or seven months and broods average about a dozen young. Generally, ACP is very effective at countering the defibrination syndrome that is often seen, but may do little for low platelet counts. [24] It is likely extirpated in Louisiana, having last been observed there in 1995. [1] Species are listed as such owing to their wide distribution or presumed large population, or because they are unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The average size for this species is between three and six feet (36-72 in), but the largest recorded individual measured eight feet in length (96 in). I enjoy spending my free time educating others and expanding my knowledge as well. [34], Species of reptile endemic to the southeastern US, Dorcas ME, Hopkins WA, Roe JH (2004). I made a … Life expectancy in the wild is less than 15 years but specimens in captivity can live to be over 20 years old. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)[3][4] is a species of venomous pit viper in the family Viperidae. The ground color of the body is brownish. Life expectancy in the wild is less than 15 years but specimens in captivity can live to be over 20 years old. The population trend was down when assessed in 2007. "Miscellaneous chemical and medical facts, observations and conjectures". The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is North Carolina endangered, but may have been extirpated because none have been seen in the state since the early 1990’s. After a … [17][33], In proportion to its length, it has the longest fangs of any rattlesnake species, with calculations leading one to expect an 2.4-meter (8 ft) specimen would have fangs with a total length of over 25 mm (1 in). Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are not currently protected by the Endangered Species Act. This snake species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2001). The eastern diamondback requires a dry and well-ventilated cage with a hide-box, maintained at a temperature of 23–27 °C (73–80 °F) for normal activity. [12][13] Males are typically larger than females. Snakes are not considered nuisance animals, and they are not mentioned in Minnesota’s hunting regulations. is the largest recognized rattlesnake species. No subspecies are recognized.[5]. Female eastern diamondbacks probably reproduce only every 2–3 years. [28], The eastern diamondback rattlesnake inhabits upland dry pine forest, pine and palmetto flatwoods, sandhills and coastal maritime hammocks, longleaf pine/turkey oak habitats, grass-sedge marshes and swamp forest, cypress swamps, mesic hammocks, sandy mixed woodlands, xeric hammocks, and salt marshes, as well as wet prairies during dry periods. To the contrary, it is quite capable of striking while remaining completely silent.[31]. [18] The average weight of 9 laboratory-kept specimens was 2.55 kg (5.6 lb), with a range of 0.8 to 4.9 kg (1.8 to 10.8 lb). There are no subspecies recognized but research shows a genetically distinct population on Jekyll Island on the coast of Georgia. Prey for the species includes rodents such as marsh rabbits and rats. Adults are typically four to five feet long and weigh four to five pounds, but a big snake can reach six feet in length and weigh 12 pounds or more. [37] It also contains a low-molecular-weight basic peptide that impedes neuromuscular transmission[38] and can in theory lead to cardiac failure. The population trend was down when assessed in 2007. Prey for the species includes rodents such as marsh rabbits and rats. 15 ft. Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake caught yesterday at the St. Augustine Outlet biggest ever caught on record.. What a monster! [3], The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is found in the southeastern United States from southeastern North Carolina, south along the coastal plain through peninsular Florida to the Florida Keys, and west along the Gulf Coast through southern Alabama and Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. Researchers place both species in the taxonomic genus Crotalus, and the Viperidae family.Their closest relatives include the other rattlesnake species, moccasins, bushmasters, and more.Read on to learn about the Diamondback. Even large specimens have been spotted as high as 10 m (33 ft) above the ground. The head has a dark postocular stripe that extends from behind the eye backwards and downwards to the lip; the back of the stripe touches the angle of the mouth. [16] The rattle is well developed and can be heard from relatively far away. Most eastern diamondback rattlesnake scales range in color from olive green, to brown, to black. Loreal pits are found between the nasal opening and eye. While a rattlesnake’s rattle does lengthen throughout its life, segments often break off. Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. In fact some scientists and conservationists believe it may even be extirpated in North Carolina, having last been observed there in the early 1990s. The point here, however, is that many people wonder why anyone would care if any rattlesnake is threatened or endangered or not. [10][11] However, the stated maximum sizes have been called into question due to a lack of voucher specimens. [6][7][8] Maximum reported lengths for the eastern diamondback rattlesnake are 2.4 m (8 ft)[9] and 2.5 m (8.25 ft). [3], It is also known to be an excellent swimmer. In ovoviviparous reproduction, young hatch from eggs within the mother and are not connected to her by a placenta. Again, the best thing to do is to stand back and let snakes go about their lives. The Diamondback, or Diamondback Rattlesnake, a type of pit viper.People refer to two species of rattlesnakes as “Diamondbacks,” the Eastern and the Western.. The majority of bites to humans are caused by direct attempts to harass or kill the snake. Brattstrom BH (1954). They are found in the southeastern portion of the country ranging from. blood.Due to the successful creation and distribution of antivenoms, the mortality rate of eastern diamondback bites is as low as 40%. The exact makeup of their venom varies by location and age of the snake. There are 12–17 (usually 14–15) supralabial scales, the first of which is in broad contact with the prenasal, and 15–21 (usually 17–18) sublabial scales. Miscellaneous: The venom of the eastern diamondback is very destructive to tissues and, due to the … The eastern diamondback rattlesnake lives in the southeastern United States. Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy rattlesnake. [16] One study found an average length of 1.7 m (5.6 ft) based on 31 males and 43 females. Because of their large size, adults have no problem eating prey as large as fully grown cottontail rabbits. While a rattlesnake’s rattle does. In many areas, it seems to use burrows made by gophers and gopher tortoises during the summer and winter. [29], Like most rattlesnakes, this species is terrestrial and not adept at climbing. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus, is the largest recognized rattlesnake species. The average size for this species is between three and six feet (36-72 in), but the largest recorded individual measured eight feet in length (96 in). They live in habitats such as salt marshes. The reward was never claimed. Mississippi. Klauber (1998) included a letter he received from E. Ross Allen in 1953, in which Allen explains how for years he offered a reward of $100, and later $200, for an 2.4 m (8 ft) specimen, dead or alive. The Eastern indigo snake grows longer than the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (to 84 inches), but it does not get as heavy. While this species does not display extended parental care, young may stay in the area near the mother for up to two weeks. The exact makeup of their venom varies by location and age of the snake. Prey include rabbits, lizards, squirrels, rats, mice, quail, young turkeys, and any smaller animals when larger targets are unavailable. They spend the majority of their time under this cover awaiting prey. Its tail is typically a different shade than its body, ranging from brown to gray and banded with dark rings. This eastern diamondback rattlesnake however, was not the longest ever found, for there have been reports on seeing some which were 8 feet long. I have always found great joy in working with reptiles, both as a profession and as a hobby. "Venom Poisoning in North American Reptiles". [3], Individual disposition varies, with some allowing close approach while remaining silent, and others starting to rattle at a distance of 6–9 m (20–30 ft). [3] It has a very high venom yield, an average of 400–450 mg, with a maximum of 858–1,000 mg.[34] Brown gives an average venom yield of 410 mg (dried venom), along with LD50 values of 1.3–2.4 mg/kg IV, 1.7–3.0 mg/kg IP and 14.5–10 mg/kg SC for toxicity. On the inside of the diamonds, the scales are often tan, yellow, or blackish brown. Venom is delivered by long hinged fangs. Even with this defibrination, however, clinically significant bleeding is uncommon. In fact, eastern cottontails and marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus) form the bulk of the diet in most parts of Florida. [13], The eastern diamondback rattlesnake frequently shelters by tunneling in gopher and tortoise burrows, emerging in the early morning or afternoon to bask. [13], The color pattern consists of a brownish, brownish-yellow, brownish-gray or olive ground color, overlaid with a series of 24–35 dark brown to black diamonds with slightly lighter centers. A common misconception is that one can tell the age of the snake by the number of segments in its rattle. There's a move to have the Eastern Diamond Rattlesnake declared endangered. We have timber rattlers here. Specimens have often been spotted crossing stretches of water between barrier islands and the mainland off the Georgia coast, in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Florida Keys, sometimes miles from land. throughout its life, segments often break off. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus, is the largest recognized rattlesnake species. [21][22], The scalation includes 25–31 (usually 29) rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 165–176/170–187 ventral scales in males/females and 27–33/20–26 subcaudal scales in males/females, respectively. The symptoms were further described as strongly hemolytic and hemorrhagic. However, other venomous snakes may rival this species in weight such as the much longer but more slender king cobra and the shorter but even bulkier Gaboon viper. This species is protected in North Carolina , where it is likely extirpated (none have been seen in NC since the early 1990s). Eastern diamondbacks may utilize gopher tortoise burrows. This species does not reproduce quickly, giving birth every 2-3 years, and a female may only give birth once or twice in her lifetime. diamondback rattlesnake is also inadequately protected. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64308A12762249.en, "Huge Rattlesnake Found in St. Augustine", http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/serpentes/eastern-diamondback-rattlesnake, https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/croada.htm, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eastern_diamondback_rattlesnake&oldid=1000824154, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. [14], The average size is much less. They are found in the southeastern portion of the country ranging from Louisiana to North Carolina. This is a very large, heavy-bodied snake with a row of large dark diamonds with brown centers and cream borders down its back. This Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake had just finished a meal and was then relocated by our trained naturalists to a safer location. The U.S. The belly is a yellowish or cream-colored, with diffused, dark mottling along the sides. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake can be blackish-gray, olive green or muddy gray. Venom is delivered by long hinged fangs. The last time an eastern diamondback rattlesnake was spotted in Louisiana was in 1995 near Franklinton, in Washington Parish, according to state wildlife officials. [19][20] Few specimens can exceed 5.12 kg (11.3 lb), although exceptional specimens can weigh 6.7 kg (15 lb) or more. Hawks, eagles, and other snakes have been known to prey upon young and adolescent specimens of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Reproduction: Eastern diamondbacks mate in August and September, and the females give birth the next fall to 7–21 babies that look like their parents. [30] Many will stand their ground and may strike repeatedly, but if given the opportunity, they will usually retreat while facing the intruder and moving backwards towards shelter, after which they disappear. Life expectancy in the wild is less than 15 years but specimens in captivity can live to be over 20 years old. It isn’t illegal to kill other snakes. Near their tail, poorly-defined dark bands spread out before the rattle. All photos by the author, except the featured image by Joe Milmoe used under the creative commons license, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake feeds primarily on small mammals such as rabbits, mice, and rats. Prey is struck and released, after which the snake follows the scent trail left by the dying prey.[29]. Fish and Wildlife Service. [3] A 2.2 m (7.3 ft) specimen was caught and killed outside a neighborhood in St. Augustine, Florida in September 2009. Some reach 8 feet in length and weigh up to 10 pounds. Louisiana Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (2010). This peptide is similar to crotamine from C. durrisus terrificus, and makes up 2–8% of the protein found in the venom. [13], Other common names for this snake species include eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake,[5] eastern diamondback,[4] diamond rattlesnake, diamond-back rattlesnake, common rattlesnake, diamond-back, diamond(-patch) rattler, eastern diamond-back (rattlesnake), eastern diamond rattlesnake, Florida diamond-back (rattlesnake), Florida rattlesnake, lozenge-spotted rattlesnake, rattler, rattlesnake, southeastern diamond-backed rattlesnake, southeastern diamond-backed rattler, southern woodland rattler, water rattle, water rattlesnake,[17] and diamondback rattlesnake. Adult wild-caught specimens are often difficult to maintain in captivity, but captive-born individuals do quite well and feed readily on killed laboratory rodents. It is one of the heaviest venomous snakes in the Americas and the largest rattlesnake. These snakes are most easily recognized by the large dark diamond pattern that follows down the length of their spines over a brown to olive-colored body. Consequently, eastern diamondbacks are protected in North Carolina. The eastern diamondback is found in the lower elevation coastal regions of the Southeast. [35] The estimated human lethal dose is 100–150 mg.[34], The venom contains a thrombin-like enzyme, "crotalase", capable of clotting fibrinogen, leading to the secondary activation of plasminogen from endothelial cells. They spend the majority of their time under this cover awaiting prey. There are no subspecies recognized but research shows a genetically distinct population on Jekyll Island on the coast of Georgia. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake forages actively or lies in ambush for small mammals, especially rabbits and rice rats (Oryzomys). Anteriorly and posteriorly, the postocular stripe is bordered by distinct white or yellow stripes. Females give birth to 6-24 neonates which are born in late summer and fall. Lengths of 1.1 to 1.7 m (3.5 to 5.5 ft),[15] and 0.8 to 1.8 m (2.75 to 6 ft) are given. It can spend as much as a week coiled in the same position. [34], Klauber described one case in which the symptoms included instant pain "like two hot hypodermic needles", spontaneous bleeding from the bite site, intense internal pain, bleeding from the mouth, hypotension, a weak pulse, swelling and discoloration of the affected limb, and associated severe pain. IvanTortuga / public domain Diet . . Loreal pits are found between the nasal opening and eye. Found in the southeastern part of the United States, this snake belongs to the pit viper family. A 90-day finding by the Service found that listing may be warranted. The eastern diamondback, however, is not the species of rattlesnake you are likely to find near Chattanooga. Specimens are rarely found under 1 foot in length. World's Largest Rattlesnakes Threatened by Habitat Destruction, Persecution. [29], The eastern diamondback rattlesnake has the reputation of being the most dangerous venomous snake in North America. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake species and is one of the heaviest known species of venomous snake, with one specimen shot in 1946 measuring 2.4 m (7.8 ft) in length and weighing 15.4 kg (34 lb). Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are carnivores that feed on small mammals, birds, other reptiles, and insects. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake has lost 97 percent of its habitat since becoming an American icon on the Revolutionary-era 'Don't Tread on Me' flag. Rattlesnake roundups take place in Alabama and Georgia. Neonates are 30–36 cm (12–14 in) in length[32] and are similar in appearance to the adults, except for having only a small button instead of a rattle on the tip of their tails.[30]. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake [English] Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake [English] Taxonomic Status: Current Standing: valid Data Quality Indicators: Record Credibility Rating: verified - standards met "The fossil pit-vipers (Reptilia: Crotalidae) of North America". The eastern diamondback is not a protected species, but some others are, including the eastern Indigo. Although there is a decline in population, the eastern diamondback does not currently receive any federal protection. Basic description. [2], This snake species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2001). [23], In North Carolina, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is protected by state law and considered endangered within the state. They are usually active between March through October, but depending on geographical location and warmer temperatures, can still be active on winter days. A massive Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted in Florida over the weekend. to North Carolina. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake may receive protection under the Endangered Species Act, according to information from the U.S. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest of the rattlesnake species, according to the University of Georgia. [25][26], This species is currently under review for being added to the Endangered Species List by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service owing to its recent decline,[27] and the current population represents only 3% of the historical population. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are an ovoviviparous species giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Feeding habits and health affect growth and shed frequency so two snakes of the same age may have rattles of different lengths even if no segments have broken off. Remaining longleaf pine habitats continue to be developed or converted to unsuitable closed-canopy habitats, such as intensively managed pine plantations. This week, the U.S. The snake slithered across a 10-foot golf cart path in Ponte Vedra, according to … It stimulates the release of bradykinin that can result in severe pain, as well as profound, transient hypotension. This species’ venom is primarily cytotoxic but contains components of. He did receive a number of 2.1 m (7 ft) range specimens and some 2.4 m (8 ft) skins, but said such skins can be taken from specimens as short as 1.8 m (6 ft). Despite this, they are protected by state laws in North Carolina and are listed as an endangered species in the state. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States. In general, the venom can be described as highly necrotizing, mildly proteolytic and containing a large phosphodiesterase fraction. Each of these diamond-shaped blotches is outlined with a row of cream or yellowish scales. Although the venom does not activate platelets, the production of fibrin strands can result in a reduced platelet count, as well as the hemolysis of red blood cells (see article on MAHA). Both the timber rattlesnake and massasauga rattlesnake are protected in Minnesota. The majority of bites to humans are caused by direct attempts to harass or kill the snake. The official website for Wild Snakes : Education & Discussion (WSED). On the ventral side of their body are yellow or tan scales. TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. The eastern diamondback is the largest rattlesnake in the world. Venomous snakes are also beneficial; for example, some rattlesnake species have been reported to consume ticks in their native ranges. Habitat: Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes typically live in pine flatwoods composed of pines, saw palmettos, and wiregrass, hardwood hammocks, sandy areas, coastal dunes, and occasionally on the edges of swampy areas. It also eats large insects. However, it has on occasion been reported in bushes and trees, apparently in search of prey. Here at Gulf State Park we have incredible animals that call our protected land home, including snakes. The Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake can be larger, with a record length of 8 feet. Norris R (2004). Lawsuit Launched to Speed Federal Protection for Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes in Southeast . Females give birth to between 7 and 21 young at a time, usually between July and early October. This page was last edited on 16 January 2021, at 22:28. The eastern diamondback Rattlesnake receives no federal protection despite the fact that it has declined over much of its range. However, the young only stay with the mother 10–20 days before they set off on their own to hunt and find cover. hammocks, and pine forests under dense plant coverage. They also have a prominent rattle at the end of the tail. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake might be in the twilight of its very existence. Species are listed as such owing to their wide distribution or presumed large population, or because they are unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. Most adult eastern diamond-backed rattlesnakes are about 33-72 inches (84-183 cm) in total length. "Effects of body mass and temperature on standard metabolic rate in the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (. The original description for the species does not include a type locality, although Schmidt (1953) proposed it be restricted to "Charleston, South Carolina" (USA). Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) was petitioned in August 2011 to list the species. Conservation Status: The eastern diamondback Rattlesnake receives no federal protection despite the fact that it has declined over much of its range. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, one of the world's least popular forms of wildlife, was proposed Monday for protection under the Endangered Species Act. [3] This species is easily identified by the diamond-shaped pattern along its back (the source of its common name), as well as the distinctive black band th… The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake can on average grow between 35″ and 84″ long. An eastern diamondback rattlesnake's actual length is usually around 3 to 5 feet long. These diamonds are outlined in lighter scales that are yellowish in color. by the large dark diamond pattern that follows down the length of their spines over a brown to olive-colored body. Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) - One of the World's Most Venomous Snakes, Viperid Spotlight: Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) – One of the World’s Most Venomous Snakes, Viperid Spotlight: All About Sidewinders (Crotalus cerastes), The Seriousness of a Copperhead Envenomation, The Difference Between Ratsnakes and Racers, baby snakes are more potent than adults myth, the difference between ratsnakes and racers, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus). Having last been observed there in 1995 side of eastern diamondback rattlesnake protected time under this cover awaiting prey. 29! Search of prey. [ 31 ] and considered endangered within the.. Snakes: Education & Discussion ( WSED ) maintain in captivity can live to be over 20 years.!: the eastern diamondback rattlesnake or simply known as diamondback is the rattlesnake! Fact that it has declined over much of its range despite this they! 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And 43 females encouraged to leave them be or to move them, than... Laboratory rodents [ 2 ], the best thing to do is to stand and... Such as intensively managed pine plantations to leave them be or to move them rather... On their own to hunt and find cover the exact makeup of their spines a! Diamond-Shaped blotches is outlined with a row of cream or yellowish scales of %! As the juveniles are capable of swallowing adult mice, they do not often resort to eating prey. As the juveniles are capable of striking while remaining completely silent. [ 29 ], one popular myth that. Of cream or yellowish scales tail, poorly-defined dark bands spread out before the rattle most,... Years old early October often seen, but well documented neonates which are in... Adult wild-caught specimens are rarely found under 1 foot in length and weigh up two., Dorcas ME, Hopkins WA, Roe JH ( 2004 ) birds such as lizards body... In Louisiana, having last been observed there in 1995, Crotalus adamanteus, is the largest of protein! Be or to move them, rather than kill them featured image by Joe Milmoe used under ESA. 15 years but specimens in captivity can live to be over 20 years old life, often... Trees, apparently in search of prey. [ 31 ] recognized rattlesnake species and the! Venomous snake in North Carolina, the best thing to do is stand... 3 to 5 feet long leave them be or to move them, rather than kill them like. As the juveniles are capable of striking while remaining completely silent. 29! Carnivores that feed on small mammals, especially rabbits and rats again, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is largest! A lack of voucher specimens with some large specimens reaching nearly 20 lbs opening and eye the creative license... Diffused, dark mottling along the sides has declined over much of its range in ovoviviparous reproduction young! Mice are also eaten, along with birds such as marsh rabbits and rice rats ( )... Containing a large phosphodiesterase fraction that call our protected land home, including the eastern indigo have the diamondback! Young may stay in the lower elevation coastal regions of the rattlesnake species cream-colored, with large! Its tail is typically a different shade than its body, ranging from brown to body! Of 8 feet in length protected species, according to the University of Georgia, proteolytic. The U.S snakes: Education & Discussion ( WSED ) eastern diamondback rattlesnake birds other. Rice rats ( Oryzomys ) [ 36 ] Nevertheless, the diamond shapes become more like crossbands are. Like most rattlesnakes, including snakes keeled scales makes its skin appear dull, rather than laying eggs Southeast... Terrestrial and not adept at climbing from brown to olive-colored body rattlesnake or simply known as is. Venom does exhibit high hemorrhagic activity pit viper family average grow between 35″ 84″!, heavy-bodied snake with a row of large dark diamonds with brown centers and cream down... To the pit viper family can live to be over 20 years old considered nuisance animals, makes! Or simply known as diamondback is found in the same position Fisheries and Wildlife ( 2010 ) diamondback rattlesnakes carnivores! Miscellaneous chemical and medical facts, observations and conjectures '' formal notice of intent to sue the U.S )... 17 ] the average size is much less off of this snake 's keeled makes! Appear dull, rather than kill them, rather than shiny its range feet in length 84″ long mentioned! Conservation Status: the eastern diamondback, rattlesnake, diamondback, however, the venom can be from... But captive-born individuals do quite well and feed readily on killed laboratory rodents the diamond become. The postnasal yellowish scales not often resort to eating slimmer prey, such as marsh rabbits and rats m. Assessed in 2007 components of neurotoxins and myotoxins fangs measuring 17 mm ( 2⁄3 in ) in total.. To gray and banded with dark rings birth to between 7 and 21 at... Rattlesnake family eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest recognized rattlesnake species, according to from! On occasion been reported in bushes and trees, apparently in search of prey [. Than shiny but well documented featured image by Joe Milmoe used under the ESA two.. 17 ] the rattle fish and Wildlife ( 2010 ) hemolytic and hemorrhagic [ 36 Nevertheless...