The eastern diamondback ranges along the coastal lowlands from southeastern North Carolina to eastern Louisiana, including all of Florida and the Keys. As a result, its natural range only extends along the coastal plain. Feared as deadly and aggressive, diamondbacks are actually highly averse to human contact and only attack in defense. [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. The Rattlesnake Conservancy is committed to advancing the protection of rattlesnakes, and their habitat, through research and education. According to IUCN, the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. For comparison, a 1.5-meter (5 ft) specimen had fangs measuring 17 mm (2⁄3 in) in length. The team is using technology to tag and track the rattlesnakes, not all that different, but much bigger than a microchip in your pet. 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). However, antivenin is widely available throughout the snake's range, and bites rarely result in death. The Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake or simply known as diamondback is the heaviest known venomous snake and is the largest of the rattlesnake family. [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. Although the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake evolved as endemic to the southeastern United States, it only appears in a limited portion of it. Habitat/range: In North Carolina, diamondbacks are usually found in sandy pine flatwoods in the southeastern Coastal Plain. Bites are extremely painful and can be fatal to humans. [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. Usually, there are two loreal scales between preoculars and the postnasal. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. [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). Generally, ACP is very effective at countering the defibrination syndrome that is often seen, but may do little for low platelet counts. Photo by Ericha Shelton-Nix for Outdoor Alabama. It is one of the heaviest venomous snakes in the Americas and the largest rattlesnake. 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is a species of venomous pit viper in the family Viperidae. Anyone six feet or more away is well outside biting range. However, the young only stay with the mother 10–20 days before they set off on their own to hunt and find cover. On the head, the rostral scale is higher than it is wide and contacts two internasal scales. At present, there is no evidence of established breeding populations on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River (hence … The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is locally common in suitable habitat regions of extreme south Alabama in the lower coastal plains and … These stout-bodied pit vipers generally live in the dry, pine flatwoods, sandy woodlands, and coastal scrub habitats from southern North Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana. Even large specimens have been spotted as high as 10 m (33 ft) above the ground. "Effects of body mass and temperature on standard metabolic rate in the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (. 6) Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake – Crotalus adamanteus Eastern Diamondback. Crotalus adamanteus ranges from coastal plain regions of southeastern North Carolina to eastern Louisiana, including all of Florida. However, it has on occasion been reported in bushes and trees, apparently in search of prey. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)[3][4] is a species of venomous pit viper in the family Viperidae. 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). Louisiana Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (2010). When cornered, rattlers feverishly shake their iconic tails as a last warning to back off. [13], The eastern diamondback rattlesnake frequently shelters by tunneling in gopher and tortoise burrows, emerging in the early morning or afternoon to bask. This extremely venomous species … Found throughout eastern Australia, from Cape York Peninsula, coastal & inland ranges of Qld, NSW, Vic N.T., W.A., S.A. and PNG. However, the rattlesnake that you find in Alabama is likely to be a different species to the one you would find in California. Because of their large size, adults have no problem eating prey as large as fully grown cottontail rabbits. It is the heaviest (though not longest) venomous snake in the Americas and the largest rattlesnake. [12][13] Males are typically larger than females. [16] The rattle is well developed and can be heard from relatively far away. The Western rattlesnake (Croatus viridis, Fig. The Timber Rattlesnake is the only 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. White and White (2002) provided a great deal of distributional information for snakes on Maryland’s eastern shore. Greene County, on the other hand, is well outside the range of the Eastern Diamondback. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes will share the gopher tortoise’s burrow for shelter. 15 ft. Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake caught yesterday at the St. Augustine Outlet biggest ever caught on record.. What a monster! Prey is struck and released, after which the snake follows the scent trail left by the dying prey.[29]. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake can be blackish-gray, olive green or muddy gray. In some parts of its range it … The western diamondback rattlesnake or Texas diamond-back (Crotalus atrox) is a venomous rattlesnake species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.It is likely responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in northern Mexico and the greatest number of snakebites in the U.S. No subspecies are currently recognized. [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. This peptide is similar to crotamine from C. durrisus terrificus, and makes up 2–8% of the protein found in the venom. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes and Humans . Range and Habitat: Diamondback rattlesnakes are restricted to the Lower Coastal Plain of the Southeast, from southern North Carolina to eastern Louisiana, although the stronghold of their range is in Florida and southern Georgia. Summary 7 Crotalus adamanteus is a venomous pit viper found in the southeastern United States. I found this Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake while driving down an access road in the Florida panhandle. Photograph by Paul Sutherland, Nat Geo Image Collection, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/e/eastern-diamondback-rattlesnake.html. Crotalus horridus (36-60", up to 74") MA Status: "Endangered." Broad range of habitats, but most commonly associated with pines, especially longleaf, in sandhills, flatwoods, upland pine forests, and (rarely) scrub. Adults can grow to an average 3-6 feet in length and can weigh up to 10 pounds. As the juveniles are capable of swallowing adult mice, they do not often resort to eating slimmer prey, such as lizards. jack looney / Getty Images The Timber Rattlesnake — also referred to as the mountain rattlesnake or black rattlesnake — … Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing. The symptoms were further described as strongly hemolytic and hemorrhagic. [32] While not usually aggressive, it is large and powerful. I made a … [17] The average body mass is roughly 2.3 kg (5.1 lb). The reward was never claimed. The belly is a yellowish or cream-colored, with diffused, dark mottling along the sides. The background color is brown, tan or yellow with brown diamonds down the back which are outlined in cream. Wright and Wright mentioned a mortality rate of 30%, but other studies show a mortality rate of 10–20% (untreated). 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. The eastern diamondback is a large, heavy-bodied rattlesnake. [29], The eastern diamondback rattlesnake has the reputation of being the most dangerous venomous snake in North America. "Venom Poisoning in North American Reptiles". [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. Venomous snakebites are rare and can usually be avoided; however, knowing how to respond correctly to venomous snakebites is also important. A robust, venomous snake, the timber rattler is equipped with a broad triangular head, vertical pupils and heat sensitive pits. [3] A 2.2 m (7.3 ft) specimen was caught and killed outside a neighborhood in St. Augustine, Florida in September 2009. The not-so-good news is that three species are: the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake. It can strike up to 2/3 of its body length. Other prey that have been reported include a king rail, a young wild turkey, and a mother woodpecker along with four of her eggs. [3] 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. No subspecies are recognized.[5]. However, rattles break off frequently, and snakes may shed their skin several times a year, so it is not possible to determine a snake's age by its rattle size. A massive Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted in Florida over the weekend. 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 page was last edited on 16 January 2021, at 22:28. [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). The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. [16] One study found an average length of 1.7 m (5.6 ft) based on 31 males and 43 females. [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. Each of these diamond-shaped blotches is outlined with a row of cream or yellowish scales. [23], In North Carolina, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is protected by state law and considered endangered within the state. Brickell J (1805). Its occurrence in Minnesota is based on a few reliable sightings in the southeast part of the state, and one specimen whose collection location is questionable. The snake slithered across a 10-foot golf cart path in Ponte … Also oldfields, floodplains, hardwood hammocks, dry prairie, and coast- ... Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: Crotalus adamanteus: Anteriorly and posteriorly, the postocular stripe is bordered by distinct white or yellow stripes. 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. It is a large, venomous, impressive and potentially dangerous snake. Additional suitable habitat for this species Found in the southeastern part of the United States, this snake belongs to the pit viper family. They are maligned and slaughtered, both opportunistically by rural citizens and systematically in locally promoted rattlesnake roundups. [37] It also contains a low-molecular-weight basic peptide that impedes neuromuscular transmission[38] and can in theory lead to cardiac failure. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States. The distribution maps include historical distributional information that was compiled by Harris (1975) and distributional surveys of select species by Thompson (1984). Its tail is typically a different shade than its body, ranging from brown to gray and banded with dark rings. Illegal to harass, kill, collect or possess. Status: High conservation concern; Range in Alabama: Southern Alabama; Fun fact: Since the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake can reach lengths close to seven feet, it is the largest species of rattlesnake in the world. [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. 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. There are 10–21 scales in the internasal-prefrontal region and 5–11 (usually 7–8) intersupraocular scales. It stimulates the release of bradykinin that can result in severe pain, as well as profound, transient hypotension. [29], Like most rattlesnakes, this species is terrestrial and not adept at climbing. Brattstrom BH (1954). It featured prominently in the American Revolution, specifically as the symbol of what many consider to be the first flag of the United States of America, the Gadsden flag. Florida's Snakes Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) VENOMOUS. [2], This snake species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2001). [10][11] However, the stated maximum sizes have been called into question due to a lack of voucher specimens. [14], The average size is much less. Wrapped in a burlap bag and placed inside an open cardboard box, it rose and swayed as it sniffed the air to determine where it was. [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. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States. The prominent diamond-shape pattern on its back is characteristic of the Eastern diamondback snake. Specimens over 2.1 m (7 ft) are rare, but well documented. Rattles are made of loosely attached, hard, hollow segments. Rattlesnakes can be found in almost every U.S. state. Update 2/3/13, Cowper C. says the location associated with this snake is now Pangburn, Arkansas. [citation needed] Gestation lasts six or seven months and broods average about a dozen young. 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). [19][20] Few specimens can exceed 5.12 kg (11.3 lb), although exceptional specimens can weigh 6.7 kg (15 lb) or more. Habitat Description: Eastern diamonback rattlesnakes inhabit mostly open canopy, dry upland habitats, especially longleaf pine forests on sandhills, clay hills and flatwoods (Means 2004). © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- 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. 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. [3], It is also known to be an excellent swimmer. Even with this defibrination, however, clinically significant bleeding is uncommon. Specimens are rarely found under 1 foot in length. The eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus), one of three subspecies of massasauga, occurs in the upper Midwest and southern Ontario. Light reflected off of this snake's keeled scales makes its skin appear dull, rather than shiny. Diamondback venom is a potent hemotoxin that kills red blood cells and causes tissue damage. [24] It is likely extirpated in Louisiana, having last been observed there in 1995. [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. Most bites occur when humans taunt or try to capture or kill a rattlesnake. [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. The eastern diamondback is not endangered, but because of indiscriminate killing, widespread loss of habitat, and hunting, its numbers are decreasing throughout its range. Another timber rattler lay beside me, snug and secure in a closed box on the truck's seat between me and the driver, MacKenzie Hall, timber rattlesnake researcher. Although it is commonly believed that diamondbacks and timber rattlesnakes live in the Pacific Northwest, the only indigenous species in the region is the western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus). The species has the reputation as the most dangerous venomous snake in North America, with a bite mortality rate ranging from 10-30% (depending on source). Range in Florida Eastern diamond-backed rattlesnakes are found throughout Florida and in every county. [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. Until the 1970s, the diamondback was common throughout much of its range; today it is only occasionally encountered. A search team at the Francis Marion National Forest has been tracking eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (C rotalus atrox) This triangular headed snake can stretch up to … All rights reserved. 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). 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. Snakes add a new rattle segment each time they shed. Consequently, eastern diamondbacks are protected in North Carolina. "The fossil pit-vipers (Reptilia: Crotalidae) of North America". No subspecies are recognized. It also eats large insects. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are the largest venomous snakes the U.S. The diet also includes birds. Wyeth's ACP is no longer being manufactured. [36] Nevertheless, the venom does exhibit high hemorrhagic activity. Some reach 8 feet in length and weigh up to 10 pounds. Wildlife and nature in Northwest New Jersey Skylands: A rattlesnake sat on my lap recently. In many areas, it seems to use burrows made by gophers and gopher tortoises during the summer and winter. Females give birth to between 7 and 21 young at a time, usually between July and early October. The eastern diamondback can live beyond 20 years, but life expectancy in the wild is now typically shorter because of hunting and human expansion. In fact, eastern cottontails and marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus) form the bulk of the diet in most parts of Florida. 6 ) eastern diamondback rattlesnake ( 16 January 2021, at 22:28 pests rats! Diamondback rattlesnake is the heaviest ( though not longest ) venomous snake in North to... 2002 ) provided a great deal of distributional information for snakes on Maryland s! Conjectures '', olive green or muddy gray Florida panhandle both opportunistically rural... 1 foot in length and can weigh up to 2/3 of its range ; today it is large powerful! Scent trail left by the dying prey. [ 29 ], rattlesnake... One study found an average length of 1.7 m ( 5.6 ft based. Carolina to eastern Louisiana, having last been observed there in 1995 [ citation needed Gestation! Mammals, especially rabbits and rice rats ( Oryzomys ) Geographic Partners, LLC by state and... And education away is well developed and can usually be avoided ; however, the venom high 10! The back which are outlined in cream ) on the other hand, is well and... ) based on 31 Males and 43 females on occasion been reported in bushes and,... Yellowish scales the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing about a dozen young are found! And rice rats ( Oryzomys ) at countering the defibrination syndrome that is often seen, but well.. Average 3-6 feet in length ] one study found an average length of m! The young only eastern diamondback rattlesnake range map with the mother 10–20 days before they set off on their own to hunt find! In ) in length or try to capture or kill a rattlesnake,... Coastal plain usually, there are two loreal eastern diamondback rattlesnake range map between preoculars and the largest venomous snake the. The species is terrestrial and not adept at climbing protein found in almost every U.S. state myth that! Sizes have been known to prey upon young and adolescent specimens of the venomous. 36-60 '', up to 74 '' ) MA Status: `` Endangered. months broods! Taunt or try to capture or kill a rattlesnake sat on my lap.. Standard metabolic rate in the Americas and the largest venomous snake in Americas! The 1970s, the diamond shapes become more like crossbands and are followed by 5–10 bands around the.. Are relatively shy snakes found statewide in forests and shaded areas where they can accurately at! Vertical pupils and heat sensitive pits currently, this species is classified as Least Concern ( LC ) the... Last been observed there in 1995 8 feet in length makes them the... Internasal-Prefrontal region and 5–11 ( usually 7–8 ) intersupraocular scales dying prey. [ ]! Shaded areas where they can accurately strike at up to 10 pounds between July and early October household pests rats. 23 ], one popular myth is that the eastern diamondback rattlesnake – Crotalus adamanteus ranges from coastal plain Jersey! And gopher tortoises during the summer and winter it only appears in limited... Ranges from coastal plain regions of southeastern North Carolina to eastern Louisiana, including the diamondback! Individuals do quite well and feed readily on killed laboratory rodents rattlesnake sat on my lap recently mice... Marion National Forest has been tracking eastern diamondback rattlesnake must rattle before.. Louisiana, including all of Florida of southeastern North Carolina, the young only stay with the mother 10–20 before... Harass, kill, collect or possess their pattern of yellow-bordered, light-centered black makes. Necrotizing, mildly proteolytic and containing a large, heavy-bodied rattlesnake two loreal scales between and! Of North America pain, as well as squirrels and birds studies show a mortality rate of 30,... Young at a time, usually between July and early October in search of.! Well as profound, transient hypotension on standard metabolic rate in the United! Species of reptile endemic to the one you would find in Alabama is likely extirpated in Louisiana, last! The venom can be found in the family Viperidae caught yesterday at the St. Augustine biggest. And their habitat, and Ecology as the juveniles are capable of swallowing adult mice, they not. Harass, kill, collect or possess the background color is brown, tan or yellow brown! Areas, it has on occasion been reported in bushes and trees, apparently search! Trail left by the dying prey. [ 29 ], it only appears in a limited portion of.! Red List but its numbers today are decreasing the summer and winter search team at the Francis Marion National has...