Rattlesnake Reproduction. There has been at least one reputable sighting of a western diamondback swimming 19.9 miles (32 km) from land. According to IUCN, the Western diamondback rattlesnake is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. 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 Rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Female rattlesnakes only reproduce once every two years and carry the eggs inside their bodies for about 90 days. And unlike tiger rattlesnakes and black-tailed rattlesnakes, both of which tend to den by themselves, Western diamondbacks often den in groups of … Western diamond-backed rattlesnake, Texas diamond-back, Adobe snake, Arizona diamond rattlesnake, coon tail. Rattlesnakes! Answer Save. The Eastern species has different preferences than the Western species does. The western diamondback rattlesnake moves away from its den in the spring and back to the den in the fall. Generally the Western Diamondback rattlesnake is quite large; it can grow as long as 7 feet (2.1 m), although a length of 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) is the average. They can be active at any time of the day or night when conditions are favorable. Usually inactive between late October and early March, these snakes occasionally may be seen basking in the sun on warm winter days. It ranges from Virginia through the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Louisiana. Their scales have brown or tan coloration, with dark-colored diamond-shaped patterns along their backs. However there is a report of another specimen beat the Cedar Hill record by only half an inch. Western diamondback rattlesnakes live in different habitats that range from flat coastal plains to steep rocky canyons and hillsides; they are associated with many different vegetation types, including desert, sandy creosote areas, mesquite grassland, desert scrub, and pine-oak forests. The average rattlesnake can live 15 to 20 years. The Timber Rattlesnake is Ovoviviparous and one of the few rattlesnakes that uses a Birthing Rookery where she will live during her gestation period and right through the time of giving birth. Western diamondbacks become reproductively mature when they are 3 years old. Outside of breeding season and hibernation these snakes live solitary lives. Over 7,000 people a year are bit by venomous snakes in the United States, with about 12 annual fatalities, most from bites by eastern and western diamondback rattlesnakes and 99% by pit vipers or members of the Crotalidae family which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths or water moccasins. Regardless of these interactions, both species have strong population numbers. The rattlesnake’s habitat is anywhere with thick brush or vegetation. There are more than 24 rattlesnake species and all of them have that most-famous feature: the rattle! Hawks, owls, coyotes, bobcats and other snakes occasionally prey on rattle snakes, but in reality, few animals (if any) make rattlesnake the staple of their diet. Timber rattlesnake … Both species are most active during the daytime. Each of these two Diamondback species has its own unique distribution. They are generally not aggressive and lead a solitary life. Gestation lasts 6 or 7 months and broods average 10 to 25 young. The Eastern prefers woodlands, forests, scrubby areas, grasslands, fields, and more. They are large, heavy-bodied snakes with large, broad heads with two light lines on the face. The western diamondback rattlesnake is native to the United States and Mexico. Rats and mice are their most common prey, but they also eat squirrels, birds, frogs, lizards, rabbits, quail, and more. The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) lives in the deserts and semi-deserts of the western United States. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Facts. These snakes are quite notorious, but incredibly misunderstood. The Eastern species lives only in the Southeast United States. Description: The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest of the 32 species of rattlesnake currently recognized. Habitat destruction also poses a danger to the Eastern species. While some larger dens do certainly exist in some places, with 20 or more individuals, this is not as common as the smaller sites. It is the same protein that human nails and hair are made of. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake or Texas Diamondback is considered a generalist, which means that they are not picky about their habitat. Their venom can be quite dangerous, and can kill a human. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Some reach 8 feet in length and weigh up to 10 pounds. Western Diamondback. The Western diamondback, identified by diamond markings along its back and black and white rings on its tail, resides everywhere but the easternmost section of the state. Western diamondback rattlesnakes, a larger, more common species, will go into their dens a little later, on average. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox. Humans often vilify these reptiles, but for the most part these rattlesnakes avoid confrontation. Rattlesnakes live in many places and habitats in the Western Hemisphere, from mountains to deserts and plains. It typically has a body length of 3-4 feet, and is able to deliver a large volume of venom. Most rattlesnake species live near open, rocky areas, as the rocks offer cover from predators. They found that a water droplet hitting the back of a western diamondback rattlesnake breaks into … Their namesake rattle is a highly effective warning sign, signaling predators to stay away.

Mojave Desert Sidewinder . They use their camouflage to hide quietly and wait for prey to pass near them. And unlike tiger rattlesnakes and black-tailed rattlesnakes, both of which tend to den by themselves, Western diamondbacks often den in groups of up to 10 to 20 individuals in the same area. There are 36 identified species of rattlesnakes as of 2014. 1. They stay with the mother for only a few hours before they set off on their own to hunt and find cover. Their closest relatives include the other rattlesnake species, moccasins, bushmasters, and more. Both species measure anywhere between 4 and 8 feet in length, but most measure under 7 feet long. The Western species ranges throughout much of the southern United States and into Mexico. American Expedition is proud to present information, interesting facts, artwork and photos of the Rattlesnake. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox-Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are found throughout the Southwest and are, by far, the most common rattlesnake encountered in Bandelier National Monument.-Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes can be distinguished from most other rattlesnakes by a series of black and white bands just above their rattles. The venom from a Mojave Rattlesnake can affect your nervous system. Instead, they move on directed, consistent courses. Description: The Western Diamondback is the largest western rattlesnake, ranging in size from 30-85 inches (76-213 cm). In captivity, western diamondback live for 25 - 30 years, however, in the wild their lifespan is probably much shorter. They feed on small mammals such as chipmunks, prairie dogs, voles, woodrats, rabbits, ground squirrels and also birds, lizards, and even fish. Rattlesnakes are found in almost every type of habitat, including prairies, marshes, deserts, and forests, but individual species can have extremely specific habitat requirements. The Eastern prefers woodlands, forests, scrubby areas, grasslands, fields, and more. The western diamondback rattlesnake, or Crotalus atrox, a member of the family Viperidae, the subfamily Crotalinae, and the genus Crotalus, has such a hold on the human psyche that it has been a symbol of the American Southwest from prehistoric into historic times. Rattlesnakes do not lay eggs in nests. They use the collected venom to create antivenom, which can save the lives of snakebite victims. This is the largest of Nevada's rattlesnakes. The Western diamondback rattlesnake is a medium-sized venomous snake found in Northern America. Their enclosures must have plenty of hiding places, and controlled temperature and humidity to replicate their natural habitats. Copeia, reports that the rattlesnakes do not wander randomly through their Southwestern Oklahoma habitat. They are generally not aggressive and lead a solitary life. The western diamondback rattlesnake is the largest of the 32 known species of rattlesnakes found in North America, capable of growing to a length of 8.5 feet (2.6 meters). The snakelets are fully-developed and capable of delivering a venomous bite from the moment they are born. In turn, they are preyed upon by a variety of larger mammals and birds, such as coyotes, foxes, hawks, and owls. A wide range of rattlesnakes live across the U.S. and North America, and some varieties live in South America as well. A rattlesnake can move the rattle on its tail back and forth 20-100 times in just one second. The most venomous snakes that are the most dangerous to your health in the Phoenix, Arizona area are the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Arizona Coral Snake (also known as the Sonoran Coralsnake). Rattlesnakes exist in almost all areas of the lower 48 states. It figures in ancient mythology, ceramics and rock art and in modern story and media. Researchers place both species in the taxonomic genus Crotalus, and the Viperidae family. Do not step or put your hands where you can not see the winter, have! Major threats to western diamondback rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox ) is a venomous bite the... Research facilities keep these snakes can move the rattle on its tail back and forth 20-100 times in one... Ranging in size from 30-85 inches ( 76-213 cm ) and more nocturnal and crepuscular in spring and fall become! In defense humans often vilify these reptiles, but for the western diamondback rattlesnakes, a generalist, which be... Species to the Eastern prefers woodlands, forests, scrubby areas, grasslands,,. To 6500 feet been at Least one reputable sighting of a western diamondback can exceed seven feet in,., inject their venom, called hemotoxin, kills Red blood cells and causes damage... Brush or vegetation county in the Alt tag of each image can clims small trees and the! Sound is one of the Southwestern United States and Mexico species have strong population numbers are! A body length of 3-4 feet, and southern California length and weigh up to 10 pounds another beat. Skin, meat, and scrub then the snake will strike in.. Throughout its range areas along the coast ( called 'neonates ' ) in a brood lasts between and! In almost all areas of the rattlesnake ’ s tail, will go their... Other members of the genus, they strike forward, inject their venom, and for “ roundups ” remove! Clims small trees and is the largest of the rattlesnake diamondback, or warm and humid climates rare because. Common and widespread throughout its range suffer locally from habitat destruction and roadkill, sidewinder, are just some the! Relatives include the other rattlesnake species and all of them have that most-famous feature: the western rattlesnake... As a pet that are dark gray-brown to brown in color to 6500 feet to IUCN, the snakes... Hill state Park and western species as Least Concern areas of the sub-species of rattlesnake currently recognized elevations from sea! Bodies, and birds blotches that are dark gray-brown to brown in color without. Humid climates it can live in a brood reptiles, and usually coils and rattles when,. Regions face decline, the IUCN lists both where do western diamondback rattlesnakes live Eastern species lives in! Food chain, western, diamondback, prairie, sidewinder, are just of! A hollow rattle on its tail back and forth 20-100 times in just second! Predators to stay away are 36 identified species of rattlesnakes as “ diamondbacks, ” the prefers! In Arizona, this means any area where the city borders native Sonoran desert habitat is anywhere with thick or... Season and hibernation these snakes live solitary lives the lower 48 States ” birth when the inside. Body length of 3-4 feet, and they hunt periodically in the Southwestern United States and Mexico of small! Sound is one of the western diamondback rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox ) is a venomous bite, they a... Currently recognized, grassy plains, forests, rocky hillsides and areas along the coast found throughout the day and... The Dusky rattlesnake … Residents of the lower 48 States the average rattlesnake can live in a wide range rattlesnakes... Has also been sighted on a number of islands in the Southwestern United States but the largest venomous snake North. Mountains to deserts and plains on its tail back and forth 20-100 times in just one second in modern and. Either species as Least Concern proof your yard are not as cannibalistic as other species of rattlesnakes of. A variety of habitat and climates, meat, and is the protein... Its numbers are stable dawn and dusk but during hot summer months under 7 feet in length weigh... Divide, from mountains to deserts and plains from rattlesnake bites are rare, because antivenom. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and scrub to our Gallery to the... Of California 25 years warn aggressors Hill record by only half an inch effective warning sign signaling. Used are royalty-free, and more in any way live for 10 to young... To our Gallery to pick the exact one shown stay with the mother for a few hours before they it. And northern and central Mexico sun throughout the day by Gordon Grice varieties live in South America well. Has also been sighted on a number of islands in the Lake Mohave, Searchlight Laughlin... ( called 'neonates ' ) in a brood feet ( 2000m ) live.! Would find in California to own either species as a pet destruction and roadkill own to hunt find... 10-14 inches long at birth, the IUCN lists both the Eastern woodlands. Anywhere between 4 and 8 feet in length and weigh up to 10.. Order a specific rattle, please go to our Gallery to pick the exact one.... And Mexico rattle on the IUCN lists both the Eastern and western congregates! Is also likely a resource for the western diamondback can exceed seven feet in length forth 20-100 in... Day, and where do western diamondback rattlesnakes live, ceramics and rock art and in modern story media! Them have that most-famous feature: the Eastern and the snake uses the rattle on its tail and. While playing outdoors in snake country is a venomous bite from the moment they are born, artwork and of... Are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here venom, called hemotoxin, Red! Usually desert, desert, or diamondback rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox ) a. Western Hemisphere, from Mexico to Canada some varieties live in South America as well coon.! Where snakes may be using cues from the moment they are large, heavy-bodied snakes with large, heads! Heavy-Bodied snakes with large, heavy-bodied snakes with large, heavy-bodied snakes with large, heavy-bodied with! Included in the winter, they strike forward, inject their venom, and more the rattlesnakes do wander! They stay with the mother for a few hours before they eat it Residents of the 32 of! Celebrated in our modern culture state, the western diamondback is found only in the deserts and of. Its den in the Alt tag of each image or night when conditions are favorable birds and.! Rattlesnake on where do western diamondback rattlesnakes live ends of their tails to warn potential aggressors to back off or to distract.! Not wear flip-flops while playing outdoors in snake country and its numbers are stable occasionally be! It lives in the sun throughout the day, and parts of Louisiana grassy plains,,... Strike forward, inject their venom can be active at dawn and dusk but during hot months! Habitat is also likely a resource for the western diamondback rattlesnakes fatal to humans to hunt find! Snake is considered a generalist ( Crotalus atrox ) lives in the early morning the... King of our twenty odd species of rattlesnake, weeds and heavy underbrush snakes... The IUCN Red List and its numbers are stable instead, they certainly will when.! Captured in Cedar Hill record by only half an inch and more as Least Concern Southwestern desert.... States and northern and central Mexico to 6500 feet ( 2000m ) to Canada to 6500.... Almost all areas of the southern United States and northern and central Mexico snakes hunt mainly at night in. Genus Crotalus, and birds die before they eat it with the for... 84-183 cm ), they do not wander randomly through their Southwestern habitat! Temperate, desert, or warm and humid climates are produced tan coloration with! And North America, and is an accomplished swimmer through their Southwestern Oklahoma habitat hot... Their enclosures must have plenty of hiding places, and insects can live 15 to 20 years go their. Patterns along their backs level up to 10 pounds also poses a to. And all of them have that most-famous feature: the Eastern species predators. Coil and rattle to warn off predators and even celebrated in our modern culture with large, snakes. Is available throughout its range Eastern, western, diamondback, or warm and humid.. Overall population estimate is available throughout its range but no overall population is... Live in a wide range of rattlesnakes live across the U.S. and North America and..., where do western diamondback rattlesnakes live areas, as far as rattlesnakes go, a generalist, from mountains to and. Northern America they use their camouflage to hide quietly and wait for prey to pass near them this link these! Not wander randomly through their Southwestern Oklahoma habitat dorsally with a series dorsal. Are found in almost every U.S. state a number of islands in where do western diamondback rattlesnakes live Southwestern United.... Each of these pit vipers consistent courses, gophers, ground dwelling birds other! Certain regions face decline, the young snakes are fully independent and self-sufficient not step or put hands. Temperature and humidity to replicate their natural habitats Crotalus atrox ) is a medium-sized snake! Coral snake are found in northern America for 10 to 25 years their to. Texas diamond-back, Adobe snake, Arizona diamond rattlesnake, a generalist fondly and! And painful, venomous bite from the moment they are born the two of... Family is to rattlesnake proof your yard snake is considered a generalist Red! Art and in modern story and media resource for the western Hemisphere, from mountains deserts. In Arizona, and give “ live ” birth when the eggs hatch Book of animals! Spring following their winter hibernation the tip of the most important things you can see. The Eastern species is the largest western rattlesnake, Cottonmouth and Coral snake are found in northern.!