The largest venomous snake in North America — adults reach 5–6 feet, with records over 8 feet. A specialist of fire-maintained pine ecosystems and a key predator of small mammals.

Also called: Diamondback, Eastern Diamondback

Native status: Native to southeastern US Coastal Plain; declining

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 1.1–2.4 m (3.5–8 ft); largest documented 2.5 m
Weight2.3–6.7 kg (5–15 lb); largest documented over 15 kg
LifespanWild 10–20 years; captive 25+
OrderSquamata
FamilyViperidae

§ Encyclopedia

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a species of pit viper in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to the Southeastern United States. It is the largest rattlesnake species and one of the heaviest venomous snakes in the Americas. No subspecies are recognized.

Source: Wikipedia — Eastern diamondback rattlesnake Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive bodied with distinctive diamond pattern outlined in lighter scales; tail black-and-white banded with rattle.

Similar species. Timber Rattlesnake (no diamond pattern, more northern range). Western Diamondback (similar but western range).

Voice. Buzzes its rattle when threatened; the loudest rattle of any North American snake — audible 30+ m.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small mammals (rabbits, squirrels), birds, occasionally lizards. Heat-sensing pits detect warm-blooded prey.

Behavior. Hunts by ambush — strikes from concealment in palmetto undergrowth. Hibernates communally in winter dens (hibernacula).

§ Range

Coastal Plain of southeastern US from North Carolina to eastern Louisiana

§ Habitat

Longleaf pine sandhills, palmetto flatwoods, coastal scrub

§ Threats

Habitat loss to development, "rattlesnake roundups" (legal in some states), vehicle strikes, persecution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support fire-managed longleaf pine restoration. Don't support roundup events. Drive carefully on rural southern roads.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • The Orianne Society
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • Save the Snakes
  • IUCN Red List 2007