A large gray-brown rattlesnake with bold diamond patterns and a black-and-white "raccoon tail." One of the most common rattlesnakes of the desert southwest and a leading cause of rattlesnake bites in the US.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The western diamondback rattlesnake or western diamond-backed rattlesnake, is a rattlesnake species and member of the viper family, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like all other rattlesnakes and all other vipers, it is venomous. 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.
Source: Wikipedia — Western diamondback rattlesnake Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium-bodied rattlesnake with dark diamond patterns on a brown or gray background; tail with thick black-and-white stripes ending in rattle.
Similar species. Eastern Diamondback (east coast). Mojave Rattlesnake (greenish, smaller markings).
Voice. Loud rattle warning audible 30+ meters.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Small mammals (primary), birds, lizards.
Behavior. Ambush hunter. Hibernates communally in winter dens. Among the most common rattlesnakes of western US deserts.
§ Range
Southwestern US into northern Mexico
§ Habitat
Deserts, scrublands, rocky outcrops, grasslands
§ Threats
Round-up culling, habitat loss to development, vehicle strikes.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the western diamondback rattlesnake is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Oppose rattlesnake roundups. Watch step on desert trails. Wear sturdy boots in desert.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Western diamondback rattlesnake
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Crotalus atrox
- IUCN Red List · taxon 64315
- iNaturalist · taxon 30748
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Crotalus atrox
§ Sources cited
- The Orianne Society
- Arizona Game and Fish Department
- Save the Snakes
- IUCN Red List 2007
