They use their camouflage to hide quietly and wait for prey to pass near them. Western diamondback rattlesnakes, a larger, more common species, will go into their dens a little later, on average. Following a gestation period of 4-5 months, females give birth to 4-14 (average 9) young every three to five years between late August to mid-September. Humans hunt this reptile for its skin, meat, and for “roundups” to remove them from an area. The rattlesnake’s habitat is anywhere with thick brush or vegetation. The rattle of Western diamondbacks is made up of keratin. The snake uses the rattle to warn potential aggressors to back off or to distract prey. 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). Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. However, the rattlesnake that you find in Alabama is likely to be a different species to the one you would find in California. Rattlesnakes can be found in almost every U.S. state. The Diamondback, or Diamondback Rattlesnake, a type of pit viper. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on Wikipedia -, 2. The western diamondback rattlesnake moves away from its den in the spring and back to the den in the fall. They are one of the more aggressive rattlesnake species in the US in the way that they stand their ground when confronted by a foe. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. 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. The toxin in their venom, called hemotoxin, kills red blood cells and causes tissue damage. The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) lives in the deserts and semi-deserts of the western United States. IvanTortuga / public domain Diet . They bask in the sun throughout the day, and they hunt periodically in the morning and afternoon. Some reach 8 feet in length and weigh up to 10 pounds. A rattlesnake can move the rattle on its tail back and forth 20-100 times in just one second. Timber rattlesnake … Though populations in certain regions face decline, the IUCN lists both the Eastern and Western species as Least Concern. Western Diamondback. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is a venomous pit viper species found throughout the southwest. While some larger dens do certainly exist in some places, with 20 or more individuals, this is not as common as the smaller sites. There are 36 identified species of rattlesnakes as of 2014. It lives in elevations from below sea level up to 6500 feet (2000m). These snakes may be using cues from the sun to stay on course. Children should not wear flip-flops while playing outdoors in snake country. Though they do not seek out humans to bite, they certainly will when threatened. "Western diamondback rattlesnakes grow to more than seven feet long and 30 pounds, and they kill more human beings than any other snake in North America." The tail has two to eight black bands separated by ash white or pale gray interspaces; this led to the nickname of "coon tail". The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is a species of venomous rattlesnake found in the deserts of the United States of America and Mexico.The western diamondback rattlesnake is responsible for most of the snakebites in northern Mexico and the U.S.A.There are currently no subspecies found. The western diamondback rattlesnake, which can be identified by the diamond-shaped blotches on its scales, is the largest snake in western North America. Other species, like Speckled Rattlesnakes and Tiger Rattlesnakes, tend to den in a general area rather than a particular crack year-after-year, so avoiding the creation of an accidental den can be challenging. Diamondback Rattlesnake Habitat & Behavior: There are three species diamondback rattlesnakes in the United States, and they collectively cover the majority of the southern, southwestern, and western states and some of Mexico. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_diamondback_rattlesnake, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64311/12763519. Western rattlesnakes are usually active at dawn and dusk but during hot summer may become nocturnal. The western diamondback rattlesnake There has been at least one reputable sighting of a western diamondback swimming 19.9 miles (32 km) from land. Gestation lasts 6 or 7 months and broods average 10 to 25 young. In captivity, western diamondback live for 25 - 30 years, however, … However, there are studies that show that the Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are not as cannibalistic as other species of anoles. Western diamondback rattlesnakes are abundant at Cedar Hill State Park. The Western Diamondback can exceed seven feet in length, and is the king of our twenty odd species of Southwestern desert rattlers. After a period of 167 days, 10 - 20 young are produced. However, they do suffer locally from habitat destruction and roadkill. 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. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Learn more about what makes these reptiles unique below. The western diamondback has few natural enemies. Their prey varies between the species and the snake’s size. Some days after giving birth, the Timber Rattlesnake makes the journey along with her babies back to the den (as far as 1.5 miles away). These wide-ranging reptiles are found in dry, rocky regions west of the Continental Divide, from Mexico to Canada. This ground color is overlaid dorsally with a series of dorsal body blotches that are dark gray-brown to brown in color. A wide range of rattlesnakes live across the U.S. and North America, and some varieties live in South America as well. 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. Its signature rattle sound is one of the most recognizable and distinct sounds in nature. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. The western diamondback can clims small trees and is an accomplished swimmer. Both species are most active during the daytime. Western diamondback rattlesnakes are one of the most aggressive rattlesnakes in North America, and usually coils and rattles when threatened. A rattlesnake can move the rattle on its tail back and forth 20-100 times in just one second. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers are stable. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. The western diamondback rattlesnake They are primarily diurnal and crepuscular in spring and fall and become nocturnal and crepuscular during the hot summer months. Category 1 snakes are by definition “highly venomous snakes that are common or widespread and cause numerous snakebites, resulting in high levels of morbidity, disability or mortality.” Listed are the top 5 deadliest snakes in America, all belonging to WHO Category 1. Their gestation period lasts between 5 and 6 months. These snakes hunt mainly at night or in the early morning. The average rattlesnake can live 15 to 20 years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. They actually give birth to live young. 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. They remain with their mother for a few hours before they disperse. Western diamondback rattlesnakes are generally solitary creatures. 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. A rattlesnake can move the rattle on its tail back and forth 20-100 times in just one second. Key participants in the food chain, Western diamondbacks are important predators of many small rodents, rabbits, and birds. Lizards are the predominant food source of young rattlesnakes. 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. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) That said, the density of homes in neighborhoods where this could potentially happen are usually dense enough to mean the snake would be spotted rather quickly to put a cap on that range. Regardless of these interactions, both species have strong population numbers. Each of these two Diamondback species has its own unique distribution. If you live in the western part of the United States, chances are you've had to watch out for them in your backyard and thought about how to protect your family. 1. Rattlesnakes are found in almost every type of habitat, including prairies, marshes, deserts, and forests, but individual species can have extremely specific habitat requirements. They are viviparous meaning that females give birth to live young. The species has also been sighted on a number of islands in the Gulf of California. No, you do not want to own either species as a pet. Gestation lasts 6 or 7 months and broods average 10 to 25 young. Humans often vilify these reptiles, but for the most part these rattlesnakes avoid confrontation. In Mexico, they occur in Nuevo León, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sonora, extreme northeastern Baja California, northern Sinaloa, northeastern Durango, Zacatecas, most of San Luis Potosí, northern Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Querétaro. It typically has a body length of 3-4 feet, and is able to deliver a large volume of venom. Behavior. They feed upon mice, rats, rabbits, gophers, ground dwelling birds, lizards and other small animals. 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 Eastern prefers woodlands, forests, scrubby areas, grasslands, fields, and more. Western diamond-backed rattlesnake, Texas diamond-back, Adobe snake, Arizona diamond rattlesnake, coon tail. Adults are usually 33-72 in (84-183 cm) long, but the largest individual on record was 96 in (244 cm). Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) An adult eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) in mid-strike, revealing its fangs and inner mouth. The western diamondback rattlesnake is found in deserts, grasslands, pink-oak forests, coastal plains, and rocky canyons of the U.S.A and Mexico. Rats and mice are their most common prey, but they also eat squirrels, birds, frogs, lizards, rabbits, quail, and more. The Western species ranges throughout much of the southern United States and into Mexico. Rattlesnakes give birth live, and can have up to 25 babies (called 'neonates') in a brood. Even though potentially deadly, western diamondback rattlesnakes are fondly displayed and even celebrated in our modern culture. They range through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. They feed on small mammals such as chipmunks, prairie dogs, voles, woodrats, rabbits, ground squirrels and also birds, lizards, and even fish. The Diamondback and Canebrake Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth and Coral snake are found in every county in the state, the Dusky Rattlesnake … Both species measure anywhere between 4 and 8 feet in length, but most measure under 7 feet long. A group of rattlesnakes is usually called rhumba. Conformer: The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a type of snake whom are reptiles and are cold blooded.Reptiles rely on the sun and their environment to maintain their body heat. Rattlesnakes exist in almost all areas of the lower 48 states. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox. Rattlesnakes give birth live, and can have up to 25 babies (called 'neonates') in a brood. 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. In turn, they are preyed upon by a variety of larger mammals and birds, such as coyotes, foxes, hawks, and owls. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are well known for their rattle and painful, venomous bite, which can be fatal to humans. A wide range of rattlesnakes live across the U.S. and North America, and some varieties live in South America as well. According to IUCN, the Western diamondback rattlesnake is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. The Eastern species hibernates alone. From The Book of Deadly Animals by Gordon Grice. Western rattlesnakes are usually active at dawn and dusk but during hot summer may become nocturnal. Each of these two Diamondback species has its own unique distribution. The average rattlesnake can live 15 to 20 years. There are 36 identified species of rattlesnakes as of 2014. Rattlesnakes are found in almost every type of habitat, including prairies, marshes, deserts, and forests, but individual species can have extremely specific habitat requirements. They are viviparous meaning that females give birth to live young. Rattlesnakes do not lay eggs in nests. The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) lives in the deserts and semi-deserts of the western United States. 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. When threatened, they usually coil and rattle to warn aggressors. The Eastern species is the heaviest species of venomous snake in North America, and is the largest member of Crotalus. The National Wildlife Federation reported that rattlesnakes typically live for 10 to 25 years. Rattlesnakes! The Western Diamondback can exceed seven feet in length, and is the king of our twenty odd species of Southwestern desert rattlers. Currently, two subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. If rattling does not work, then the snake will strike in defense. Rattlesnakes give birth live, and can have up to 25 babies (called 'neonates') in a brood. The second largest measured western diamond back rattlesnake is a 92 inch specimen captured in Cedar Hill, Texas in 1949. Western diamondback rattlesnakes usually mate during the fall. One of the most important things you can do to protect your home and family is to rattlesnake proof your yard. It can live in a wide variety of habitat and climates. 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). Western diamondbacks become reproductively mature when they are 3 years old. 2 0 These snakes are quite notorious, but incredibly misunderstood. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Facts. This snake hunts by ambush, and needs sufficient ground cover to sneak up on prey.

Mojave Desert Sidewinder . Habitat destruction also poses a danger to the Eastern species. For the most part, around Tucson, at this elevation and with the winters we have, almost all reptiles undergo a hibernation period. Western diamondback rattlesnakes usually mate during the fall. 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). They prefer a temperate, desert, or warm and humid climates. The Western lives primarily in arid regions with low rainfall, usually desert, desert edges, and scrub. Rattlesnake Reproduction. Dormancy: Most rattlesnakes depending on where they live either remain dormant for the winter months or do not move to different locations if the year round temperature is constant. Their scales have brown or tan coloration, with dark-colored diamond-shaped patterns along their backs. Full grown rattlesnakes can range from 3 to 7 feet in length. Breeding Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes mate in the spring following their winter hibernation. Most Bites by Rattlesnakes . Western rattlesnakes are live on the ground but sometimes may climb into shrubs or trees. American Expedition is proud to present information, interesting facts, artwork and photos of the Rattlesnake. Zoos and research facilities keep these snakes to help educate the public and to collect their venom. Usually inactive between late October and early March, these snakes occasionally may be seen basking in the sun on warm winter days. They are generally not aggressive and lead a solitary life. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is, as far as rattlesnakes go, a generalist. Western diamondbacks can go for up to two years without food in the wild. The Eastern species has different preferences than the Western species does. It can be found living in deserts, grassy plains, forests, rocky hillsides and areas along the coast. Like all other members of the genus, they have a hollow rattle on the ends of their tails to warn off predators.

Mojave Desert Sidewinder . The rattle is found at the tip of the rattlesnake’s tail. In captivity, western diamondback live for 25 - 30 years, however, in the wild their lifespan is probably much shorter. They are large, heavy-bodied snakes with large, broad heads with two light lines on the face. Human activity impacts these reptiles differently. There are no major threats to Western diamondback rattlesnakes. There are more than 24 rattlesnake species and all of them have that most-famous feature: the rattle! However there is a report of another specimen beat the Cedar Hill record by only half an inch. 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). This snake is considered a generalist, which means that it isn't too picky about its habitat. It is the same protein that human nails and hair are made of. Female rattlesnakes only reproduce once every two years and carry the eggs inside their bodies for about 90 days. Their color varies depending on the soil background from gray, brown, pink, or yellowish colors with distinct diamond-shaped blotches on their back. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)Species Code: CRAT Description: Rattlesnakes are species of poisonous snakes generally called "pit vipers". They are generally not aggressive and lead a solitary life. Outside of breeding season and hibernation these snakes live solitary lives. As winter arrives, the Western species congregates in large numbers to hibernate. In the United States, they occur in central and western Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, southern and central New Mexico and Arizona, extreme southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and in southeastern California on either side of the Chocolate Mountains. Each distinct species has its own range. Their namesake rattle is a highly effective warning sign, signaling predators to stay away. These snakes can move their rattle back and forth 60 times per second. “Rattles are segments of keratin that fit loosely inside one another at the end of the snake’s tail,” explained Sara Viernum, a herpetologist based in Madison, Wisconsin. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. The females retain their eggs within their bodies, and give “live” birth when the eggs hatch. The Western diamondback rattlesnake is a medium-sized venomous snake found in Northern America. Geography. When hiking, stick to well-used trails. They found that a water droplet hitting the back of a western diamondback rattlesnake breaks into … The western diamondback is found in the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. This snake hunts by ambush, and needs sufficient ground cover to sneak up on prey. And unlike tiger rattlesnakes and black-tailed rattlesnakes, both of which tend to den by themselves, Western diamondbacks often den in groups of … Rattlesnakes live in many places and habitats in the Western Hemisphere, from mountains to deserts and plains. They stay with the mother for only a few hours before they set off on their own to hunt and find cover. Most rattlesnake species live near open, rocky areas, as the rocks offer cover from predators. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake lives in the southeastern United States. “These segments knock against each other to produce a buzzing sound whe… Some of the first few blotches may be somewhat rectangular, but then become more hexagonal and eventually take on a distinctive diamond shape, hence the name "diamondback rattlesnake". Some reach 8 feet in length and weigh up to 10 pounds. They can be active at any time of the day or night when conditions are favorable. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Facts. 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