Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Description:

The Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake. They commonly reach around 7ft in length and are the largest rattlesnake species by length, and heaviest known venomous snake at 15.4 kg (34 lb.) Notable features are the dark bands that run from eye to jaw on each side of their triangular face, the white and black bands just below the rattle, and their namesake: the white-edged, black diamond shaped pattern on their back.

Habitat:

The normal habitat for the diamondback is southeastern USA. It inhabits coastal lowlands up to 500 meters (1500 feet) in elevation. Rattlesnakes like to hide in the rocks and shrubs, anywhere with tight spaces where they can easily conceal themselves. Rarely, unless they are moving, will you see them in open areas. Geographical range is along the gulf of Mexico from southeast Louisiana, and along East coast up to southern North Carolina.

Notes:

While most people refer to snakes as poisonous, they are in fact venomous. Remember if it bites you and you get sick, it has venom. They are mostly ambush predators, who lie and wait for their prey (small mammals including rabbits, rodents, squirrels and birds.) They are secondary predators, as they often fall prey to birds of prey, owls, and other snakes such as the indigo snake (Drymarchon corais) and the eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus).  Matting season is in late summer/early fall. They are one of the few species that give birth to live young. Their venom consists of a thrombin like enzyme, crotalase, which acts as a clotting agent for fibrinogen, which in turn causes decrease in platelets and hydrolysis of red blood cells. This is being concentrated and used in medicinal testing, along with venom from the cottonmouth, to treat cancer; the concept being that it will break down the fibrinogen mask that tumors use to hide from the body's immune system. Most common cause of being bitten by these snakes is due to inattention to one's surrounding. They do not always rattle when you get close. They are not aggressive as most people make them out to be. They will coil up and try to make themselves unseen in the hopes you will walk away. They do not chase people and will only strike if you accidentally step on/close to them, as they feel threatened. If you do get bitten by a rattlesnake, follow these steps: 1) Remain calm. This will decrease the spread of the venom. 2) Call 911 or get to the hospital as soon as possible. 3) Do not elevate the spot that was bitten. 4) Clean the wound with soap and water and wrap it with a bandage.