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Window into Wildlife
WINDOW WILDLIFE into
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When disturbed, rattlesnakes are quite a formidable sight, raising their body into an “S” shape and rattling. Photo by Samantha Dillon.
A. Many snake sightings occur on road crossings. Photo by Samantha Dillon. B. Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Photo by Jared Lloyd. C. Hiding in the palmetto fronds. Photo by Jim Peters.
A. B. C.
DESCRIPTION, DIET, & BEHAVIOR
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is one of 16 rattlesnake species in North America that belong to the pit viper subfamily Crotalinae. All rattlesnakes have large, hollow fangs that fold against the roof of their mouths when not in use, heat-sensing pits located between the eye and nostril to aid in prey detection, a keratinous “rattle” used to ward off potential predators, and give live birth.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are the largest venomous snake in North America, with an average adult measuring up to 5 feet in length. However, specimens as long as 8 feet have been documented. While distinct when looking at the snake alone, their diamond pattern is perfect camouflage amongst the wiregrass, palmettos, and pine needles of longleaf forests. When disturbed, they are quite a formidable sight, raising their body into an “S” shape and rattling; though, when undetected, they remain still and quiet, relying on their camouflage to conceal them from predators and prey alike. Eastern diamondbacks feed on small mammals and birds.
DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT
Eastern diamondbacks are found in nearly every state longleaf occurs, from extreme eastern Louisiana to southeastern North Carolina. They prefer pine woods, palmetto flatlands, abandoned fields, and brushy or grassy areas but can be found anywhere throughout their range. They utilize gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows and tree stump holes as a refuge. Individuals that occupy barrier islands and keys will readily swim between islands.
VENOMOUS SNAKES & HUMANS
It is no secret rattlesnakes are venomous, but snake bites in North America are rarely fatal. The best way to avoid a bite is to maintain situational awareness. Learn about native snakes BEFORE hiking, wear protective footwear, stay on the trail, and never put your hands or feet where you can’t see them. Most importantly, when you encounter venomous snakes, give them space. Venomous snakes don’t want to waste their venom on something they cannot eat and thus do not bite unless threatened. All snakes, including rattlesnakes, play an important role in the food web and contribute to ecosystem biodiversity.
REFERENCES Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Living
With Snakes.” 2021. myfwc.com/conservation/youconserve/wildlife/snakes. Means, D. B. Diamonds in the Rough – Natural History of the
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Tall Timbers Press, 2017.
