Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Crotalus adamanteus

RANGE Southeastern United States

HABITAT Palmetto flatwoods and dry pinelands

DIET Rabbits, squirrels and other rodents, and birds

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. These ambush predators make their homes in the burrows of armadillos or gopher tortoises. They can accurately strike up to one-third of their body length.

Due to the amount and complexity of their venom, and the size of their fangs (up to one inch), the bite of this snake is considered very dangerous. Venom is highly destructive to blood tissue.

Young are born July to early October.