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Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Check out Australia Zoo’s Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake!

Introducing North America’s largest venomous snake – the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. These little beauties are a must-see when visiting Australia Zoo!

 

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake's tail.

 

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is found throughout the east of the United States. They inhabit a variety of environments including pine forests, woodlands, coastal dunes and scrublands.

 

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake with tongue out looking at the camera.

 

As their name suggests, they have a very distinct rattle on the tip of their tail! This rattle is used as a highly effective defense mechanism to warn off predators such as hawks, coyotes and racoons. During daylight hours, these impressive reptiles can be spotted on the prowl for their prey. They are carnivorous and prey upon rodents, birds and squirrels.

 

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake on a rock.

 

Like most venomous snakes, they are very misunderstood and will only produce a venomous bite when feeling threatened. Fortunately, that loud rattle tells people when these snakes are about so they are generally easily avoided. Bites usually occur when people are attempting to catch or kill the snake.

  • Class of animal icon
    Class

    Reptilia

  • Genus of animal icon
    Genus

    Crotalus

  • Species of animal icon
    Species

    adamanteus

  • height of animal icon
    Length

    Up to 2.4 metres

  • weight of animal icon
    Weight

    Up to 6 kilograms

  • diet of animal icon
    Diet

    Carnivore

  • gestation of animal icon
    Gestation

    180 - 210 days