Description:

  The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest extant Rattlesnake species in the world and among the heaviest venomous snake species in the world. with one specimen shot in 1946 measuring 2.4 m (7.8 ft) in length and weighing 15.4 kg (34 lb). Specimens over 7 ft. are well documented. A questionable (due to lack of voucher) record length of over 8ft. Most common maximum lengths of 5-6 ft. The males average larger than the females. The head is large with a notable black stripe anteriorly above the eye dropping diagonally across the eye to the posterior labials bordered on both sides with brightly contrasting light stripes. 24-35 dark brown to black dorsal diamonds with slightly lighter centers outlined with yellow or cream colored scale rowsThe dorsal (or body) scales on the snake’s body are arranged….  Posteriorly, the diamond shapes become more like crossbands and are followed by 5–10 bands around the tail. Yellow to cream colored venter with mottling along the sides. A button or series of rattles at the tip of the tail comprised of hollow loosely interlocking dried keratin segments that click against one another when shaken. Segments of the rattle can be damaged and break off while a new segment is added completing ecdysis (shedding cycle). Contrary to folklore, the eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake does not need to rattle before striking. It can lay silently and motionless, and then strike without the usual nervous buzz from its rattle.  

  Scale distinction:  Keeled scales. An undivided anal plate Shown in yellow. The scale or scales directly covering the…. Undivided subcaudal scalesAs shown in green. Amphiesma stolata paired subcaudal scales…. Small scales on top of head between eyes. The scalation includes 25–31 (usually 29) dorsal scale rowsThe dorsal (or body) scales on the snake’s body are arranged… at midbody, 165–176 ventral scales in males, 170–187 ventral scales in females and 27–33 subcaudal in males, 20–26 subcaudals in females, respectively. On the head, the rostral scale is higher than it is wide and contacts two internasal scales. There are 10–21 scales in the internasal-prefrontal region and 5–11 (usually 7–8) intersupraocular scales. Usually, there are two loreal scales between preoculars and the postnasal. There are 12–17 (usually 14–15) supralabial scales, the first of which is in broad contact with the prenasal, and 15–21 (usually 17–18) sublabial scales.

Habitat:

  The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake prefers habitats that include sandy mixed woodlands, upland dry pine forest, pine flatwoods, palmetto flatwoods and longleaf pine-turkey oak hills.  It is able to survive in altered habitats such as overgrown fields and abandoned farms.  Can make their home from sandhills to cypress swamps; coastal maritime hammocks, mesic hammocks, xeric hammocks, and salt marshes. They can commonly be seen on sandy beaches swimming to and from nearby coastal islands. Where available they seek shelter from the cold during winter and heat during summer in stump holes and gopher tortoise burrows, where they are vulnerable to “collection” by snake hunters. Home ranges can be as vast as 500 acres. 

Distribution:

   The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is found in the southeastern United States from southeastern North Carolina, south along the coastal plain throughout Florida, and west along the Gulf Coast through, southern Georgia, southern Alabama and Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. In Alabama they are limited to the bottom two to three counties across the bottom of the state.

A likely disjunct population exists in Autauga Co. Al. 125km. north-northeast of the nearest published location. 1. A photo voucher from 2017 and 2. A specimen killed by a homeowner 2019. Both records are presumably naturalized descendants of several translocated individuals hard-released in late- 1980’s or early- 1990’s by D.W.Speake (Alabama cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Assistant Unit Leader at Auburn University; now deceased)

Feeding Habits:

   Because of their large size the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake adults have no problem eating prey as large as a fully grown cottontail rabbit. Juveniles are capable of feeding on adult mice at birth. Feeding primarily on small mammals such as rabbits, mice, rats, squirrels and as well as ground-dwelling birds. They may forage actively but typically are ambush predators. Laying motionless coiled waiting for prey to come within striking distance.  It can spend as much as a week coiled in the same position.  When bitten the prey is released, after which the snake follows the scent trail left by the dying prey. The venom is pumped through the fangs into the prey to kill and aid in digesting the animal. 

Breeding:

   Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake females will become sexually mature in 4-6 years, sometimes as many as 8 years. They will breed in early spring or late fall. If breeding occurs in fall the female will retain the sperm till ovulation in the spring. Diamondbacks have a gestation period longer than most other snake of 6-7 months. At that time they will give birth to 5-20 live young. The neonates will be born 12-14 inches in length. The young do not change ontogenically and will be born in appearance similar to adults. They will be born with one button and remain in a group with the mother till their post natal shed at 10-20 days when they will get their first rattle segment at that time they will disperse to hunt for prey, find shelter and live solitarily. 

Ecology:

  Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes may live up to 20 years generally their lifespan is about 10 years in the wild due to human expansion and slaughter. A female may only breed once or twice in her lifetime. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes have been the focus for Rattlesnake Roundups in the Southeast USA since the early 1960’s. The decline in population and encouragement from biologists and conservation groups have reformed all but one roundup (Opp Al.) in the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake range to wildlife festivals that no longer collect and slaughter the snakes. They now rely on captive specimens brought to display at the events. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is featured prominently in the American Revolution, specifically as the symbol of what many consider to be the first flag of the United States of America, the Gadsden flag.

Status

  The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake once fairly common throughout their range are an integral part of the disappearing longleaf pine ecosystem of the southeastern United States. Significant population declines were recognized as early as the 1950s and are thought to be a result of habitat loss, road mortality, and malicious killing by humans. Despite past and current concerns about the status no species protection is given in six of the seven states it ranges. This species is protected in North Carolina , where it is likely extirpated (none have been seen in NC since the early 1990s). Many researchers have acknowledged that the species may meet criteria for state or federal protection there is a lack of support due to preserving the rights afforded to people who slaughter a potentially deadly animal to protect family and pets. 

In Alabama the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is listed as Priority 2: High Conservation Concern. The ADCNR have made efforts to protect the species met with apprehension from groups wanting to preserve their right to kill them. The possession of Eastern Diamondbacks is regulated by ADCNR.

220-2-.92 Nongame Species Regulation (f) Other State or Federally protected nongame species. (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale or trade anything of value or possess alive any Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) without a permit from the Commissioner. Nothing herein is intended to prevent the relocation of live Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes to suitable habitat when conducted in the same day as capture and with landowner permission.

Roles:

Important roles this animal has to the ecosystem and to humans