Mojave Desert Sidewinder . That said, the density of homes in neighborhoods where this could potentially happen are usually dense enough to mean the snake would be spotted rather quickly to put a cap on that range. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is, as far as rattlesnakes go, a generalist. This snake is considered a generalist, which means that it isn't too picky about its habitat. Hawks, owls, coyotes, bobcats and other snakes occasionally prey on rattle snakes, but in reality, few animals (if any) make rattlesnake the staple of their diet. If you would like to order a specific rattle, please go to our Gallery to pick the exact one shown. Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes mainly feed on small mammals, birds and lizards. They are generally not aggressive and lead a solitary life. “Rattles are segments of keratin that fit loosely inside one another at the end of the snake’s tail,” explained Sara Viernum, a herpetologist based in Madison, Wisconsin. Read on to learn about the Diamondback. The National Wildlife Federation reported that rattlesnakes typically live for 10 to 25 years. Diamondback Rattlesnake Habitat & Behavior: There are three species diamondback rattlesnakes in the United States, and they collectively cover the majority of the southern, southwestern, and western states and some of Mexico. It can live in a wide variety of habitat and climates. They are one of the more aggressive rattlesnake species in the US in the way that they stand their ground when confronted by a foe. When hiking, stick to well-used trails. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_diamondback_rattlesnake, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64311/12763519. Western diamondback rattlesnakes live in different habitats that range from flat coastal plains to steep rocky canyons and hillsides; they are associated with many different vegetation types, including desert, sandy creosote areas, mesquite grassland, desert scrub, and pine-oak forests. When prey strays too close, they strike forward, inject their venom, and then let the prey die before they eat it. That said, the density of homes in neighborhoods where this could potentially happen are usually dense enough to mean the snake would be spotted rather quickly to put a cap on that … The rattle of Western diamondbacks is made up of keratin. There are more than 24 rattlesnake species and all of them have that most-famous feature: the rattle! In Arizona, this means any area where the city borders native Sonoran Desert habitat is also likely a resource for the Western Diamondback. They are primarily diurnal and crepuscular in spring and fall and become nocturnal and crepuscular during the hot summer months. In captivity, western diamondback live for 25 - 30 years, however, in the wild their lifespan is probably much shorter. The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) lives in the deserts and semi-deserts of the western United States. Although it is commonly believed that diamondbacks and timber rattlesnakes live in the Pacific Northwest, the only indigenous species in the region is the western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus). Over 7,000 people a year are bit by venomous snakes in the United States, with about 12 annual fatalities, most from bites by eastern and western diamondback rattlesnakes and 99% by pit vipers or members of the Crotalidae family which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths or water moccasins. The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) lives in the deserts and semi-deserts of the western United States. The western diamondback rattlesnake is found in deserts, grasslands, pink-oak forests, coastal plains, and rocky canyons of the U.S.A and Mexico. The rattlesnake’s habitat is anywhere with thick brush or vegetation. After a period of 167 days, 10 - 20 young are produced. Diamondback Rattlesnake Habitat & Behavior: There are three species diamondback rattlesnakes in the United States, and they collectively cover the majority of the southern, southwestern, and western states and some of Mexico. No, you do not want to own either species as a pet. They are large, heavy-bodied snakes with large, broad heads with two light lines on the face. In Arizona, this means any area where the city borders native Sonoran Desert habitat is also likely a resource for the Western Diamondback. Western diamondback rattlesnakes are generally solitary creatures. There has been at least one reputable sighting of a western diamondback swimming 19.9 miles (32 km) from land. Habitat destruction also poses a danger to the Eastern species. Western diamondback rattlesnakes usually mate during the fall. The snakelets are fully-developed and capable of delivering a venomous bite from the moment they are born. Zoos and research facilities keep these snakes to help educate the public and to collect their venom. It can be found living in deserts, grassy plains, forests, rocky hillsides and areas along the coast. These snakes hunt mainly at night or in the early morning. It is the same protein that human nails and hair are made of. The snake uses the rattle to warn potential aggressors to back off or to distract prey. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox-Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are found throughout the Southwest and are, by far, the most common rattlesnake encountered in Bandelier National Monument.-Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes can be distinguished from most other rattlesnakes by a series of black and white bands just above their rattles. The average rattlesnake can live 15 to 20 years. The Western diamondback, identified by diamond markings along its back and black and white rings on its tail, resides everywhere but the easternmost section of the state. The western diamondback rattlesnake is found in deserts, grasslands, pink-oak forests, coastal plains, and rocky canyons of the U.S.A and Mexico. That said, human deaths from rattlesnake bites are rare, because the antivenom is available throughout its range. Rattlesnakes give birth live, and can have up to 25 babies (called 'neonates') in a brood. The western diamondback is found in the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. Researchers place both species in the taxonomic genus Crotalus, and the Viperidae family. Rats and mice are their most common prey, but they also eat squirrels, birds, frogs, lizards, rabbits, quail, and more. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on Wikipedia -, 2. The Western diamondback, identified by diamond markings along its back and black and white rings on its tail, resides everywhere but the easternmost section of the state. Their scales have brown or tan coloration, with dark-colored diamond-shaped patterns along their backs. Distribution of the Diamondback. It ranges from Virginia through the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Louisiana. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)Species Code: CRAT Description: Rattlesnakes are species of poisonous snakes generally called "pit vipers". They found that a water droplet hitting the back of a western diamondback rattlesnake breaks into … Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake or Texas Diamondback is considered a generalist, which means that they are not picky about their habitat. A group of rattlesnakes is usually called rhumba. The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) lives in the deserts and semi-deserts of the western United States. Category 1 snakes are by definition “highly venomous snakes that are common or widespread and cause numerous snakebites, resulting in high levels of morbidity, disability or mortality.” Listed are the top 5 deadliest snakes in America, all belonging to WHO Category 1. Eastern, western, diamondback, prairie, sidewinder, are just some of the sub-species of rattlesnake. The Eastern prefers woodlands, forests, scrubby areas, grasslands, fields, and more. However, the rattlesnake that you find in Alabama is likely to be a different species to the one you would find in California. This ground color is overlaid dorsally with a series of dorsal body blotches that are dark gray-brown to brown in color. Most rattlesnake species live near open, rocky areas, as the rocks offer cover from predators. The color pattern od these snakes generally consists of the dusty-looking gray-brown ground color, but it may also be pinkish-brown, brick red, yellowish, pinkish, or chalky white. When threatened, they usually coil and rattle to warn aggressors. Humans often vilify these reptiles, but for the most part these rattlesnakes avoid confrontation. In the United States, they occur in central and western Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, southern and central New Mexico and Arizona, extreme southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and in southeastern California on either side of the Chocolate Mountains. These two species live in a variety of different habitats. The western diamondback lives in the southwestern United States and Mexico.The eastern diamondback lives in the southeastern United States. The western diamondback can clims small trees and is an accomplished swimmer. The National Wildlife Federation reported that rattlesnakes typically live for 10 to 25 years. 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