How to Identify a Diamondback Rattlesnake

Diamondback Rattlesnakes are very aggressive and dangerous snakes. In fact, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake accounts for a large percentage of all snake bites in the United States. Both Western and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are best left alone, but if you want to learn how to identify them, here's what to look for.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look for Diamondback Rattlesnakes in their common ranges. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake lives in western and central Texas, as well as in southern California, southern New Mexico, southern Arizona and central Mexico. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake lives in the southeastern United States from eastern Louisiana to southeastern North Carolina. You'll also find it in Florida and the Florida Keys.

2. Take note of the Western and Eastern Diamondback's preferred habitats. The Western Diamondback lives in a wide variety of habitats. They prefer dry and rocky land with abundant vegetation (shrubs.) Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes live in pine forests, palmetto woods and near coastlines. Sometimes, they're seen near wetlands or in saltwater (especially near the Florida Keys).

3. Marvel at the sizes of these very large snakes. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are one of the largest snakes in all of North America. They measure between 106 and 167 cm on average. Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are also very large, measuring between 120 and 150 cm in length.

4. Observe the appearance of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This snake has a broad head and a thick body that can vary in color from gray to brown to white to yellow to pink. In addition, they have, on average, 25 large, dark colored diamond shapes, with white borders, on their backs. Western Diamondbacks also have a short, white, black-ringed tail that has a rattle on the end.

5. Recognize the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake's appearance. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake also has a large, broad head and a thick body. They typically range in color from brown to black to olive. Like Western Diamondbacks, they also have diamonds on their backs. These diamonds are large and dark with brown centers and cream-colored borders. Their tails are gray or brown and have dark colored rings as well as a rattle on the end.

6. Watch the behavior of the Diamondback Rattlesnakes. Both of these snakes are aggressive, so avoid them and leave them alone. Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are most active in the evenings and if disturbed, assume a threat posture. In this position, the snake will coil itself on the ground and then lift the front of its body up from the ground in an S shape. They also lift their tail up and move it quickly to make the rattling warning sound. Eastern Diamondbacks are usually solitary snakes and are most active in the early morning hours or at night. They are also very good swimmers.

Tips & Warnings

• Both Western and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes have a large pit between their nostrils and their eyes.
• The scientific name for the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is Crotalus atrox, and the scientific name for the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is Crotalus adamanteus.
• Both the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake are extremely poisonous. Avoid contact with these snakes. Seek medical advice immediately if you're bitten or attacked.