The Western
Diamondback Rattlesnake
(Crotelus atrox) |
| One of
the larger species of rattlesnake common
to the arid Southwest United States. From
the sheer standpoint of size it ranks as
one of the world's largest and most
dangerous snakes. The diamondback primarily feeds
on small rodents, rabbits, birds, and
almost anything alive that can be
swallowed whole.
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Click on
this picture to hear
it ! (WAV 114k) |
Partly
because of its wide distribution, this
snake accounts for more serious and fatal
snake bites than any other North American
reptile. |
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| Sizes
range from new born (live, no eggs) at
about 10 inches to full adults at around
60 inches. Specimens exceeding six feet
are rare. |
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| The loud
buzzing rattler sound coupled with a high
rising and very threatening coil is
usually ample identification information
for those in the field. They are largely defensive and
tend to stand their ground if provoked.A
rattlesnake is classified as having
hemotoxic venom that attacks the blood
system of its prey.
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| These
serpents should be considered armed and
dangerous with a well-developed fang and
poison delivery system. Pictured to right is the
"busines end" of the Western
Diamondback Rattlesnake.
(Note the droplet of
yellowish venom on the left fang.)
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Rattlesnakes
have a wide range of color variations
with emphasis on gray, tan, and black
with sometimes a strong yellowish,
reddish, or greenish tone. 
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| This
captive albino specimen is approximately
4 feet in length and lacks the protective
camouflage of the typical diamondback.
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A
diamondback on the prowl for a meal. Notice the forked tongue. The
snake uses this to "taste" the
air and find its prey. Pit vipers, like
the diamondback, also use heat sensitive
areas in "pits" on the front of
their heads to locate their victims even
in total darkness.
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