Exploitation by humans is also having a severe impact on remaining eastern diamondback populations. Thousands of the creatures are killed each year for their skins and meat, with no harvest limits, in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. And the number of people who are bitten by snakes during outdoor activities is very low. Those most likely to be bitten are snake handlers who either keep venomous snakes in captivity or work with them professionally.
Nevertheless, malicious killings by those who perceive the snake as a threat are contributing to its decline. However, there have been changes that are potentially going to benefit this species. For example, the majority of the rattlesnake roundup events that were held historically are now conservation festivals. These events help keep communities informed about why these snakes are beneficial. Current research of the species is focused on how they are affected by human behaviors, climate change and other environmental factors.
Proper habitat management and restoration is beneficial for rattlesnakes. Restoring their habitat and maintaining it through prescribed fires will allow them to have a safe area to live, reproduce and forage. If you see one of these rattlesnakes, remember to give it space.
These snakes should not be handled. If you live in an area where they are present, watch your step while outdoors and keep dogs on short leashes while walking through snake habitat. Be mindful walking around stumps, animal burrows and fallen trees, as rattlesnakes often use these habitat features for protection and foraging. Living with Snakes. Species Profile for Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
Florida Museum — Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake. NatureServe Explorer. Florida Natural Inventories Field Guide. Skip to main content. Report Issues Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Go Outdoors Florida! Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus. Appearance Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are brown, yellow or tan with distinct black, brown and cream diamonds down their back.
Behavior Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are solitary animals that are effective ambush predators. Habitat Eastern diamondbacks are found throughout the southeastern United States.
Threats Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes face a variety of threats, including: Habitat loss and alteration: human population growth has led to habitat loss as natural landscapes are converted to agricultural, commercial and residential areas.
They may also raise the head and neck far off the ground and into an S-shaped striking position. Thus, a 6-foot cm individual may strike 4 feet cm.
Nonetheless, these snakes are not aggressive, and striking is only used in defense as a last resort. Diet and feeding behavior. Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes feed primarily on mammals and occasionally birds. Adults feed mostly on rabbits, cotton rats, mice, squirrels, and birds, whereas juveniles prefer mice and rats. These snakes may actively pursue prey by following their scent trails, but more typically these snakes sit and wait to ambush prey. In Florida, females typically give birth to around live young between August and September.
Competing males engage in combat dances when trailing females during the breeding season. No subspecies are currently recognized. 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. In fact, Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes that rattle are more likely to be heard, seen, and killed than those individuals that remain silent. The Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is extremely beneficial to people because it preys on many species that are considered pests.
Nevertheless, many are unfortunately killed by people every year. This indiscriminate killing, combined with the widespread loss of rattlesnake habitat to agricultural development, urban sprawl, and the commercial hunting for rattlesnake skins has caused a severe decline in most Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake populations.
Florida counties with confirmed records. If you have a new or interesting observation for this species, please email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum.
References and further reading. Ernst, C. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Krysko, K. Enge, and P. Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida.
University of Florida Press, Gainesville, Florida.
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