The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus Atrox, is a highly venomous snake with black triangular markings on its back, and a white underbelly.
Found in the USA and Mexico, it is responsible for the majority of snakebite-related deaths in northern Mexico and the second greatest in the USA.
Similarly the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus Adamanteus, found in south-eastern America, has a back consisting of 24-36 brownish-black diamonds, with a cream or yellow-tinged underbelly.
Living for more than 20 years, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake can be found in a number of habitats, from flat coastal plains to deep rocky outcrops. Their main prey tends to be small mammals such as rabbits, which they hunt at night or in the early morning.
A member of the pit viper family, the venom of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake issues a Proteolyitc venom, causing paralysis, muscle destruction and persistent bleeding.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake can be found as far stretching as North Carolina to Florida, Mississippi to Louisiana, and again likes to feed on small mammals and occasionally birds.
The Eastern Diamondback has a reputation of being the most dangerous and venomous snake in North America, and though not particularly aggressive, if bitten its venom can cause death within hours.
If you should come into contact with a venomous snake it is always best to leave it alone, and call your local animal control centre for further information. If you have found a snake in your home, or you are worried it could be a threat to you and your family, they will remove the snake safely.
Found in the USA and Mexico, it is responsible for the majority of snakebite-related deaths in northern Mexico and the second greatest in the USA.
Similarly the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus Adamanteus, found in south-eastern America, has a back consisting of 24-36 brownish-black diamonds, with a cream or yellow-tinged underbelly.
Living for more than 20 years, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake can be found in a number of habitats, from flat coastal plains to deep rocky outcrops. Their main prey tends to be small mammals such as rabbits, which they hunt at night or in the early morning.
A member of the pit viper family, the venom of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake issues a Proteolyitc venom, causing paralysis, muscle destruction and persistent bleeding.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake can be found as far stretching as North Carolina to Florida, Mississippi to Louisiana, and again likes to feed on small mammals and occasionally birds.
The Eastern Diamondback has a reputation of being the most dangerous and venomous snake in North America, and though not particularly aggressive, if bitten its venom can cause death within hours.
If you should come into contact with a venomous snake it is always best to leave it alone, and call your local animal control centre for further information. If you have found a snake in your home, or you are worried it could be a threat to you and your family, they will remove the snake safely.
