The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest pitviper in North America.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a very large -- averaging between 33 and 72 inches in length -- and venomous snake. Humans invading the natural habitat of these predators quickly learned the deadly truth hidden in the underbrush. Rattlesnake roundups are less common today than they once were, but this species is specifically feared and is still often killed on sight. However, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake serves a purpose because its natural prey includes rats, mice, rabbits and other warm-blooded pests.
Florida
The entire state of Florida is home to eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Longleaf pine forests with palmetto thickets and areas of sand pine scrub are the preferred habitat, but only 2 percent of longleaf pine forests are left in the southeastern United States. Pine flatwoods and stands of turkey oak where gopher tortoise and armadillo are found also support eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. These snakes rarely climb trees and will wait hidden in the debris on the forest floor for prey to venture by.
Outside of Florida
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are found as far north along the coastal plain as southeastern North Carolina and as far west as southern Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. Some snakes have been known to range as far as 500 acres in a lifetime following prey or looking for a suitable habitat. During these travels, the snakes mate naturally and leave behind between six to 20 live young. They are also known to venture into salt water and swim to the barrier islands off the Florida coast.
Man-Made Habitat
Habitat loss and fragmentation, mans ever-expanding development, rattlesnake round-ups for profit or "safety" and indiscriminate killing has greatly reduced the population of eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. These activities force them to adapt to habitats such as short-leaf pine forests, vacant lots, golf courses, backyards and abandoned fields. This increases the snakes' potential contact with humans, which enhances the perceived danger and fuels the desire of the population to eliminate the creature.
Winter Habitat
As the weather cools in October and November, these snakes search out gopher tortoise holes, armadillo burrows and root channels that will protect them from winter weather conditions. Very little is eaten during this time, and it is the only time the eastern diamondback will go underground. On comparatively warm winter days, the snake will come out to bask and may find a new place to hide during this time that feels safer or warmer.
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