Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Other common names for this snake species include eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake, eastern diamondback, diamond rattlesnake, diamond-back rattlesnake, common rattlesnake, diamond-back, diamond(-patch) rattler, eastern diamond-back (rattlesnake), eastern diamond rattlesnake, Florida diamond-back (rattlesnake), Florida rattlesnake, lozenge-spotted rattlesnake, rattler, rattlesnake, southeastern diamond-backed rattlesnake, southeastern diamond-backed rattler, southern woodland rattler, timber rattler, water rattle, water rattlesnake, and diamondback rattlesnake.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is found in the Southeastern United States from southeastern North Carolina, south along the coastal plain through peninsular Florida to the Florida Keys, and west along the Gulf Coast through southern Alabama and Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. The original description for the species does not include a type locality, although Schmidt (1953) proposed it be restricted to "Charleston, South Carolina" (USA).

]] This snake species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2001). In North Carolina, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is protected by state law and considered endangered within the state. It is likely extirpated in Louisiana, having last been observed there in 1995. In fact some scientists and conservationists believe it may even be extirpated in North Carolina, having last been observed there in the early 1990s. This species is currently under review for being added to the Endangered Species List by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service owing to its recent decline, and the current population represents only 3% of the historical population. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus, EDB) have limited ability to adapt to habitat loss and fragmentation due to the species' slow life history, high habitat specificity, and minimal dispersal ability. Threats to eastern diamondback rattlesnake include habitat loss, killing by humans, and highway mortality. Rattlesnake roundups are another threat to this species, as they are removed from the wild and killed for exhibition and entertainment. One common method of capture at these events involves pouring gasoline down a rattlesnake's supposed burrow, a practice which is harmful to both the snake and its environment. A study was conducted in South Carolina that showed positive results in translocating species to save them due to their inability to adapt to habitat loss.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake frequently shelters by tunneling in gopher and tortoise burrows, emerging in the early morning or afternoon to bask. Some research shows that these snakes spend less time underground during their active seasons. Like most rattlesnakes, this species is terrestrial and not adept at climbing. However, it has on occasion been reported in bushes and trees, apparently in search of prey. Even large specimens have been spotted as high as above the ground. Rattlesnakes will strike their prey within a tenth of a second.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake forages actively or lies in ambush for small mammals, especially rabbits and rice rats (Oryzomys). The diet also includes birds. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes may sit and wait in a coiled position for up to a week while waiting for prey. Prey is struck and released, after which the snake follows the scent trail left by the dying prey.

Rattlesnakes, including the eastern diamondback, are ovoviviparous. Gestation lasts six or seven months and broods average about a dozen young. However, the young only stay with the mother 10–20 days before they set off on their own to hunt and find cover. Their life history is considered to be slow since they breed on intervals of 2–4 years. Females give birth to between 4 and 28 young at a time, usually between July and early October. Neonates are in length and are similar in appearance to the adults, except for having only a small button instead of a rattle on the tip of their tails.

Adult wild-caught specimens are often difficult to maintain in captivity, but captive-born individuals do quite well and feed readily on killed laboratory rodents. The eastern diamondback requires a dry and well-ventilated cage with a hide-box, maintained at a temperature of for normal activity.

]] The eastern diamondback rattlesnake has the reputation of being the most dangerous venomous snake in North America. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a major leader of fatal snakebites within its geographical range. In proportion to its length, it has the longest fangs of any rattlesnake species, with calculations leading one to expect an specimen would have fangs with a total length of over . For comparison, a specimen had fangs measuring in length. Brown gives an average venom yield of 410 mg (dried venom), along with values of 1.3–2.4 mg/kg IV, 1.7–3.0 mg/kg IP and 10-14.5 mg/kg SC for toxicity. The estimated human lethal dose is 100–150 mg. This venom is one of the most studied snake venoms with around 40 toxins characterized. Nevertheless, the venom does exhibit high hemorrhagic activity. It also contains a low-molecular-weight basic peptide that impedes neuromuscular transmission and can in theory lead to cardiac failure. This peptide is similar to crotamine from C. durrisus terrificus, and makes up 2–8% of the protein found in the venom. In general, the venom can be described as highly necrotizing, mildly proteolytic and containing a large phosphodiesterase fraction. It stimulates the release of bradykinin that can result in severe pain, as well as profound, transient hypotension. Klauber described one case in which the symptoms included instant pain "like two hot hypodermic needles", spontaneous bleeding from the bite site, intense internal pain, bleeding from the mouth, hypotension, a weak pulse, swelling and discoloration of the affected limb, and associated severe pain. The symptoms were further described as strongly hemolytic and hemorrhagic. CroFab, Anavip, and Wyeth's ACP are effective antivenins (antivenoms) against bites from this species, although massive doses may be needed to manage severe cases of envenomation. Generally, ACP is very effective at countering the defibrination syndrome that is often seen, but may do little for low platelet counts. Wyeth's ACP is no longer being manufactured.