Western Diamond-Back Rattlesnake --- Reptiles

Crotalus atrox

Western diamond back rattlesnake lives in the United States from Missouri to California, and in northern Mexico. They live in all environments: deserts, prairies, brush, woods, or river valleys. They are among the largest and most dangerous of the rattlers and are responsible for several deaths each year.

The famous “rattle”- is found at the end of the tail. It is made up of scales shaped like rings that are fitted one inside the other to form a loose chain. When the snake feels threatened, it lifts its tail up and shakes the rattle hard. The rings vibrate and make a noise that can be heard from more than 100 feet away. The more the snake feels threatened, the more it shakes its rattle.

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, a group of poisonous snake found in many parts of the world. They have a small dimple, or pits, between their eyes and nostrils that can feel the smallest change in temperature. This “sixth sense” is very useful to the rattlesnake. It helps the snake spot its prey even in the dark. Once it has found its victim, the rattlesnake kills it by striking it with its 2 long poison fangs. Approximately 20 people die in the United states each year from rattlesnake bites.

The western diamond back rattlesnake gives birth to live young. Its eggs develop in the female’s body, and the young hatch inside just before they are born in summer. There are usually 10 to 20 offspring.

CLASS: Reptiles

ORDER: Lizards and snakes

FAMILY: Pit vipers

LENGTH: 3 to 7 feet

WEIGHT: 13 pounds

DIET: carnivorous

NUMBER OF YOUNG: 10 to 20

HOME: United States and Mexico