What is the biggest rattlesnake in the world?
eastern diamondback rattlesnake
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake species and is one of the heaviest known species of venomous snake, with one specimen shot in 1946 measuring 2.4 m (7.8 ft) in length and weighing 15.4 kg (34 lb).
Are Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes aggressive?
Feared as deadly and aggressive, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are actually highly averse to human contact and only attack in defense.
How big can a diamondback rattlesnake grow?
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is North America’s longest, heaviest venomous snake, averaging 3-6 feet long, with some adults growing up to 8 feet.
How big do diamondback rattlesnakes get in Florida?
The average length of an adult is three to six feet, but individuals have been recorded to be more than 7 feet long, and their maximum length can reach 8 feet. The average weight of this species in Florida is around two to four pounds and some large individuals can weigh more than ten pounds.
How long do diamondback rattlesnakes live?
Crotalus atrox They add a rattle with each molt (2 – 3 times/year) and lose older rattles. -Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes can live to over 20 years.
How long do eastern diamondback rattlesnakes live?
15 to 20 years
The natural lifespan of an eastern diamondback rattlesnake is probably 15 to 20 years, but evidence from the field indicates that few individuals today live longer than 10 years, likely due to exploitation for the skin trade, vehicle strikes and other human-driven threats.
How long do diamondback rattlesnakes get?
DESCRIPTION: The eastern diamondback is the largest rattlesnake in the world. Adults are typically four to five feet long and weigh four to five pounds. A big snake may reach six feet in length and weigh 15 pounds or more.
How many babies do diamondback rattlesnakes have?
After about three months, the eggs hatch inside the female’s body and she gives birth to the baby rattlesnakes. The female usually gives birth to approximately 9 or 10 babies.
What are rattlesnakes favorite food?
rodents
Diet. Rattlesnakes’ favorite foods are small rodents and lizards. They lie in wait until a victim comes along, and then strike at speeds of five-tenths of a second, according to the San Diego Zoo. Their venom paralyzes the prey, which they then swallow whole.
How deadly is the eastern diamond back rattlesnake?
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake has the reputation of being the most dangerous venomous snake in North America. While not usually aggressive, it is large and powerful. Wright and Wright mentioned a mortality rate of 30% , but other studies show a mortality rate of 10-20% (untreated).
Is eastern diamondback bigger than western diamondback?
While there are some reports of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes getting very large (over 7′ long), this is very rare, and even more rare here in Arizona. Diamondbacks found in the Eastern part of their range in Texas tend to get larger, in-part due to having larger prey to eat, and more of it.
What predators does the eastern diamondback rattlesnake have?
Adult eastern diamondback rattlesnakes do not have any natural predators, but young rattlesnakes have many, including hogs, gray foxes, red-tailed hawks and kingsnakes , as well as other carnivorous mammals, raptors and snakes. Diamondbacks are mostly solitary.
How poisonous is the eastern diamondback rattlesnake?
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are well known for their rattle and painful, venomous bite, which can be fatal to humans. The toxin in their venom, called hemotoxin , kills red blood cells and causes tissue damage. That said, human deaths from rattlesnake bites are rare, because the antivenom is available throughout its range.