by Joel La Rocque

Created on: January 07, 2009

The Western diamondback rattlesnake is second in size only to the Eastern diamondback ( Crotalus adamanteus). It has the widest range of all rattlesnakes reaching from Western Louisiana to California and eastward into Oklahoma and Arkansas. Of all the snake related deaths ( by native species ) from bites, the majority are from this species of snake. It is not that this wonderful species possesses a more virulent form of venom then other rattlesnakes, quite the opposite. The Western diamondback's venom is actually not that potent when compared to others such as the Mojave ( C. scutulatus ) or the Southern pacific rattlesnake (C. hellari ). The reason is simply that it occupies such a vast territory which makes it more susceptible to run ins with humans and it has massive venom glands that hold up to 3 milliliters of venom.

This snake has been said to be a bit more brazen then other species of rattlesnake and it will hold its ground when confronted by a human! This could be true when encountered in areas that limit its retreat to safety. All snakes will turn and defend themselves if an escape is not readily possible. I personally have one in my Lab that is quite placid. I acquired it when it was a new born and it has had the best of treatment every since. It is use to my presence and knows I mean it no harm. It rattles only when its eyes are clouded just prior to its shedding its old skin. During this period, its eyesight is limited and it as well as all snakes during this time are extremely defensive because it can not readily identify the intruder. Once it realizes that the presence is me, it quiets down nicely.

When in a shed cycle the odds of receiving a dry bite ( no venom injected ) are few. The snake is at that time fighting to preserve its life and will envenomated anything that gets within striking range. I stay clear of its cage during this cycle to allow it to be stress free, or as near so as possible. The Western diamondback averages between four and five foot but giants of seven foot have been recorded. The head is the remarkable structure of this snake as most rattlesnakes have a head larger then the neck but the Western diamondback's head is massive when compared to the neck diameter. It feeds on rodents mostly making it a benefit to its surroundings. It will however take rabbits if available which demonstrates the elasticity of its neck. The average meal for an adult varies but it is normal for a five foot snake to eat two to three large rats every

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