Rattlesnake 40D0001006

A word of caution! I was less than 2 feet (60 cm) away from this guy when I took pictures of him, but I know snakes and I know what I'm doing. Please don't try to approach venomous snakes, they are unpredictable!

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a venomous pitviper species found in the southeastern United States. This is the heaviest venomous snake found in the Americas and the largest rattlesnake, with maximum sizes reported as 244.0 cm (8 ft) and 251.5 cm. Specimens over 7 feet (213 cm) are rare, but well documented. The average size is 3.5 - 5.5 feet (106 - 167 cm).

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 though southern Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. Inhabits upland dry pine forest, pine and palmetto flatwoods, sandhills and coastal maritime hammocks, long-leaf pine/turkey-oak habitats, grass-sedge marshes and swamp forest, mesic hammocks, sandy mixed woodlands, xeric hammocks, salt marshes, as well as wet prairies during dry periods.

Individual disposition varies, with some allowing close approach while remaining silent, and others starting to rattle at a distance of 6-9 m. Many will stand their ground and may strike repeatedly, but if given the opportunity they will usually retreat. One popular myth is that these snakes must rattle before striking. They are, of course, quite capable of striking while remaining completely silent.

This species has the reputation of being the most dangerous venomous snake in North America. While not usually aggressive, they are large and powerful. Wright and Wright (1957) mention a mortality rate of 30% and that some victims have died within a matter of hours.

In proportion to its length, it has the longest fangs of any rattlesnake species. It has a very high venom yield: an average of 400-450 mg, with a maximum of 858-1,000 mg. The estimated human lethal dose is 100-150 mg. CroFab and Wyeth's ACP are effective antivenins against bites from this species, although massive doses may be needed to manage severe cases of envenomation.

More info: [link]

I give ~DeviantHerps permission to display this deviation in their club gallery.