Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

(Crotalus adamanteus)[14]

Distribution:

The Eastern Diamondback is found along the coast from Mississippi to southern North Carolina. The Eastern Diamondback also lives throughout Florida. The Eastern Diamondback is typically found in pine forests and sand ridge habitats. In North Carolina they are only found in the southeastern tip of the state.

North Carolina Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake range[4]

Description:

The Eastern Diamondback is the largest of the venomous snakes in North Carolina, reaching up to 5 feet in length as a full grown adult. The Eastern Diamondback has a broad triangular head, distinct from the rest of the body. The eyes are dark black and tend to be much more rounded than the other rattlers. The color tone is dark brown with large white diamonds along the back. Inside of each outer diamond is a smaller black and brown diamond. The rattle is typically sustained and can be rather loud.

Eastern Diamondback rattle recording (Snakeman, 2015)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqt3i5vcdeY

Eastern Diamondback in the road[15]

Eastern Diamondback tongue out[16]

Toxins and Bite Statistics:

 The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake uses mainly a hemotoxin to affect the blood and skin of the bitten. This hemotoxin works in a similar manner, but is considered much stronger to that of the Copperhead and Cottonmouth. The Eastern Diamondback has had one of the larger numbers of killings in the US. The fatal bite percentage is approximately 10-30% (Wright, 1985). The symptoms can include swelling, pain, bruising around the bitten site and potential necrosis (death) of surrounding skin. The Eastern Diamondback also uses its coloration as a form a camouflage. The rattle on the Eastern Diamondback serves as a warning for would be attackers/predators.

What to do if Bitten:

If you are bitten, it is important to remain calm. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake which bit you. Call the Carolina's Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. When you do call, try your best to recall what snake bit you. Remember that the Eastern Diamond back is rather large and has a very eccentric pattern on the back. Attempt to clean the wound if you have access to soap and water. Cleaning with warm soap and water helps to prevent further infection. Make sure that you don't cinch off the skin around the wound. If you can also attempt to elevate the wound above the heart. If you can not reach the CPC for whatever reason, call 911 immediately. The police can help find a local hospital with antivenin. If you can, have a family member or friend take you to the nearest hospital where you can receive proper treatment.