Have you ever come across a rattlesnake in your backyard and had to remove it for safety reasons? The diamondback rattlesnake, renowned for its sharp fangs and powerful venom, is a formidable pit viper. Both the Western and Eastern types of diamondbacks present significant risks to human life, with the Eastern diamondback being the deadliest snake in North America. While most people survive bites from diamondbacks, these snakes still cause around 10 deaths each year in the United States.
It is important to comprehend the symptoms of a diamondback bite in order to administer proper treatment and care. Drawing from extensive research and firsthand encounters with these fascinating creatures, I can confirm that Eastern and Western diamondback rattlesnakes are highly diverse venomous reptiles within the United States. These reptiles play a crucial role in worldwide venom extraction initiatives. Despite sharing resemblances and differences in their habitat, behavior, and venom composition, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake unfortunately faces a continuous decline in its natural environment.
As time goes on, people require habitats to not only live but also expand their territory every year. Among the reptiles, the Eastern Diamondback demonstrates a preference for the moist swamps found in the Everglades as well as coastal areas situated in the southeastern region. Recently, these snakes have begun searching for fresh habitats located on the most northern islands of the Florida Keys by utilizing swimming as a means of reaching them. Unfortunately, due to human settlements encroaching upon their natural habitats, these reptiles are being displaced which subsequently leads to a decline in their population. In certain regions, there exist “rattlesnake roundups” where numerous individuals of these snakes are captured and ultimately killed.
Diamondback rattlesnakes, despite lacking legal protections, have experienced a decrease in population. Roundups have caused the death of over 200,000 pounds of rattlesnakes since 1996. The eastern diamondback inhabits areas from South Carolina to Florida and westward to Oklahoma while the western diamondback thrives in the arid climate found in southwestern states. Consequently, habitat loss is not a worry for these reptiles as they are capable of surviving with little or no need for fresh water by obtaining it from their prey.
The eastern and western diamondback rattlesnakes coexist in Oklahoma, sharing the same habitats. The western diamondbacks populate a vast area stretching from Kansas to California and Mexico, boasting a significant population. Conversely, the behavior of the eastern and western species varies. When confronted with danger, the eastern species tends to flee rather than engage in combat, quickly attempting to escape at the slightest indication of peril. It will remain still within foliage or grass, rendering its presence undetectable by humans or prey.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake has the ability to escape when confronted with danger, but if it becomes trapped, it will defend itself. It is important to avoid being bitten by this species because their venomous bites have severe consequences. In their natural habitats, the eastern diamondback is often seen living in water and can even swim far from the coastline in the ocean. Both the eastern and western diamondback rattlesnakes go through a period of brumation or hibernation during winter months. They find shelter in different den sites like deep holes or caves and remain inactive for about five months each year.
The western diamondback snake is a species that should be avoided while hiking. It has a confrontational nature and will approach anyone who disturbs it. I personally encountered a western diamondback while hiking in Texas. It was basking near a large rock and started rattling and advancing towards me when I approached it. The snake showed no fear towards me. This species thrives in the dry and desert-like climate of the southwestern states. It can survive with minimal water intake, as it obtains water from its prey.
The western diamondback snake is commonly found near logs, rocks, or in dense foliage and holds the title of being the largest rattlesnake globally, with a length reaching up to eight feet. This species dwells in the U.S. Southwest/Mexico region. In contrast, the eastern diamondback inhabits the Southeast and is also one of the largest rattlesnakes. Although these snakes typically try to avoid humans and only bite in self-defense, their venom can be potent and sometimes fatal. The venom of diamondback rattlesnakes generally possesses proteolytic and hemotoxic properties that lead to tissue damage and destruction of red blood cells.
The venom of diamondback rattlesnakes contains hemorrhagins, enzymatic proteins that disrupt blood clotting mechanisms and cause uncontrollable bleeding. Additionally, the venom aids in digestion for the snake. In humans, it primarily affects the blood, blood vessels, and nervous system, resulting in symptoms such as severe pain, blistering, nausea, headaches, tingling sensations in the head and extremities, skin discoloration, swelling, and bleeding observed at gums, lips, nails stool and urine.
Antivenin is a successful remedy for diamondback bites, although if medical attention is postponed, death could occur. Despite not having as powerful venom as smaller rattlesnake species, diamondbacks are capable of injecting significant amounts due to their large size and long fangs. In the United States, western diamondbacks may cause more fatalities than any other snake, and the mortality rate from eastern diamondback bites could reach 40 percent. A misconception regarding venomous snakes states that baby snakes have a more potent bite than adults due to their inability to control the injected amount.
Rattlesnakes are born with fangs and the ability to control them, contrary to claims. It is crucial to further investigate the subject of rattlesnake venom and their fangs. As mentioned earlier, snake fangs work similarly to a hypodermic needle in nature. There is a potential that the creators of the hypodermic needle took inspiration from snake fangs, as they both possess an open cavity running along their length.
The venomous snakes produce their venom in glands and release it through the venom duct by using sharp fangs to inject it into their prey or adversaries. The danger level of a venomous snake is determined by the size of its fang openings, influenced by factors like the size of their venom gland, venom composition, and overall fang size. These elements collectively determine the lethality exhibited among different species of venomous reptiles.
The population of diamondback rattlesnakes has been steadily decreasing in recent years. As a researcher, I have personally observed this trend and conducted studies on these impressive creatures. Both the eastern and western diamondback rattlesnakes are highly feared animals in the United States, but they have significant differences. They are undoubtedly the most captivating reptiles I have ever researched and will always hold a special place in my heart.
It is essential for humans to be mindful of our surroundings and understand that killing these snakes will only lead to an increase in rodent populations. If you decide to search for these creatures, please be cautious while treading lightly as both species can deliver a dangerous bite.
