Crotalus Atrox
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, is a venomous rattlesnake species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is likely responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in northern Mexico and the greatest number of snakebites in the U.S. It lives in elevations from below sea level up to 6,500 feet. This species ranges throughout the southwestern United States and northern half of Mexico. Currently, western diamondback rattlesnakes are not threatened or endangered. Overall, it is probably the second largest-bodied species of rattlesnake, behind only its close cousin the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and is also the second largest of North American venomous snakes. The color pattern generally consists of a dusty-looking gray-brown ground color, but it may also be pinkish-brown, brick red, yellowish, pinkish, or chalky white. This ground color is overlaid dorsally with a series of 23-45 dorsal body blotches that are dark gray-brown to brown in color. Some of the first few blotches may be somewhat rectangular, but then become more hexagonal and eventually take on a distinctive diamond shape, hence the name “diamondback rattlesnake”.
Diamondbacks are solitary except during the mating season. They occasionally may be seen basking in the sun on warm winter days. In the winter, they hibernate in caves or burrows, sometimes with many other species of snakes. They are poor climbers. Natural predators include raptors such as hawks and eagles, roadrunners, wild hogs, and other snakes. When threatened, they usually coil and rattle to warn aggressors. They are one of the more aggressive rattlesnake species in the US in the way that they stand their ground when confronted by a foe. If rattling does not work, then the snake will strike in defense. Life expectancy is more than 20 years. Birds, lizards, and mice are preyed upon. Avian prey include mockingbirds, a burrowing owl.
