Natural History

All rattlesnakes are venomous, and therefore potentially dangerous if approached or handled. Rattlesnakes are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee if given a chance to retreat. Found from the flatlands and prairies to the rocky hills and low mountains, the Western Diamondback is a key participant in the food web; it is an important predator of many small rodents, rabbits, and birds. The Western Diamondback is in turn preyed upon by a variety of larger mammals and birds, such as coyotes, foxes, and hawks. It is primarily a nocturnal animal, hunting for its prey on warm summer nights. It is, however, seasonally diurnal, moving between hunting sites during the day during the cooler spring and fall months. The Western Diamondback is usually inactive between late October and early March, though an occasional rattlesnake may be seen sunning itself on warm winter days. Mating occurs in the spring and the females give birth (they are viviparous) to as many as 25 young, which may be as long as 30 cm (12 inches) in length. The young are fully capable of delivering a venomous bite hours after their birth.

Distribution

Crotalus atrox is found in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Oklahoma and Texas. The Western Diamondback also has an extensive range in the northern half of Mexico. In Texas, Crotalus atrox is found throughout the state, save the wettest eastern portions of the state. Its relative, the Eastern Diamondback (Crotalus adamanteus), is found in eastern Louisiana and ranges from there through Florida to Northa Carolina.

Range and Habitat

C. atrox is found both in the United States (South-East California, South Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas) and in Mexico (Hidalgo). Habitat surroundings are similar to that of C. adamanteus but generally in more arid and rocky country. Nevertheless, they are also good swimmers.