Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The eastern diamondback rarely strikes at humans unless heavily provoked.  It uses its rattle to warn the potential threat to stay away and will attempt to back away rather than face the danger.

You cannot determine the age of a rattlesnake by counting the rattle segments.  A new segment forms each time the snake sheds its skin, but segments can also break off.

HABITATPalmetto flatwoods and dry pinelands
DIETRats, mice, squirrels, rabbits
LIFE Expectancy10-20 years