The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Forrest M. Mims III

The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is the largest rattlesnake in the Western United States. The snake is found mainly in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California.

A western diamondback is encountered every few years here at Geronimo Creek in South Central Texas. The one shown here was crossing the gravel driveway near our mailbox a few weeks ago. The snake was kept where it was by throwing a towel over it. A hoe was then used to carefully lift the snake into a plastic herbarium. After photography, the snake was given to a commercial establishment that displays venomous snakes and reptiles to the public.

Thus far, all but one of the western diamondbacks encountered here have been docile. The one shown here was especially passive. It never rattled or struck.

The only aggressive rattlesnake encountered here very nearly struck me as I was retrieving sheep feed from a barrel in the barn. That snake later killed itself by striking against the screened enclosure in which it was placed so that it could be taken to a remote place and released.

Rattlesnakes are preyed on by raptors, road runners, turkeys, king snakes and people. They serve a very useful function by helping control the population of mice. They may also eat birds, other reptiles, amphibians and other small animals.

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