Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

    Western Diamondback Rattlesnake’s can grow more than six feet long. Their average length is three feet long. These snakes are very dangerous. They are dangerous because they are venomous. If they bit you, you would have to go to the hospital. This snake can track its prey in the dark. It is called the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake because it has a row of dark diamonds running down its back.  These are not good pets for little kids!

Identification
When first spotting a snake, hopefully from a safe distance,
take note of the tail region. The rattlesnakes of our
area will have a very distinct black and white ring, or
banded pattern, very close to the end of the tail. The actual
"rattle" occurs following these distinct black and
white bands. The rattle can sometimes be difficult to see,
or even missing, but the bands are generally very apparent.

If you can not see the tail region, the head can help with
identification. Our rattlesnakes have a somewhat
"triangular," or "heart" shaped head which does not conform
to the rest of their body.

Never rely on coloration or patterns on the back or sides of snakes to assume they are not venomous. Regardless of what you might read or hear, and regardless of the source, coloration and patterns vary greatly. What appears to be a harmless gopher snake just might turn out to be something else!

 

      Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

            A coloring page

  ~Shayden~