Western Diamondback
FamilyViperidae
Venom TypeVenomous
Max Length2 m
RangeSouthwestern US, Northern Mexico
HabitatDesert, Grassland, Rocky hills
DietSmall mammals, birds
Danger LevelHigh
About the Western Diamondback
A large, heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold black and white bands on the tail, giving it the nickname coon tail. It causes a large share of serious snakebites in the US and northern Mexico. When threatened it often stands its ground, coiling and rattling loudly. Its venom is mainly hemotoxic, destroying tissue and disrupting blood clotting. It is the main species collected at Texas rattlesnake roundups.
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