Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox · Viperidae (Pit Viper)
Also called: Coon Tail, Texas Diamondback
The classic Western rattlesnake responsible for the most snakebite deaths in the US. Recognizable by the black-and-white 'coon tail' banding above the rattle.
What the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake looks like
How to identify it
- 1Faded diamond pattern on a dusty gray-brown body
- 2Black and white alternating bands on the tail ('coon tail')
- 3Two light diagonal stripes on the face
- 4Large rattle and a heavy triangular head
Snakes it's confused with
Harmless; mimics rattling by hissing and shaking tail, but round pupils and no rattle.
Behavior & danger to humans
Defensive and quick to rattle; can strike rapidly when cornered.
⚠️ Danger: Potentially lethal hemotoxic venom. A bite is a medical emergency requiring antivenom.
Related snakes
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousEastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.