Animal	Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Scientific Name	Crotalus adamanteus
Type	Reptiles
Diet	Carnivore
Lifespan	10 – 20 years
Size	1.7 meters
Weight	2.3 kg
Phylum	Chordata
Conservation status	Least concern > Near threatened > Vulnerable > Endangered > Critically endangered > Extinct in the wild > Extinct

There are many different species of rattlesnakes, which is a venomous snake with a rattle at the end of its tail. The rattle is used to warn off animals and predators. Although they rarely bite people, these snakes cause most snake-bite injuries throughout North America.

Rattlesnakes can be found in North and South America, in diverse habitats. Their diet consists of small animals such as birds and rats. To kill animals, rattlesnakes bite the prey and release venom, killing the animal. Neonates (babies) have to watch for other animals, such as birds, some mammals, and older rattlesnakes. Fully grown rattlesnakes have to watch out for larger animals such as eagles and pigs.

Parts of the rattlesnake’s tail begins to deteriorate as they grow older. When they molt or shed their skin, the rattle begins to grow new pieces and heals up. The pit of the snake (the area between the nose and mouth) can detect radiation body heat. There are no ears on the rattlesnake.

Majority of rattlesnake species mate in autumn or spring. The female keeps eggs in the womb until they hatch. The gestation period lasts six to seven months, and around twelve neonates are born. The neonates only stay with the mother for around ten to twenty days, before they leave.

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References:

• Rattlesnake on Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattlesnake
• Eastern diamondback rattlesnake on Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_diamondback_rattlesnake
• Rattlesnake on National Geographic – https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/rattlesnake/