Record #:

43356

Author(s):

Jeff Hall

Abstract:

In this article the author is discussing the diamondback rattlesnakes that live in North Carolina and what aspects contribute to their decline. The diamondback rattlesnake mainly resides in the longleaf pine tree forests. The diamondback rattlesnake takes up residence in burrows created by gopher tortoise. In the event there are no gopher tortoise burrows’ around the diamondback must find large and deep tree stumps which mainly are found in old longleaf pine forests. Another factor contributing the decline of the diamondback rattlesnake is the reproductive rates of the species is that females tend to reproduce twice in their life time and they produce a litter of six to ten neonates but the species can have up to thirty. During pregnancy the female snakes lose half their body weight which is dangerous for the health of the snake. After giving birth to a litter the female tends to not be able to give birth to another litter for at least two to six years. Diamondback rattlesnakes require large areas as their habitat but only 1-3% of longleaf pine forests that still exist. Lastly, the diamondback rattlesnake has been historically persecuted by humans due to their size and also them being venomous. The author states that yes a bite would require immediate medical attention but the snake are not a threat to humans as long as they are left alone.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 86 Issue 3, May-June 2022, p28-29 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Wildlife; Wildlife conservation; Wildlife Education; WILDLIFE IN NORTH CAROLINA (Magazine); Wildlife habitat improvement; Wildlife management; Wildlife protection; Wildlife--North Carolina