The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)[4][5] is a species of pit viper in the family Viperidae.

However, other venomous snakes may rival this species in weight such as the much longer but more slender king cobra and the shorter but even bulkier Gaboon viper.

[14] The rattle at the end of their tail is made of hard, loosely attached, hollow segments which break off frequently and are completely replaced when the snake sheds.

The original description for the species does not include a type locality, although Schmidt (1953) proposed it be restricted to "Charleston, South Carolina" (USA).

[30] Threats to eastern diamondback rattlesnake include habitat loss, killing by humans, and highway mortality.

One common method of capture at these events involves pouring gasoline down a rattlesnake's supposed burrow, a practice which is harmful to both the snake and its environment.

[31] A study was conducted in South Carolina that showed positive results in translocating species to save them due to their inability to adapt to habitat loss.

[14] The eastern diamondback rattlesnake frequently shelters by tunneling in gopher and tortoise burrows, emerging in the early morning or afternoon to bask.

Specimens have often been spotted crossing stretches of water between barrier islands and the mainland off the Georgia coast, in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Florida Keys, sometimes miles from land.

[4] Individual disposition varies, with some allowing close approach while remaining silent, and others starting to rattle at a distance of 6–9 m (20–30 ft).

[35] Many will stand their ground and may strike repeatedly, but if given the opportunity, they will usually retreat while facing the intruder and moving backwards towards shelter, after which they disappear.

[36] Hawks, eagles, and other snakes have been known to prey upon young and adolescent specimens of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake forages actively or lies in ambush for small mammals, especially rabbits and rice rats (Oryzomys).

In fact, eastern cottontails and marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus) form the bulk of the diet in most parts of Florida.

Other prey that have been reported include a king rail, a young wild turkey, and a mother woodpecker along with four of her eggs.

Neonates are 30–36 cm (12–14 in) in length[40] and are similar in appearance to the adults, except for having only a small button instead of a rattle on the tip of their tails.

[35] The eastern diamondback can live beyond 20 years, but life expectancy in the wild is now typically shorter because of hunting and human expansion.

Adult wild-caught specimens are often difficult to maintain in captivity, but captive-born individuals do quite well and feed readily on killed laboratory rodents.

The eastern diamondback requires a dry and well-ventilated cage with a hide-box, maintained at a temperature of 23–27 °C (73–80 °F) for normal activity.

[45] The venom contains a thrombin-like enzyme, "crotalase", capable of clotting fibrinogen, leading to the secondary activation of plasminogen from endothelial cells.

[4] CroFab, Anavip, and Wyeth's ACP are effective antivenins against bites from this species, although massive doses may be needed to manage severe cases of envenomation.