Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are one of the largest snakes found in Fort Matanzas National Monument, reaching lengths of 6 feet (1.8 m). It is a formidably venomous species that evokes a lot of mysticism. They are found throughout Fort Matanzas, but are most abundant in the open, drier areas of the dunes meadows and cedar-cabbage palm forests. Their pattern of light-bordered dark diamonds makes them conspicuous on bare sand, but very nearly camouflages them in grass.
F. Wayne King photo.
Contrary to popular folklore, they are not particularly aggressive. As long as they are not disturbed, most will sit quietly amidst the vegetation and not even rattle. If threatened, they will rattle and prepare to strike. Given a chance, most usually will seek shelter in a nearby gopher tortoise burrow. The burrow also provides protection from winter cold temperatures. They feed on rabbits, rats and mice, and they readily swim which explains their presence on many coastal islands.
