Venomous · North Carolina
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
Very large rattlesnake with diamond markings. Rare in North Carolina and associated with southeastern habitats.
Venomous. Keep your distance and do not handle. This page is a field guide, not a definitive identification service.
At a glance
Size
Usually 48-72 inches.
North Carolina range
southern coastal plain
Habitat
longleaf pine, sandhills, dry uplands
Diet
Rabbits, rats, mice, squirrels, and other small mammals.
Pattern
diamonds
Venomous
Yes
How to identify it
Very large, heavy-bodied rattlesnake with dark diamond markings outlined in pale scales and a bold facial stripe.
Where to look in North Carolina
Extremely rare in North Carolina and limited to the southern Coastal Plain.
Longleaf-pine forests, sandy uplands, palmetto thickets, and coastal scrub.
Regional maps show broad physiographic provinces, not county-level records.
Photo guide
Use the gallery to check pattern, body shape, and context—not just overall color.
