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How to Age a Diamond Back Rattlesnake

The eastern and western diamondback rattlesnakes found in North America are also known as pit vipers. The eastern diamondback is the largest of its kind, sometimes growing to 8 feet in length and weighing up to 10 pounds. Diamondbacks can live up to 20 years. Unless a snake is kept in captivity from birth, determining a diamonback's age is extremely difficult.

Things You'll Need

Camera (optional)
Snake identification book (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Count the number of rattle segments on a snake's tail. Calculate the potential age figuring that a rattlesnake grows a new rattle segment each time it sheds its skin --- three to four times a year.
- 2
  Note the length of the snake and size of the head. Estimate its length in feet. An adult diamondback averages 5 or 6 feet in length. Take a photograph for identification, if possible. Check the photograph against an image in a snake identification book.
- 3
  Notice the rattlesnake's color depth. Older snakes are normally darker.
- 4
  Visit a wildlife park or zoo that exhibits live diamondbacks. Ask the museum staff for more details so that you get an accurate idea of the snake's age. Note its size and length, size of head and coloration for future reference when applying this knowledge to wild or captive snakes.

Animals & Science