Watch your step! Actually, rattlesnakes are rarely encountered in Florida scrub; they are more likely to be found in adjacent palmetto flatwoods and sandhills habitats. These communities are not quite as harsh as scrub and usually have more of the diamondback's food of choice - fresh rodents! The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the most dangerous snake in North America by virtue of its large size (up to 6') and its highly toxic venom. But they are not aggressive and prefer to avoid all contact with people. Diamondbacks will not even sound their infamous rattle unless they think they are in danger, preferring instead to escape detection altogether.