Summary of recent sightings of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (S. c. catenatus) in Michigan and identification of significant population clusters. It is Michigan's only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. Unpublished report to the Illinois Department of Conservation, Division Natural Heritage, Springfield, IL. Nat. Spatial ecology, habitat preference, and habitat management of the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus c. catenatus, in a New York weakly-minerotrophic peatland. Rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in Michigan, can and do occur. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. These small rattlesnakes are shy and reclusive, and are seldom seen This snake is seen so seldom that there is much that most state residents do not know about these pit vipers. Massasauga home range patterns in the Midwest. There have been 150 site reports in 5 counties over the last decade. + appendix. Reinert, H. K. and W. R. Kodrich. 2005. Status assessment for the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus c. catenatus). “He was totally happy just sitting there and being out of the water. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Sharks are common, big fish are common, but seeing an endangered animal – it’s definitely the rarest sight we’ve seen,” Jonathan said. Veterinary Dr. Noni Greene said Dexter was bitten by a massasauga rattlesnake, the only rattlesnake native to Michigan. Vogt, R. C. 1981. Although it's venomous, the massasauga is a timid snake. Massasaugas usually hibernate in the wetlands in crayfish or small mammal burrows. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, sometimes called the Michigan Rattlesnake, Prairie Massasauga, or Swamp Massasauga, is one of several Michigan-native snakes, but is Michigan’s only venomous snake. Although the venom is highly toxic, fatalities are very uncommon because the species' short fangs can inject only a small volume (Klauber 1972). Proceedings of the International Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, May 8-9, 1992. Eastern massasaugas have been found in a variety of wetland habitats, including bogs, fens, shrub swamps, wet meadows, marshes, moist grasslands, wet prairies, and floodplain forests (Hallock 1990, Harding 1997). Thus, the eastern massasauga's long-term viability in Michigan has important implications for this species' persistence rangewide. Also, massasaugas are highly cryptic and difficult to observe in its natural habitat. During the late spring, these snakes move from their winter hibernation sites, … About the Natural Community Classification, Gray or grayish brown with dark blotches edged in white and spots down back and sides, 18.5-30 inches long; record 39.5 inches long, Pit on each side of head between eye and nostril, Tail thick, squarish; does not taper to a point like all other snakes in Michigan, Does not always rattle a warning; relies on pattern and remaining motionless to go undetected, Light gray or tan with brown or reddish-brown, black-bordered blotches running down back, Young similar to adults but blotches brighter red, Often Y- or V-shaped light marking on top of neck, Belly white with black checkerboard pattern, Eastern subspecies in Southeast Lower Peninsula only; western subspecies in Upper Peninsula only, Yellowish to light brown with black or dark brown blotches; head reddish or orangish, Belly yellow with black checkboard pattern, Most have dark spots/blotches on yellowish, reddish or brown background, but some solid black, brown or olive, When threatened, spreads neck to display two prominent black eyespots on neck and hisses; may turn over and play dead, Belly yellow-gray with greenish gray pattern, Light brown with dark brown or blackish blotches; older individuals may appear uniformly black, Belly cream with irregular rows of reddish or blackish half moon crescents. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) biology, status, and management: A guide for recovery. Studies to date also have found that massasaugas were not be able to survive the winter when moved to a new area outside their home range presumably because they were not able to find suitable hibernation sites. Movements and habitat utilization by the massasauga, S. c. catenatus. Unpublished report to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Office, Fort Snelling, MN. Fish and Wildlife Service, Green Bay, WI. Master's Thesis: Habitat utilization, diet and behavior of the eastern massasauga (S. c. catenatus) in southern Michigan. 1533 pp. Historically, eastern massasaugas were found throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island. Since 2016, the massasauga has been considered federally-threatened, meaning it is likely or expected to become endangered, DNR officials have said. Nearly one- third of the historical occurrences in the state has not been reconfirmed in the past ten years. Legge, J. T. and M. R. Rabe. 8 pp. To report sightings and learn more about the massasauga, please visit the Michigan DNR’s page on the species at Eastern massasauga. Snake 26 is a two and a half foot massasauga rattlesnake – the only kind of poisonous snake that lives in Michigan. 1966, confirmed massasauga sightings within the park’s vicinity have been rare and no confirmed sightings were made within the official boundary of the park. These small rattlesnakes are shy and reclusive, and are seldom seen This snake is seen so seldom that there is much that most state residents do not know about these pit vipers. Hibernation sites are located below the frost line, often close to groundwater level. The snakes face a lot of threats though, including a recently discovered fungal disease. Moore and Gillingham (2006) followed the general movement patterns of massasaugas at a fen in Michigan and found emergence from hibernacula occurred in early to mid-April, then the snakes moved out of buckthorn dominated scrub\shrub or lowland hardwood floodplain to open and slightly higher elevation (approximately 5015m) emergent or scrub/shrub wetland during summer. of Zool., Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, MI. The massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan's only venomous snake. Glowacki, G. and R. Grundel. 205 pp. I was super excited to have a close encounter with an endangered animal.”. It is Michigan's only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. He estimates the snake was 27 to 29 inches long. In Season of the Massasauga Rattler!, Jonathan Schechter writes that the massasauga likes our sun-soaked trails in the waning days of summer and early autumn, so you may catch a glimpse of one if you’re out and about in Lower Michigan. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year. Johnson, G. 1995. The eastern massasauga is primarily associated with wetland habitats but some populations also utilize adjacent upland habitats for parts of its life history. He never feared for his safety, he said. Spatial ecology and multi-scale habitat selection by a threatened rattlesnake: The Eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). Jonathan decided to catch it in his fishing net. In fact, Michigan is a stronghold for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Two Michigan residents were bitten by a rare rattlesnake in one month, an incident the Department of Natural Resources says is unusual. 1994. Hallock, L. A. He “freaked out.” But not in the way many people would. Szymanski, J. J. Herpetol. 1986. The adult massasauga rattlesnake is thick-bodied and can be 18 to … Habitat changes and trends affecting selected populations of Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (eastern massasauga) in Michigan. The massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a rattlesnake species found in midwestern North America from southern Ontario to northern Mexico and parts of the United States in between. "'You should have killed it,' or ‘I would have killed it.’ It’s really unfortunate.”, Two Michigan residents bitten by rare rattlesnake in one month. Reinert, H. K. 1981. Reptiles are found throughout Michigan, although the only venomous species, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, is seen only in the Lower Peninsula. Populations in southern Michigan are typically associated with open wetlands, particularly prairie fens, while those in northern Michigan are better known from lowland coniferous forests, such as cedar swamps (Legge and Rabe 1999). Two Michigan residents were bitten by a rare rattlesnake in one month, an incident the Department of Natural Resources says is unusual. Johnson, B. and V. Menzies, eds. Natural history of amphibians and reptiles of Wisconsin. Massasaugas feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews. Amer. The rattle sound of the massasauga is different than the traditional sound of other rattlesnake species. 105: 393-395. 136 pp. Natural predators for the massasauga, particularly the eggs and young, include hawks, skunks, raccoons, and foxes (Vogt 1981). 35: 333-346. They also will consume other snake species and occasionally birds and frogs. RSS Bookmark Share.. Embed Print Favorite . Preliminary findings of a habitat use and movement patterns study of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake in Wisconsin. If an individual kills one, it is considered a violation of the Endangered Species Act, unless the individual feels his or her life is in danger, they said. He also recorded mean range lengths of 0.03 mile for neonates, 0.2 mile for non-gravid females, 0.4 mile for gravid females, and 0.8 mile for males. He decided not to touch it. Soon after, he determined the snake was an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake – Michigan’s only venomous snake and rattlesnake, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. 1993. The groundwater, which feeds these wetlands, allows the snakes to maintain their body temperature above freezing. “Maybe 50 percent of the people I’ve talked to – friends, family coworkers – I get the ‘kill it’ comment,” Jonathan said. The females give birth to litters of 5 to 20 live young in August or early September in mammal burrows or fallen logs in the uplands (Vogt 1981, Harding 1997). Massasauga home ranges and movement distances can be quite variable, which may be due to differing habitat structure and resource availability at the various sites (Moore and Gillingham 2006). The Hothams aren’t foreign to nature. It is important to note, however, that a statewide, systematic field survey for this species has not been conducted. Manage.72(3):754-759. “We’ve seen some crazy things. Most people in Michigan may never even see a massasauga in the wild because of its secretive behavior. 19 pp + apps. The Hothams floated with the snake for 10 to 15 minutes and it slithered off once they reached the weedy edge of the lake, Jonathan said. From Michigan Department of Natural Resources: The term “massasauga” means “great river mouth” in the Ojibwe language and was likely given to these snakes because … J. of Wildl. Massasaugas spend most of the time in the spring basking on elevated sites such as sedge and grass hummocks, muskrat and beaver lodges, or dikes and other embankments. Siegfried & Roy brought a glitz and glamour to the … The Great Basin Rattlesnake can be found in almost the entirety of Nevada except for the Southern tip of the State. Michigan appears to be the last stronghold for this species with more massasauga populations currently than any other state or province within the species' range. In southeast Michigan, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake depends on open-herbaceous wetland habitat for surviving cold Midwest winters. BROOKLYN, MI – Jonathan Hotham came across a large snake while kayaking with his wife Jessica earlier this month. The Michigan DNR says that the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is Michigan’s only venomous snake. King, R. S. 1997. Still, it poses little to no threat to humans. The eastern massasauga was once common across its range but has declined dramatically since the mid-1970's, according to a 1998 eastern massasauga status assessment conducted by the U.S. “But I was stoked. Anyone who is bitten should seek professional medical attention. Michigan has the largest population of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes in the country, despite the population declining. A. and J. C. Gillingham. Here's a look at every snake that calls Michigan home. Conserv. Historically, they could be found in a variety of wetlands and nearby upland woods throughout the lower peninsula. Reptiles are cold-blooded, and so usually pass the cold winters of Michigan … 222pp. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. Sasha Tetzlaff and Mike Ravesi, graduate students at Purdue University, are tracking … They also have been known to hibernate in tree roots and rock crevices as well as submerged trash, barn floors, and basements (Johnson and Menzies 1993). Date Visible Max Height Appears Disappears Share Event; Sun Jan 17, 7:38 PM: 1 min: 21° 10° above SSW: 21° above S : Mon Jan 18, 6:51 PM: 3 min: 21° 10° … When they are threatened, eastern massasaugas will typically remain motionless, relying on their cryptic coloration to blend into their surroundings. This timid species is extremely reclusive and avoids humans as best it can, preferring to remain camouflaged or leave the area … Individuals tend to return to the same hibernation site each year (Prior 1991). Still, it poses little to no threat to humans. Please support high-quality journalism. Unpublished report to the U.S. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. The massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan’s only venomous snake. Individuals may spend up to several weeks in the wetlands near their hibernation sites before moving to their summer habitats (Johnson 1995). In Wisconsin, King (1997) documented only gravid females dispersing to the drier uplands to have their young, while the males and non-gravid females remained in the wetlands. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has had difficulty monitoring this one due to its elusive nature. The most recent information on mean home ranges for massasaugas in Wisconsin and Missouri is 9 acres for females, 13 for gravid females, 95 for males, and 2 for neonates (Durbian et al. Spring emergence typically starts in late March and early April as groundwater levels rise and ground temperature approaches air temperature (Harding 1997, Szymanski 1998). In mid-October, snakes returned back to their hibernacula in lowland hardwood floodplain. To examine the current status of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake at INDU, both active searching and passive collection were used. Specifically, all known sites appear to be characterized by the following: (1) open, sunny areas intermixed with shaded areas, presumably for thermoregulation; (2) presence of the water table near the surface for hibernation; and (3) variable elevations between adjoining lowland and upland habitats (Beltz 1992). The presence of water that does not freeze is critical to hibernaculum suitability (Johnson 1995). They generally occupy wetland habitats in the spring, fall, and winter, but in the summer, snakes migrate to drier, upland sites, ranging from forest openings to old fields, agricultural lands and prairies. The young are born enclosed in a thin egg sac from which they soon emerge. 17 pp. 36 pp. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Massasaugas also appear to exhibit seasonal shifts in habitat utilization. Final report on the status and distribution of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) in Michigan. He didn’t try to come toward me, didn’t try to get off of the paddle, he was just totally chill.”. Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road Porter, IN 46304 January 10, 2005 Great Lakes Network Report GLKN/2005/02. Metro Toronto Zoo, Ontario, Canada. The primary reasons for the massasauga's decline in Michigan and rangewide are habitat loss and fragmentation, human persecution or indiscriminant killing, and illegal collection. Al… Copeia 4:742-751. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake: A massasauga rattlesnake is a small snake with a thick body that can grow in length up to 2 feet! Dept. The snake’s high-frequency hiss, triangular head and narrow neck were a give-away, Jonathan said. Currently the Massasuaga rattlesnake is listed in Michigan under Special Concern and is a candidate for federal listing. After hearing comments from those who’ve seen the photos, Jonathan said he’s thankful he was the one to encounter the snake. Massasaugas now mainly occur in disjunct, isolated populations and have been afforded some level of legal protection in every state or province within its range. Rattlesnake bites, while rare in Michigan, can and do occur. 32 pp. It prefers to avoid detection by hiding under vegetation, woody debris or other cover or remaining motionless and relying on its cryptic coloration. Midl. “It was a pretty adventurous day.”. Michigan DNR Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake 60-Second Snakes Video; Life History & Michigan History. They have also been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Michigan's lone venomous snake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, has received federal protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Subscribe to MLive.com. His goal is to catch a shark longer than his 14-foot kayak. After emergence … Siegfried & his longtime partner Roy Horn (Siegfried & Roy) were a mainstay and a must see in Vegas for decades. Legge, J. T. 1996. The northern ring neck's signature mark however is a brightly colored yellow or orange … If you are reading this in your Facebook app, use this link to view the entire gallery of photos. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Mating occurs in the spring, summer and fall (Reinert 1981, Vogt 1981, Harding 1997). A. 2008). Massasaugas have not been reported from Branch, Ingham, Shiawassee, Macomb, Huron, Clare, Oscoda, Montmorency and Emmet counties since prior to 1980 (some since the early 1900's). Young massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs (Vogt 1981). These sightings appear to cluster in several regions across the Lower Peninsula, indicating areas where massasaugas may be concentrated. The dog was given a $900 … These small rattlesnakes are shy and reclusive, and are seldom seen . Anyone who is bitten should seek professional medical attention. Michigan, one of the fifty United States, is home to two types of lizards, nineteen types of snakes and eleven types of turtles, all members of the class Reptilia. Michigan is one of a few states that has a significant wolf population, but all of the roughly 630 animals in the state were believed to be residing in the Upper Peninsula. It is unusual for the species to strike unless it is directly disturbed (Johnson and Menzies 1993), and bites to humans are rare. Klauber, L.M. Pp. The massasauga also appears to have strong site fidelity, often returning to the same hibernation site or area each year. This species tends to hibernate singly or in small groups of two or three (Johnson and Menzies 1993). Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, photo by Jonathan Schechter/Earth’s Almanac. Unpublished discussion paper for Canadian Parks Service. This timid species is extremely reclusive and avoids humans as best it can, preferring to remain camouflaged or … Anyone who is bitten should seek professional medical attention. “I was excited.”. Status of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This much is known: the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake … 2008). Instead, he let the snake out onto his paddle and Jessica took pictures. Stick: Tom Goniea, a fisheries biologist and herptile expert with the Michigan Department … 1998. Michigan's only venomous snake is a rare sight for most state residents. Although the temperaments of individual snakes vary widely, this species is generally considered non-aggressive. , reaching michigan rattlesnake sightings maximum of about 30 inches and on Bois Blanc.... Dunes National Lakeshore guide for recovery their hibernation sites are located below the frost line, often close to level. That lives in Michigan ( Hallock 1990 ) to 2 miles in Wisconsin ( King 1997 ) years. 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