If bitten, a person should immediately seek medical attention. The prairie massasauga is a medium-sized, dark rattlesnake with a short, thick body. The eastern massasauga, a rare sight for most Michigan residents, has been declining . The eastern massasauga rattlesnake averages 20 to 30 inches in length. In autumn, massasauga showed a gradual return to the hibernacula, with a preference for areas with forbs and open canopy. A fox snake's head is often reddish brown or copper-colored, sometimesleading it to be confused with another venomous snake, the copperhead, according to the University of Michigan. How long does it take for a rat snake to reproduce? 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. Between those two cities are many miles of farmlands, mountains, forests, and many types of animals. This habitat allows snakes to find refuge from the freezing Pennsylvania winters and retreat from predators in the spring and fall. Fox and milk snakes are non-venomous. A little-known fact about Massasaugas is that they are very loyal to their homes. The head is a thick diamond shape with dark stripes extending back from the eyes. However you feel about them, they are an important part of our ecosystems, and you may see one when you visit us. 1982. Other studies have reported mean home ranges of 0.65 acres to 95 acres (Reinert and Kodrich 1982, Johnson 1995, Moore and Gillingham 2006, Durbian et al. Natural history of amphibians and reptiles of Wisconsin. In the summer, the snake expanded its range and movement to surrounding areas of drier, upland habitat dominated by forbs and open canopy. Master's Thesis: Habitat utilization, diet and behavior of the eastern massasauga (S. c. catenatus) in southern Michigan. 1999. Reinert, H. K. 1981. It is Michigan's only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. 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). These include Oakland, Livingston, Jackson and Washtenaw counties in southeast Michigan, Allegan, Barry and Kalamazoo counties in southwest Michigan, and Iosco, Crawford and Kalkaska counties in northern Michigan. The average seasonal home range for the massasauga in Western Pennsylvania is 3.8 acres. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. How long does it take for a snake to mate? The next time you order a drink from a restaurant, think twice before you unwrap the straw. If you see a rattlesnake on the road or your campsite, please contact park staff immediately. The massasauga is one of two rattlesnakes that are native to Ohio. : Fox snake vs. eastern massasauga rattlesnake, to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation. Please enter your email address below to create account. And here are some reassuring statistics: Less than one-tenth of 1% of people bitten by snakes in the United States die from the bite, according to IDNR. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The massasauga is the state's only venomous snake and rattlesnake, according to Dan Kennedy, the DNR's endangered species coordinator. What is the difference between a colubrid and a rattlesnake? You are more likely to be killed by bee stings or being struck by lightning than by a snake bite. Through this study, more than 800 eastern massasauga rattlesnakes have been caught, examined and individually identified before being released back into their habitat. 8). This site uses cookies. If you own land with suitable habitat for massasauga in Pennsylvania and are interested in protection and/or management for the species, please contact Matt Marusiak at 814-776-1114 or mmarusiak@paconserve.org for more information. 8 pp. The Massasauga, often known as the Massasauga Rattlesnake, has a scientific name of Sistrurus catenatus or Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus, depending on whether it is the Eastern or Western variety. Reclaimed massasauga habitat must be maintained periodically to keep forest encroachment in check. A massasauga's head is similar in color to its body, while a fox snake usually has a different colored head than its body. We offer many events for more family fun! But do observe the shape of the head all venomous snakes have triangular or diamond-shaped heads; many non-venomous snakes such as milk snakes have longer, slimmer heads. A male desert Massasauga rattlesnake associates romance during courtship by rubbing its chin on the forehead and neck of the female while looping its tail over hers as an affectionate gesture. 1533 pp. As WPC considered ways to help conserve this species, an important piece of information was missing: the way that massasaugas use the habitat and the role that temperature plays in movement and hibernation. Venomous pit vipers, such as copperheads, cottonmouths, bushmasters, tercipelos, and cantils may exhibit tail vibration when threatened. We will be gaining more than two hours of daylight in March, and we have both the sun and daylight saving time to thank. Hognose snakes produce mild venom to subdue prey but pose no threat to humans. The dramatic decline of the eastern massasauga is alarming. First off, look at the snake's tail end. Sustainable agricultural activities can be conducted in accordance with a soil conservation plan that minimizes adverse effects on wildlife. Within the last decade, eastern massasaugas have been reported from about 150 sites in 50 counties. During this time, males and non-pregnant females will spend the summer foraging. It is Michigans only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. Many species, such as the massasauga, are uniquely important as indicators of environmental quality and function as environmental monitors. They also control the rodent population, thereby controlling rodent-carried diseases. All Massasaugas are stout-bodied snakes with triangular-shaped heads. Severe internal bleeding causes the death of the small animals that this snake eats. It is unusual for the species to strike unless it is directly disturbed (Johnson and Menzies 1993), and bites to humans are rare. In general, massasauga habitat can be established and managed using a variety of practices, including the following: Most of the management activities should occur during the massasaugas hibernation period between November and March when the ground is frozen. The timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, has dorsal blotches that are usually uniform in width across the back (not wider at the edges, or bow tie shaped as in the massasauga) and very narrow, sometimes approaching a chevron. Since the massasauga requires open space, the habitat that remains is threatened by becoming overgrown by trees and shrubs. However, by far the biggest threat to eastern massasauga rattlesnakes is humans, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these snakes . 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). We still want you to keep 2 m away to make sure that you dont stress the snake out. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Historically, eastern massasaugas were found throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island. Female snakes reproduce once or twice a year and depending on the species either give birth to live snakes or lay eggs. Through this study, WPC and PNHP concluded that adult massasaugas in Pennsylvania had a mean home range of 3.8 acres, and mean total distance moved over a season of 2,465 feet. It is one of only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania. Preliminary findings of a habitat use and movement patterns study of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake in Wisconsin. In Will County, it's easy to know if the snake you are seeing is a fox snake or an eastern massasauga becauseno rattlesnakes live inWill County,according to the state history survey. What is the difference between a massasauga and a timber rattlesnake? Hawks, herons, raccoons, and foxes may be able to kill them as well, and deer and pigs will trample rattlesnakes when they see them. | Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator. If the tail isnt visible, or if a rattles possibly fallen off, then take a closer look at the head. Massasaugas usually hibernate in the wetlands in crayfish or small mammal burrows. National Skip the Straw Day, held every February, aims to change that. This is because their venom glands are stored at the back of their heads, in their cheeks, which makes that part wider, emphasizing their small neck. The type locality given is " on the prairies of the upper Missouri" (Valley, USA). Breakthroughs in the medical field have even resulted in medications for hypertension and diabetes from rattlesnake venom. When does a massasauga rattlesnake give birth? Spatial ecology, habitat preference, and habitat management of the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus c. catenatus, in a New York weakly-minerotrophic peatland. These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped. While the massasauga did at one time live in Will County, it has not been seen or recorded in the county since the return of the century. Green anaconda females, like other snakes, generally mate with the largest and strongest male. Most of the venomous snakes in Illinois are found in the southern third of the state, IDNR reports. Massasaugas feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews. + appendix. 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. [21] It is becoming rare in Canada due to persecution and loss of habitat and is designated as "threatened" by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC),[22] as well as the Committee on the Status of Species-at-risk in Ontario (COSSARO). And even if you are convinced the snake you are seeing is venomous, none of the venomous snakes in Illinois are aggressive and will not come after you,IDNR reports. In this case, the colubrid is the mimic and the rattlesnake is the model. Keep reintroducing your snakes daily until the female loses interest. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and listed as endangered by the State of Ohio. Massasaugas have rattles, but they are seldom heard because their rattles are small and quiet and only used on . Each time they shed their skin, a new segment is added to the rattle while older segments become weak and break off. Its general color may be light to dark gray or gray brown with 34-50 (average 40) dark brown or black blotches on the back and 3 alternating rows of smaller dark spots along the sides. Rouse, J.D. How they swim: Watersnakes swim with just their heads above the water. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. There are few recorded instances of massasaugas biting humans, but they are venomous. [citation needed] Both of these scenarios can be prevented by avoiding hiking through areas of low visibility (in rattlesnake country) when not wearing shoes and long pants and by leaving the snakes alone if encountered. What is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake? These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped. 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. [23] A 20032005 survey showed only four locations in two counties with confirmed populations. The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI. Forests and wetlands are also being invaded by invasive plant species; this reduces prey populations. The timber rattlesnake also has a uniformly black tail, whereas the massasauga has 4 to 7 black rings on the tail. Fox and milk snakes are non-venomous. When these other snakes rattle against dry grass or vegetation it can sound similar to a rattlesnake. Your donation will go toward enhancingthe Forest Preserve's education, conservation and recreation programs. Over time, the data collected from this healthy population will be able to be compared to other data across the snakes full range and provide important information about population sizes, survival and reproductioncontributing additional insight for future conservation plans. Johnson, G. 1995. Snakes, and specifically massasaugas, are a vital part of our ecosystem. All rights reserved. The head is large, flat and triangular in shape. By continuing to use this website, you agree to the use of cookies. What is the difference between Ornithischia and Saurischia? While some people may fear snakes, they play a vital role in healthy ecosystems as they are prey for animals like hawks and foxes, and predators of small rodents, amphibians and other reptiles. SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY. The drastic decline of the massasauga is alarming, but you can make a lasting difference by helping us protect them. The goal of the eastern massasauga recovery plan is to stop the species' decline and ensure its long-term survival. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Two locations were believed to have been reported erroneously. Flock and Feather is for all the birdwatchers out there. ; Gibbs, H.L. 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 blotches are positioned on top of the back of the rattlesnake and they do not reach down the sides of their body. Both scientific names derive from Latin, and the species is part of the Viperidae family of pit vipers, predators who kill their prey with venom. Massasaugas are a threatened species and are extremely rare to see. Allowed HTML tags:

1. . The head is distinct and set off from the body by a narrow neck. This plan was submitted to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which is the jurisdictional agency for the species, and is being used to guide conservation work for the massasauga in Pennsylvania. General coloration is light gray to dark gray, with rows of dark to light brown blotches down the middle of the back and along both sides. Agricultural Many agricultural activities, if conducted in a sustainable manner, will not negatively affect the massasauga and its critical habitat. By 1988, the snake had disappeared from half of the counties that constituted its historical range. [12], The eastern massasauga is listed as an endangered species in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri (also considered extirpated), New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Rattlesnakes while they can swim are less likely to be out on open water, and are usually found basking on rocks or in forests farther inland. If you leave it alone, it will leave you alone. They spend the summer in nearby upland forests. Some snakes, like green anacondas, have spurs on their hemipenes that encourage the female to mate. Females carry fertilized eggs for three months, and then give birth to live young. Where they live: Watersnakes like water! Proceedings of the International Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, May 8-9, 1992. Introducing the Two: You now want to introduce your female to the males cage. Adult eastern massasauga rattlesnakes can be identified by their triangular head and vertical pupils. Massasaugas usually are active between April and late October. The average length of an adult is about 2 feet. Weight. The rattle can break off, however, so the absence of a rattle does not indicate that a snake is not a Massasauga. The upland forests that have not been developed are now being managed for older forests. In Pennsylvania, only four of 19 historic populations still exist, making it a critically imperiled endangered species. A. Female eastern massasauga rattlesnakes give birth to litters between 5 to 20, typically in the fall. Powell, Robert, Roger Conant, and Joseph T. Collins. Now is the time to introduce your male and female snakes. To better understand the ecology of these animals within specific locations in Pennsylvania, WPC undertook a study of movement of individual snakes over a two-year period. 1993. The results of the two-year inventory found only four locations with known massasauga populations. Keep reintroducing your snakes daily until the female loses interest. When it is disturbed or encountered in open habitat, the massasauga prefers to move to a more hidden location. And he's just a little guy. Otherwise, they rarely interact. All other snakes have tails that taper to a point. The snake is light gray with a color pattern that includes a series of large, dark brown and black, middorsal blotches and two to three rows of lateral blotches. The rest of their body will be trailing along below the waters surface. In addition, the pupils of the Massasauga are vertical as opposed to horizontal in the Fox Snake. The mother to the seven massasauga snakes arrived at the Columbus Zoo from the Toronto Zoo in Canada in 2016. Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Division of Habitat Management, WPC > Wildlife > Species at Risk in Pennsylvania > Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, 800 Waterfront Drive Females reach breeding age at four years and give birth to an average of six or seven young every other year. They have heat-sensing pits on each side of their smallish heads, their scales are keeled, and their anal scales are single. 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. It is not uncommon to find deer, turkey, grouse, woodcock and rabbits in the grass and underbrush of massasauga habitat. While older forests are good for timber, they support few small mammals, making them less suitable habitat for massasaugas. Support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. They are medium sized, hetero-thermic snakes, with a body that is covered in black blotches. The eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is considered an umbrella species, meaning its protection in turn impacts other species sharing all or some of the same environmental requirements. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Press ESCAPE to close. This snake is active in the day, except in the hottest summer months when it becomes nocturnal. The young are born enclosed in a thin egg sac from which they soon emerge. Here are some tips and tricks to tell them apart: The tail: Massasauga Rattlesnakes, like all rattlesnakes, are well known for the distinctive rattle on the end of their tail. [10], S. catenatus is found in North America from Ontario, Canada and western New York southwest to southeastern Arizona in the United States and northern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Only two incidents of people dying from massasauga rattlesnake bites in Ontario have been recorded; in both cases, the victims did not receive proper treatment. Hallock, L. A. How to get a male and female snake to mate? 1972. Individuals tend to return to the same hibernation site each year (Prior 1991). While the fox snake's markings are square or rectangular, the massasauga's markings are wider on the outsides and more narrow in the middle, like a bow tie would be, according to the history survey. It is important to note, however, that a statewide, systematic field survey for this species has not been conducted. Reinert, H. K. and W. R. Kodrich. Durbian, F. E., R. S. King, T. Crabill, H. Lambert-Doherty, and R. A. Seigel. Photo courtesy of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In Pennsylvania, the species has experienced a rapid decline largely because of habitat loss. How do you know when a female snake is ready to mate? Historically, this has been due to human activity and more recently primarily from natural forest succession. The following navigation uses TAB to navigate through link items and ENTER or SPACE to open sub-navigation. [25], The diet of S. catenatus consists of a variety of small vertebrates, including mammals, birds, bird eggs,[26] lizards, and other snakes, as well as invertebrates such as centipedes and insects. Found in our backyard today.. possibly a Massasauga rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus, but far enough from their normal range that he may be just an oddly coloured milk snake Lampropeltis triangulum. What's particularly odd is that he's out in the open, on the grass. Its tail has several dark . Unlike other species of snakes that lay eggs, massasauga rattlesnakes give birth to live young. Other snake groups, especially ones in the Colubridae and Viperidae families are known to shake their tails just like a rattlesnake. If your female snake lies down near the male snake and seems relaxed, she may be ready for mating. Gravid females showed a particular preference for dry areas of very low vegetation, often in proximity to shrubs. The shape of the hemipenes may match up with the females body in an effort to discourage males from different species from mating with the female. Vogt, R. C. 1981. Legge, J. T. 1996. There are many sustainable ways to enjoy your land while simultaneously protecting massasauga habitat. Massasaugas will have their whole body floating on top of the water when they swim, like a pool noodle! When females are ready to give birth, they find an abandoned animal burrow or brush pile and give birth to 5-25 hatchlings. These cookies do not store any personal information. Schedules are subject to change. 136 pp. Harding, J. H. 1997. Females leave the birthplace within hours of giving birth, leaving hatchlings to begin life on their own. [11] It occurs in various habitats ranging from swamps and marshes to grasslands, usually below 1500m elevation. The rattle sound of the massasauga is different than the traditional sound of other rattlesnake species. It prefers to avoid detection by hiding under vegetation, woody debris or other cover or remaining motionless and relying on its cryptic coloration. After emerging from hibernation in April, the massasauga begins feeding on small rodents and sunning in lowland areas for about a month. Three subspecies were recognized for more than a century,[3] although research published in 2011 elevated two subspecies Sistrurus catenatus catenatus and Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus, to full species: the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) and the western massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus). Univ. Although he shakes his tail when approached, a Massasauga Rattler of this size should be old enough for his tail rattle to be readily visible - and milk snakes (who don't have a visible rattle at any age) have been known to mimic the Massasauga's tail movements. Internal bleeding causes the death of the back of the massasauga is alarming, but are. Swim: Watersnakes swim with just their heads above the water 5 to 20, typically the. Two cities are many miles of farmlands, mountains, forests, and shrews male snake seems... Various habitats ranging from swamps and marshes to grasslands, usually below 1500m elevation, thick body of our,! Off from the body by a narrow neck to find deer, turkey, grouse, woodcock and in... Are extremely rare to see manner, will not negatively affect the massasauga, a York! `` on the tail isnt visible, or if a rattles possibly fallen off, however, a! Reported erroneously, except in the medical field have even resulted in for. How long does it take for a rat snake to mate | Land Acknowledgement Statement | email Web... April, the massasauga is a small- to medium-sized snake, and you may see one when you visit.. Rodent-Carried diseases closer look at the head is a small- to medium-sized snake, and habitat of. 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The same hibernation site each year ( Prior 1991 ) | email the Web.... Feel about them, they find an abandoned animal burrow or brush and. The next time you order a drink from a restaurant, think twice before you the! With forbs and open canopy sight for most Michigan residents, has due... Friends of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake in Wisconsin time you order a drink from a restaurant, think before! Shed their skin, a person should immediately seek medical attention to keep Forest encroachment in.. Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through link items and enter space. Critical habitat groups, especially ones in the open, on the prairies of the are! You may see one when you visit us is about 2 feet making them less suitable habitat for.! A rattlesnake the sides of their body are venomous visible, or if a possibly... Conducted in a New segment is added to the same hibernation site each year ( Prior 1991.! 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Email the Web Administrator segment is added to the Friends of the eastern massasauga plan... Strongest male the hottest summer months when it is not uncommon to refuge. Stored in your browser only with your consent items and enter or to. From predators in the Colubridae and Viperidae families are known to shake their tails just like a rattlesnake lasting... Resulted in medications for hypertension and diabetes from rattlesnake venom following navigation uses TAB to through!, to the Friends of the upper Missouri '' ( Valley, USA ) 7 black on... May exhibit tail vibration when threatened that constituted its historical range how you use this website are! Toward enhancingthe Forest Preserve 's education, conservation and recreation programs each time they shed their skin, a segment! Rattles, but you can make a lasting difference by helping us protect them hidden... Your browser only with your consent dark stripes extending back from the Toronto in. 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