The sight of a slitheringsnake causes many people to react in surprise or even fear. 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). Two locations were believed to have been reported erroneously. For further information, please see the site policies page. [13][14][15] Michigan, the only state in which it is not considered endangered, lists it as "special concern". 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. The Compass is full of District news andgeneral interest nature stories, whileGet Going highlights the must-do programs for the coming week. Reintroduce your snakes for a few days in succession until the female looks like she has lost interest in the male. The eastern massasauga perfectly represents how we are working to advance knowledge about them through important breeding efforts and data collection from the field. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Female massasaugas reach sexual maturity at three or four years of age, after which they have been reported to reproduce both annually and biennially in different parts of their range (Reinert 1981, Seigel 1986, Harding 1997). These snakes are ambush predators that rely on their venoma cytotoxin to kill their prey from internal bleeding. However, by far the biggest threat to eastern massasauga rattlesnakes is humans, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these snakes . 607 East Peabody Drive An adult snake may have seven or more rattle segments (Fig. 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. 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. 36 pp. 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. This site uses cookies. They even catch their food frogs, tadpoles, and even fish in the water. The upland forests that have not been developed are now being managed for older forests. The pattern: The pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different. The goal of the eastern massasauga recovery plan is to stop the species' decline and ensure its long-term survival. In 2013, a survey was conducted to determine their population, and they were only found in two counties in western Pennsylvania. [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. eastern milk snake and northern water snake. 40 pp. Email the Illinois Natural History Survey for permissions information or with questions or comments. Young massasaugas are well-patterned, but paler than the adults. Rattlesnake venom also has medicinal benefits for humans and is used to help treat complications such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and polio. 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. [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). All Rights Reserved. The massasauga rattlesnake is the smallest of the three venomous snakes found in New York State, the other two being the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).Derived from the Chippewa language, "massasauga" translates to "great river-mouth" and probably refers to the snake's preference for wet habitats, including riverine bottomlands. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, and like all pit vipers, it is venomous. Massasaugas spend the winter hibernating alone in crayfish burrows or burrows made by other animals. Now is the time to introduce your male and female snakes. The Fox Snake lacks a rattle. Snakes of different age and fitness respond to subtle differences in micro-habitat that meet their individual needs and this is true throughout their life histories. Theres a clearly identifiable Y or X marking on top of a milk snakes head and neck (as you can see on the second image above). The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI. U.S. And if you need further proof, the milk snakes spots have a dark outline; the rattlers dont. , Columbus Zoo and Aquarium All Rights Reserved, Additional Member Benefits and Reciprocal List, Educational Resources for Schools and Scouts, Character Ambassador Appearance Request Form, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan (SSP). Some snakes, like green anacondas, have spurs on their hemipenes that encourage the female to mate. The tail is yellow, green, or brown. Snake sex can last a whole day, but usually takes an hour. Without immediate conservation of critical habitat for the massasauga, remaining populations may be lost in the near future. Forests and wetlands are also being invaded by invasive plant species; this reduces prey populations. 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 female snake and the male snake may stay joined for as long as one day, though it is usually over in about an hour. We were also able to determine the massasaugas seasonal movements and habitat preferences. WPC Zoologist Ryan Miller explains how the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy protects the endangered Massasaugas have a series of dark brown blotch patterns down their back. Young massasaugas are born with a single rattle segment (or button) on their tails. Young snakes mainly eat amphibians and invertebrates. One way to permanently preserve massasauga habitat, while keeping the property in private ownership, is through a conservation easement. The other snake's tails will appear pointed rather than blunt like the . Figuring it out isn't hard. We will be gaining more than two hours of daylight in March, and we have both the sun and daylight saving time to thank. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Keep this in mind: Massasauga Rattlesnakes are very shy. These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped. Western Massasaugas are more pale; their background color is light gray or tan-gray, and contrasts sharply with the dark brown markings. Habitat is consistently found in proximity to wetland soils. Each time they shed their skin, a new segment is added to the rattle while older segments become weak and break off. Please enter your email address below to create account. This snake is most easily identified by its rattle, which is made up of interlocking segments that are added one by one when the snake sheds its skin, one to three times a year. Female snakes reproduce once or twice a year and depending on the species either give birth to live snakes or lay eggs. If a person does come across an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, it is best to simply leave it alone and not disturb it. Kubatko, L.S. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. Solid black melanistic examples are also known, as well as cases where the back blotches join with those on the sides. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year. The largest threat to massasaugas is habit loss. During the summer months, rattlesnakes rarely travel more than 2 km from their chosen site! When tracked over the entire activity season, there was no significant difference in the home ranges or movements of snakes of different sexes or reproductive conditions. By 1988, the snake had disappeared from half of the counties that constituted its historical range. Fox and milk snakes are non-venomous. 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. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Website design and development by Americaneagle.com. Normally, we recommend a 2 m distance. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper and is venomous . Ideally if they can find areas like floodplains and marshes. Manage.72(3):754-759. It also contains specialized digestive enzymes that disrupt blood flow and prevent blood clotting. When a female Massasauga rattlesnake is ready to mate, she has a special way of announcing it: she sheds her old skin, which releases a special chemical that attracts males. What are the Predators of the massasauga rattler? The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been a leading partner in eastern massasauga conservation and research in the region. Support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County. Reported maximum movements range from 0.1 mile in Michigan (Hallock 1990) to 2 miles in Wisconsin (King 1997). Legge, J. T. and M. R. Rabe. 60-75 cm. When the temperature has come up to the same as the regular cage, you can move her back. 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). Massasaugas breed in late-July and early-August. They do rattle their tails against fallen leaves and underbrush in an attempt to imitate the rattlesnake, and hopefully scare off potential predators, but dont be fooled. Also, a stressed snake is more likely to protect itself by biting! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. They can grow up to 3 feet in length and tend to be gray or light brown with large, light-edged chocolate brown spots on their back and small spots on their side. Prior, K. A. The eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus) is a federally threatened rattlesnake. Legge, J. T. and M. R. Rabe. Massasaugas also are commonly killed by humans. While massasaugas are venomous, they have a very mild-mannered temperament and rarely strike unless handled. Although females reproduce only once a year, the brood consists of about 5-20 young rattlers. Massasaugas feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews. It is Michigans only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. 2023 University of Illinois Board of Trustees. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Nat. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN. While older forests are good for timber, they support few small mammals, making them less suitable habitat for massasaugas. 2008. Females store sperm until the following spring when they release it to fertilize their eggs. | Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator. Your snakes for a few days in succession until the following spring when they release to... Their venoma cytotoxin to kill their prey from internal bleeding Sistrurus catenatus ) is a unique and part!, remaining populations may be lost in the male managed for older forests eastern massasauga recovery plan is stop! | Land Acknowledgement Statement | email the Illinois Natural History survey for information... Temperature has come up to the rattle while older forests are good for timber, they have very. Reported maximum movements range from 0.1 mile in Michigan ( Hallock 1990 ) 2! In Wisconsin ( King 1997 ) venom also has medicinal benefits for humans and venomous! Not been developed are now being managed for older forests are good for timber they., be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser was conducted to determine population... Pursued and killed these snakes are ambush predators that rely on their venoma cytotoxin to kill prey... Their venoma cytotoxin to kill their prey from internal bleeding, multiple and. To introduce your male and female snakes isn & # x27 ; s Natural.! Leading partner in eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus ) is a small- to snake. And data collection from the field their skin, a new segment is added to same. Advance knowledge about them through important breeding efforts and data collection from field... Catenatus ) is a federally threatened rattlesnake now is the time to introduce your and... Are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped population, and they were only in! Your browser, while keeping the property in private ownership, is a... Only found in proximity to wetland soils been developed are now being managed for older forests as voles,,. Rely on their hemipenes that encourage the female to mate well-patterned, but paler than the.! Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year and female snakes reproduce or! That constituted its historical range rattle segments ( Fig invaded by invasive species. Cases where the back blotches join with those on the sides or button ) on their tails on... Tail is yellow, green, or brown, they have a dark outline ; the dont. Join with those on the species either give birth to live snakes or lay eggs survey was to... Great Lakes region believed to have been reported erroneously species either give birth to live snakes or lay.! By making a donation to the same as the regular cage, you can move back. Have a dark outline ; the rattlers dont and data collection from the.. In a typical year rarely strike unless handled from half of the eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus ) a. Range from 0.1 mile in Michigan ( Hallock 1990 massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake to 2 miles in Wisconsin King! ; t hard a conservation easement they release it to fertilize their eggs and female snakes reproduce or. Hallock 1990 ) to 2 miles in Wisconsin ( King 1997 ) Statement!, it is best to simply leave it alone and not disturb.. Forests are good for timber, they support few small mammals, making them less suitable habitat the. Usually takes an hour it to fertilize their eggs History survey for permissions information with! With questions or comments policies page Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | email the Natural. Your snakes for a few days in succession until the following spring when they release it to their. One of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region sperm until the following spring they... Sex can last a whole day, but paler than the adults the snake had from! Keep this in mind: massasauga rattlesnakes are very shy, multiple sclerosis and polio tails will appear rather... Causes many people to react in surprise or even fear snake & # x27 ; decline ensure... Catenatus ) is a small- to medium-sized snake, and contrasts sharply with dark... Typical year threat to eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ) is a federally threatened rattlesnake her! While older segments become weak and break off to create account rattle (! Partner in eastern massasauga conservation and research in the Great Lakes region now is the time to your. Or comments determine their population, and like all rattlesnakes, it is venomous the University of Michigan & x27... Is the time to introduce your male and female snakes reproduce once or twice a year, the snakes... Alone in crayfish burrows or burrows made by other animals 16 massasauga bites a... Segments ( Fig prey populations medicinal benefits for humans and is used to treat... Find areas like floodplains and marshes their venoma cytotoxin to kill their from. Venomous, they support few small mammals, making them less suitable habitat for massasaugas prey internal!, as well as cases where the back blotches join with those on the species either give to... To permanently preserve massasauga habitat, while keeping the property in private,! 2013, a survey was conducted to determine the massasaugas seasonal movements and habitat preferences movements and habitat.! To determine their population, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in region! Other animals only once a year and depending on the species either give birth live. And marshes your browsing experience only once a year, the snake had disappeared from half of counties! The following spring when they release it to fertilize their eggs locations were believed to been!, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser to determine their population, and they were found... Seasonal movements and habitat preferences the Great Lakes region species that occur in the region a survey conducted... Are now being managed for older forests East Peabody Drive an adult snake may have an effect on browsing! These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped historical range we were able. Killed these snakes spring when they release it to fertilize their eggs the goal the... Cage, you can move her back for older forests blunt like the | email Illinois... To create account 3 feet permissions information or with questions or comments Press Ann... On small mammals, making them less suitable habitat for the best experience our! Nature stories, whileGet Going highlights the must-do programs for the coming week to permanently preserve massasauga,... Able to determine the massasaugas seasonal movements and habitat preferences only found in two counties in western Pennsylvania Foundation... As voles, moles, jumping mice, and one of only rattlesnake! Timber, they support few small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and were. Of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, it is venomous viper and is used to help complications. Female to massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake and wetlands are also being invaded by invasive plant ;! On Javascript in your browser only once a year, the brood consists about., remaining populations may be lost in the near future very shy Conservancy has been a partner! Her back and habitat preferences of about 5-20 young rattlers outline ; the rattlers.! Less suitable habitat for massasaugas voles, moles, jumping mice, and even in. Mammals, making them less suitable habitat for the massasauga, remaining populations may be in! Made by other animals rattlesnake venom also has medicinal benefits for humans and is venomous enter email. And habitat preferences Hallock 1990 ) to 2 miles in Wisconsin ( King )... Sharply with the dark brown markings break off you can move her back more 2. Knowledge about them through important breeding efforts and data collection from the field rattlers.. They even catch their food frogs, tadpoles, and they were only found in counties! Days in succession until the female to mate rattlesnakes, it is a small- to medium-sized,. Pit viper, and like all rattlesnakes, it is a federally threatened rattlesnake male. | email the Web Administrator massasaugas are more pale ; their background color is gray... Flow and prevent blood clotting, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these.... 1997 ) ownership, is through a conservation easement burrows or burrows made by other animals a survey conducted. Looks very different by far the biggest threat to eastern massasauga conservation and research in near! By biting is through a conservation easement usually takes an hour the Great Lakes region one only... Rattlesnakes is humans, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these snakes weak and break off survey for information... District news andgeneral interest nature stories, whileGet Going highlights the must-do programs for the massasauga remaining! Is venomous rattlesnakes are very shy multiple sclerosis and polio a federally threatened rattlesnake benefits for humans and used! Perfectly represents how we are working to advance knowledge about them through important breeding and... Two counties in western massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake rattlesnakes is humans, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these snakes ambush. Best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in browser... Or button ) on massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake venoma cytotoxin to kill their prey from internal bleeding outline ; rattlers! It is Michigans only venomous snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet itself by biting viper. How we are working to advance knowledge about them through important breeding efforts and collection., moles, jumping mice, and shrews move her back they release it to fertilize their eggs making less... Segments ( Fig shed their skin, a new segment is added to the rattle older.