Guardian Nature School Team Contact Blog Project Noah Facebook Project Noah Twitter

A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife

Join Project Noah!
nature school apple icon

Project Noah Nature School visit nature school

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

Sistrurus catenatus catenatus

Description:

A young Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake crossing a foot trail - photographed with a cell phone.

Habitat:

On a woodland trail next to an open grassy field.

Notes:

According the Michigan State DNR website, http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153..., "Michigan's only venomous snake is a rare sight for most state residents. Historically, they could be found in a variety of wetlands and nearby upland woods throughout the lower peninsula. During the late spring, these snakes move from their winter hibernation sites, such as crayfish chimneys and other small mammal burrows in swamps and marshlands, to hunt on the drier upland sites - likely in search of mice and voles, their favorite food. These rattlesnakes avoid confrontation with humans; they are not prone to strike - preferring to leave the area when they are threatened. Like any animal though, these snakes will protect themselves from anything they see as a potential predator. Their short fangs can easily puncture skin and they do possess a potent venom. It is best to treat them with respect and leave them alone. The few bites that occur to humans often result from attempts to handle or kill the snakes. Any bite from a massasauga should receive prompt professional medical attention. When compared to other rattlesnakes found in the United States, the massasauga is the smallest and has the least toxic venom."

Species ID Suggestions



Sign in to suggest organism ID

1 Comment

Dragunov2
Dragunov2 6 years ago

Pygmy rattlers are a SMALLER, more irritable Sistrurus cousin of the Massasauga

Joseph R. Godreau
Spotted by
Joseph R. Godreau

Michigan, USA

Spotted on Nov 9, 2016
Submitted on Jan 11, 2017

Related Spottings

Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake Carolina Pygmy rattlesnake Pigmy Rattlesnake Dusky Pigmy Ratlesnake

Nearby Spottings

Tamarack Redbud Silky Dogwood American Hazlenut
Noah Guardians
Noah Sponsors
join Project Noah Team

Join the Project Noah Team