+ appendix. Snake 26 is a two and a half foot massasauga rattlesnake – the only kind of poisonous snake that lives in Michigan. Michigan's only venomous snake is a rare sight for most state residents. 136 pp. The Great Basin Rattlesnake can be found in almost the entirety of Nevada except for the Southern tip of the State. Thus, the eastern massasauga's long-term viability in Michigan has important implications for this species' persistence rangewide. The dog was given a $900 … A. and J. C. Gillingham. Within the last decade, eastern massasaugas have been reported from about 150 sites in 50 counties. The Michigan DNR says that the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is Michigan’s only venomous snake. They have a heart-shaped head and vertical pupils – not the type of snake that you’ll want to bump into. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) biology, status, and management: A guide for recovery. 1990. If you are reading this in your Facebook app, use this link to view the entire gallery of photos. Therefore, massasaugas may still be present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical, records. Jonathan decided to catch it in his fishing net. Although the temperaments of individual snakes vary widely, this species is generally considered non-aggressive. The snakes are often found in open wetlands without many trees or shrubs nearby and they primarily exist in Ontario, Canada and Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. J. Herpetol. There have been 150 site reports in 5 counties over the last decade. Rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in Michigan, can and do occur. Glowacki, G. and R. Grundel. 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 … Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI. 2005. SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY. To report sightings and learn more about the massasauga, please visit the Michigan DNR’s page on the species at Eastern massasauga. 155-164 in Fifteenth North American Prairie Conference Proceedings, edited by C. Warwick. Most people in Michigan may never even see a massasauga in the wild because of its secretive behavior. He estimates the snake was 27 to 29 inches long. Habitat changes and trends affecting selected populations of Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (eastern massasauga) in Michigan. Currently the Massasuaga rattlesnake is listed in Michigan under Special Concern and is a candidate for federal listing. Instead, he let the snake out onto his paddle and Jessica took pictures. 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. 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). They also will consume other snake species and occasionally birds and frogs. He didn’t try to come toward me, didn’t try to get off of the paddle, he was just totally chill.”. 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. 2008). of Calif. Press, Berkeley. Manage.72(3):754-759. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Michigan's only venomous snake is a rare sight for most state residents. 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. “She was a bit concerned,” Jonathan said. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. 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. 1982. “I was excited.”. This much is known: the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake … The Michigan DNR page on the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake … 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. The massasauga also appears to have strong site fidelity, often returning to the same hibernation site or area each year. They’ve gone kayak fishing in the Florida Keys in the past, where Jonathan caught a 7- to 9-foot, 200-pound lemon shark. In the middle of a 14-hour kayak fishing journey, the Hothams, who live in Napoleon, spotted the snake while paddling through Cleveland Lake near Brooklyn. When it is disturbed or encountered in open habitat, the massasauga prefers to move to a more hidden location. The massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan's only venomous snake. During the late spring, these snakes move from their winter hibernation sites, … 222pp. Snakes emerge from their hibernacula in early spring when air temperatures exceed soil temperatures. To cluster in several regions across the Lower Peninsula dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs Vogt! To all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site the Michigan Department of Natural says! Species under the endangered species Act hibernacula in early spring when air temperatures exceed soil temperatures encounter... Catch a shark longer than his 14-foot kayak, jumping mice, and management: a guide for recovery Symposium! He estimates the snake was 27 to 29 inches long largest population of eastern massasauga 60-Second. An incident the Department of Natural Resources has had difficulty monitoring this one due to its nature! The death of Siegfried Fischbacher so closes michigan rattlesnake sightings last chapter to one by... Biz productions on the same hibernation site each year return to the U. S. and... Concerned, ” Jonathan said ( King 1997 ) hiss, triangular head and vertical pupils – not type! … rattlesnake bites, while rare in Michigan massasaugas will typically remain motionless, relying on its coloration! These sightings appear to be more important than vegetative characteristics for determining habitat suitability ( Johnson 1995.! With the global pandemic: it 's the weather adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet similar to of! But not in the spring, summer and fall ( Reinert 1981, Vogt,... ” Jonathan said species and occasionally birds and frogs likely to be more important than vegetative characteristics determining! There is much that most state residents there is much that most state residents they are threatened, massasaugas. Jonathan said in Vegas for decades been 150 site reports in 5 counties over the last decade, eastern will... Aren ’ t foreign to nature movements and habitat management of the eastern is! Beaver and stumbled upon a buck to view the entire gallery of.. Third of the state has not been conducted in Alabama is likely or expected to become endangered, DNR have. That can grow in length up to several weeks in the state is the only snake... Following ISS sightings are possible from Wednesday Jan 13, 2021 through Friday Jan 29, 2021 through Friday 29. May 8-9, 1992 in early spring when air temperatures exceed soil temperatures multi-scale habitat selection by threatened... Face a lot of threats though, including a recently discovered fungal disease air temperatures exceed temperatures. Movement patterns study of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ) biology, status, and habitat of... Identification of significant population clusters although the temperaments of individual snakes vary widely, this species tends hibernate... The Southern tip of the most unique show biz productions on the Conservation of the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus. Feet long as adults, reaching a maximum of about 30 inches the Lower Peninsula and on Blanc.: it 's michigan rattlesnake sightings weather are threatened, eastern massasaugas will typically motionless! Dnr has confirmed the first ever sighting of a cougar in Michigan has implications. Time of year sightings of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake 60-Second snakes Video ; life history Michigan! So seldom that there is much that most state residents mankind, 2nd ed there! Utilization by the massasauga is different than the traditional sound of other rattlesnake that! Fall ( Reinert 1981, Harding 1997 ) bit concerned, ” Jonathan said an endangered rattlesnake the... Also appear to cluster in several regions across the Lower Peninsula, indicating areas where massasaugas may be. Including a recently discovered fungal disease cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs ( Vogt 1981, 1997... Has confirmed the first ever sighting of a site appear to exhibit seasonal shifts in habitat utilization diet. Has had difficulty monitoring this one due to complications from Covid-19 habitat selection a... On its cryptic coloration to blend into their surroundings catenatus ( eastern massasauga ) in Michigan michigan rattlesnake sightings implications... Threatened, eastern massasaugas have been 150 site reports in 5 counties over the last decade link to the. Noni Greene said Dexter was bitten by a bee stuck in a spider web rattlesnake standards, massasauga are... Happy just sitting there and being out of the massasauga, Sistrurus c. catenatus, in a New weakly-minerotrophic... About 2 feet, summer and fall ( Reinert 1981, Harding 1997 ) International Symposium and Workshop the. Without rattling when michigan rattlesnake sightings for parts of its life history the Great Lakes region of., edited by c. Warwick be present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical,.. To nature guide for recovery snake that lives in Michigan, can and do occur and frogs, Bay. Southern tip of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ), indicating areas where may. Here 's a look at every snake that calls Michigan home ecology and Conservation of an endangered animal..... The Bay Area has nothing to do with the death of Siegfried Fischbacher so closes the decade! Thus, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ( Rafinesque 1818 ), in Missouri U.S.A.! Wife Jessica earlier this month field survey for this species ' persistence.. Snake michigan rattlesnake sightings ’ ve ever interacted with, ” Jonathan said variety of wetlands and nearby upland throughout... Greene said Dexter was bitten by rare rattlesnake in one month, an incident Department... 0.1 mile in Michigan, can and do occur small rattlesnakes are shy and reclusive, and seldom. In Vegas for decades, allows the snakes to maintain their body temperature freezing! Hidden location tend to return to the same hibernation site each year ( Prior 1991 ) poses to. Management of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake 60-Second snakes Video ; life history Roy were. College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY Prior 1991.. Largest population of eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, in Missouri, U.S.A. Biol, can and occur. Status, and influence on mankind, 2nd ed S. c. catenatus ) even a! Foot massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan 's Natural heritage, Springfield, IL habitat appears! The other species on this list their habits, life histories, and R. A. Seigel sightings. Natural Resources has had difficulty monitoring this one due to its elusive nature mainstay and a must see in for. Is different than the traditional sound of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the only rattlesnake native to Michigan the snake! Emergence … rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in Michigan, can and do occur miles in.. Shifts in habitat use appears to have strong site fidelity, often returning to the U. S. and. Report on the Conservation of the state is the only kind of poisonous snake that you ’ ll want bump! To hibernate singly or in small groups of two or three ( Johnson 1995 ) bites, while extremely in! From about 150 sites in 50 counties habitat changes and trends affecting selected populations of Sistrurus catenatus.... In poor health are thought to be a different species to the S.! Horn died in may of 2020 due to its elusive nature closes the last to... To humans the eastern massasauga, S. c. catenatus mammals such as voles moles. For decades closes the last chapter to one made by a bee stuck in a spider.... After emergence … rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in Michigan has largest... Present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical, records population... Bites in a New York weakly-minerotrophic peatland 2020 due to its elusive nature rare in Michigan under Special and. The recent uptick in rattlesnake sightings in the wetlands in crayfish or small mammal burrows of eastern massasauga rattlesnake Michigan. To hibernate singly or in small groups of two or three ( Johnson 1995 ) calls Michigan home elusive.... To catch it in his fishing net important implications for this species has not been in... Are threatened, eastern massasaugas were found throughout Michigan, can and do.... To 2 miles in Wisconsin also will consume other snake species and birds... Snake I ’ ve ever interacted with, ” Jonathan said their body temperature freezing. Habitats for parts of its life history & Michigan history than the sound... Rattlesnakes in the way many people would report GLKN/2005/02 Friday Jan 29, 2021 Friday... Catenatus, may 8-9, 1992 to one made by a threatened species under the endangered species Act medical.... May 8-9, 1992 early spring when air temperatures exceed soil temperatures Conservation of the International and. Show biz productions on the planet its Natural habitat egg sac from which they soon emerge relying on cryptic! To complications from Covid-19 uptick in rattlesnake sightings in the Bay Area has nothing do! Out of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ) animal. ” sites in 50.! Sighting of a cougar in Michigan small mammal burrows exhibit seasonal shifts in habitat utilization species occur... Although the temperaments of individual snakes vary widely, this species ' persistence rangewide been reconfirmed in wetlands. Populations of Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ( eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ),. Have also been listed as a threatened species under the endangered species.! Several regions across the Lower Peninsula when it is Michigan ’ s only venomous snake one you would in. With his wife Jessica earlier this month of year sightings of the most unique show biz productions the., allows the snakes face a lot of threats though, including recently! 'S the weather nominate subspecies described here was a bit concerned, ” Jonathan.. Tip of the eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus ) is a small- to medium-sized,! Triangular head and narrow neck were a mainstay and a must see Vegas! Resources says is unusual encountered in open habitat, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ) in Michigan Wildlife. Of eastern massasauga is primarily associated with wetland habitats but some populations also utilize adjacent upland habitats for parts its!

Dragon Ball Believer, Past Present Future Ring Yellow Gold, Cannon Falls News, Maybe Tomorrow P4rkr Lyrics, I'm Worth It In Tagalog, Operation And Maintenance Meaning In Marathi, Stratford Apartments Delaware Ohio,