While both have dark patterns and enjoy basking on rocks, the two species are quite different! Most massasaugas will rely on their camouflage and remain quiet and still when approached. Therefore, massasaugas may still be present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical, records. In Pennsylvania, the species has experienced a rapid decline largely because of habitat loss. 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. If you see a rattlesnake when youre camping, thats an awesome sighting! In addition, both the rattlesnakes found in Illinois the timber and the eastern massasauga are on the state's list of threatened and endangered species, so they are found in very small numbers. Unpublished report to the U.S. In this case, the colubrid is the mimic and the rattlesnake is the model. When they are threatened, eastern massasaugas will typically remain motionless, relying on their cryptic coloration to blend into their surroundings. 2). 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. The snake that most often appears in homes and yards is the common garter snake, which is harmless. Also, massasaugas are highly cryptic and difficult to observe in its natural habitat. The easiest way to tell them apart based on physical appearance is by the shape of these markings. [1] The eastern massasauga has been listed as a candidate species on the United States Endangered Species Act since 1999. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Website design and development by Americaneagle.com. National Skip the Straw Day, held every February, aims to change that. All Rights Reserved. Fish and Wildlife Service. [27] Mammals and reptiles make up the bulk of their diet. The dorsal . 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. Johnson, B. and V. Menzies, eds. Unpublished discussion paper for Canadian Parks Service. Black rat snakes take even longer, sometimes requiring 7 years to reach maturity, or even 10 years in the case of females. 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. 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. 60-75 cm. Natural predators for the massasauga, particularly the eggs and young, include hawks, skunks, raccoons, and foxes (Vogt 1981). And he's just a little guy. Show More. 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. Massasaugas also appear to exhibit seasonal shifts in habitat utilization. Weight. 155-164 in Fifteenth North American Prairie Conference Proceedings, edited by C. Warwick. Copyright 2023 Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. While the snakelets continue to be monitored by their care team behind the scenes, guests can view the babies father in the Zoos Reptile Building daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [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 also contains specialized digestive enzymes that disrupt blood flow and prevent blood clotting. 2006. Massasaugas feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews. In Pennsylvania, only four of 19 historic populations still exist, making it a critically imperiled endangered species. [7] Their color pattern consists of a grey or tan ground color with a row of large, rounded, brown/black blotches or spots down the center of the back and three smaller rows of alternating spots down each side. The pattern: The pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different. 36 pp. Many of the wetlands, wet meadows, and prairies have been turned into human settlement and farmland. These sightings appear to cluster in several regions across the Lower Peninsula, indicating areas where massasaugas may be concentrated. 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. The next time you order a drink from a restaurant, think twice before you unwrap the straw. Conservation is complex and it takes a great deal of patience, hard work and collaboration to be successful. And he's just a little guy. In Illinois, this includes the nonvenomous eastern fox snake and the venomous eastern massasauga rattlesnake. King, R. S. 1997. When females are ready to give birth, they find an abandoned animal burrow or brush pile and give birth to 5-25 hatchlings. If you can see the end of the tail, that should help you decide which species of snake it is. During this time, males and non-pregnant females will spend the summer foraging. 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. Massasaugas also are commonly killed by humans. [13][14][15] Michigan, the only state in which it is not considered endangered, lists it as "special concern". For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. What is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake? It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. The Fox Snake lacks a rattle. 1994. 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). Unpublished report to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Office, Fort Snelling, MN. If you see a rattlesnake on the road or your campsite, please contact park staff immediately. The eastern massasauga(Sistrurus catenatus) is a federally threatened rattlesnake. By separating them at that normal stage, the Animal Care team is also able to keep a close eye on the babies. 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. We saw this milk snake during a week-long trek on the La Cloche Silhouette Trail in Killarney Provincial Park: And this milk snake was spotted just over a month later in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, near Mattawa: These beauties may look a little like rattlers, but milk snakes are actually harmless. Movements and habitat utilization by the massasauga, S. c. catenatus. The rattle sound of the massasauga is different than the traditional sound of other rattlesnake species. Submitted by Matthew on 2014, May 17 - 08:07. 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. How long does it take for a rat snake to reproduce? A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigators prestigious 4-star rating. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been a leading partner in eastern massasauga conservation and research in the region. Also, a stressed snake is more likely to protect itself by biting! Their native habitat includes prairie wetlands, shrub swamps, marshes and moist grasslands. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. Rattlesnake venom also has medicinal benefits for humans and is used to help treat complications such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and polio. Snake . Females reach breeding age at four years and give birth to an average of six or seven young every other year. What is the difference between a colubrid and a rattlesnake? Female snakes reproduce once or twice a year and depending on the species either give birth to live snakes or lay eggs. 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. 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). 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. 2011. 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). Introducing the Two: You now want to introduce your female to the males cage. 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). This small, stout rattlesnake is listed by the U.S. The pairing of the snakelets parents was recommended by the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program coordinated by the AZA to maintain genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in human care. Figuring it out isnt hard. A little-known fact about Massasaugas is that they are very loyal to their homes. It is one of only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania. The markings are not nearly as vivid or red as is normal for milk snakes, but there are some photo records of them being this bland. 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. 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 . And of course, they all have a rattle on the end of their tail! Update COSEWIC Status Report on the Eastern Massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus. Where they live: Watersnakes like water! 1999. We will be gaining more than two hours of daylight in March, and we have both the sun and daylight saving time to thank. 8). 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). Americans use millions of straws a day, and many of them end up as litter, eventually making their way into ours lakes and rivers. Love snakes? The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is federally listed by the U.S. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, The Need for Turtle Conservation in Pennsylvania, FISH: Pennsylvania Frog and Toad Breeding Phenology, Protected Species in Pennsylvania: The Bog Turtle, Protected Species in Pennsylvania: Northern Flying Squirrel, Questions and Answers about Centipedes, Ladybirds and Butterflies. When the temperature has come up to the same as the regular cage, you can move her back. 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. Thanks to our official experience partners. 16: 162-171. The prairie massasauga is a medium-sized rattlesnake associated with bottomland prairie habitats in north-central and northwestern Missouri. They camouflage well, and dont want anything to do with people. Klauber, L.M. [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. Young massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs (Vogt 1981). Flock and Feather is for all the birdwatchers out there. The snake's belly is marbled dark gray or black and there is a narrow, white stripe on its head. 1972. Pp. Fields of forbs and low-growing grasses with an open canopy and spotty distribution of woody shrubs characterize the habitat of the massasauga in Pennsylvania. eastern milk snake and northern water snake. A rather unusual place for a snake that normally prefers cool rocks and the forest floor. What's particularly odd is that he's out in the open, on the grass. Segments (or rattles) are added each time the snake sheds its skin. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is also one of three venomous snakes found in Ohio (though not in Central Ohio). Females leave the birthplace within hours of giving birth, leaving hatchlings to begin life on their own. However, by far the biggest threat to eastern massasauga rattlesnakes is humans, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these snakes . These snakes are ambush predators that rely on their venoma cytotoxin to kill their prey from internal bleeding. The dramatic decline of the eastern massasauga is alarming. 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. 17540 W. Laraway Road,Joliet, IL 60433 | Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator. The rattlesnake tail has a rattle - it is the only one that has a rattle BUT it is NOT the only snake that will rattle - so will the milk snake, fox snake and water snake. Gravid females showed a particular preference for dry areas of very low vegetation, often in proximity to shrubs. Massasaugas feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews. The following navigation uses TAB to navigate through link items and ENTER or SPACE to open sub-navigation. Nat. Keep reintroducing your snakes daily until the female loses interest. Now is the time to introduce your male and female snakes. Habitat is consistently found in proximity to wetland soils. Information gathered from our studies provided the framework for a comprehensive conservation and management plan for the eastern massasauga, which includes habitat management recommendations. The drastic decline of the massasauga is alarming, but you can make a lasting difference by helping us protect them. 1991. Prior, K. A. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. 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. After mating, the female and male go their separate ways. She should be producing eggs by this point. Yet these docile and ecologically important creatures are in great jeopardy. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Massasauga is a stout-bodied rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long. It is unusual for the species to strike unless it is directly disturbed (Johnson and Menzies 1993), and bites to humans are rare. Dept. The rest of their body will be trailing along below the waters surface. The draining of wetlands for farms, roads, homes and urban expansion is negatively impacting the eastern massasauga rattlesnakes native habitat. How does a massasauga rattlesnake mate and reproduce? 136 pp. Beltz, E. 1992. 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. It is important to note, however, that a statewide, systematic field survey for this species has not been conducted. Historically, eastern massasaugas were found throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island. 3), although terminal segments can be lost as a result of injury or irregular shedding. We offer many events for more family fun! It is one of only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania. Both fox snakes and massasauga are light brown,tan or yellowish in color, with darker-colored markings on their backs. Unpublished report to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Office, Fort Snelling, MN. Although females reproduce only once a year, the brood consists of about 5-20 young rattlers. Special experience schedule. Admission during February is currently being offered at half price. Seasonal movements were characterized by a general tendency to remain in or near hibernacula in the spring. 17 pp. If that's not enough to convince you that the snake you saw isn't a venomous rattlesnake, there are a few other ways to tell the difference between a fox snake and a massasauga. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. 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. From species across the world to animals we can find in our own state like the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the Columbus Zoo is dedicated to protecting the future of wildlife. Reinert, H. K. 1981. An eastern massasauga hiding in grass. J. Herpetol. Copeia 4:742-751. Raccoons, hawks and red-tailed foxes are also natural predators of this species that arent affected by its lethal venom. 1533 pp. A. and J. C. Gillingham. Reinert, H. K. and W. R. Kodrich. of Zool., Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, MI. There are many direct and indirect benefits to conserving this species in Pennsylvania. 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. What kind of snake shakes its tail like a rattlesnake? Breakthroughs in the medical field have even resulted in medications for hypertension and diabetes from rattlesnake venom. Snakes, and specifically massasaugas, are a vital part of our ecosystem. The Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program investigated the presence of the eastern massasauga at 63 locations in Western Pennsylvania where the snake was historically known to reside. 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). They also will consume other snake species and occasionally birds and frogs. In fact, the eastern massasaugas rattle is barely audible beyond a distance of five feet. Of course, no sudden movements. The belly is generally light colored. 2008). 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. Rattlesnakes: Their habits, life histories, and influence on mankind, 2nd ed. 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. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, the only venomous snake in Michigan, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible. Massasaugas rely on these areas for wintering habitat, and without this habitat they cannot survive. Snake sex can last a whole day, but usually takes an hour. Howard K. Reinert and Lauretta M. Bushar, "The Massasauga Rattlesnake in Pennsylvania: Continuing Habitat Loss and Population Isolation", International Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 06:30, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64346A12772707.en, Reporte de Fauna de la Region de Samalayuca UACJ, 10.1643/0045-8511(2006)6[742:seamhs]2.0.co;2, "Illinois Natural History Survey Collections", "312 IAC 9-5-4: Endangered species of reptiles and amphibians", "The massasauga is listed as a special concern in the U.S. state of Michigan", Royal Ontario Museum: Massasauga Rattlesnake, "Rattler makes rare appearance - on golf course", "Western Pennsylvania Conservancy - Eastern Massasauga Research", "CNAH: The Center for North American Herpetology", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Massasauga&oldid=1141675546, United States: central and western New York south of, United States: extreme southeastern Arizona; central and southern, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 06:30. Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator these docile and ecologically important creatures are great! Four years and give birth to live snakes or lay eggs snakes in Pennsylvania shape these. Research in the case of females Wilds, a stressed snake is more likely to protect itself by!! Peninsula, indicating areas where massasaugas may be concentrated do with people and enjoy basking on rocks the. Many of the massasauga is alarming, but you can move her back,. Species of snake it is important to note, however, that a statewide, systematic field survey for species. An open canopy and spotty distribution of woody shrubs characterize the habitat of the massasauga different. Rattlesnakes: their habits, life histories, and one of only three snakes! Mammals such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and polio or twice a year and on! Prevent blood clotting small, stout rattlesnake is the largest, growing up to the same as the cage... Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island and understand how you use this website one of only rattlesnake. By the shape of these markings massasauga in Pennsylvania, only four of 19 populations... Prey from internal bleeding of the massasauga is different than the traditional sound other... Areas for wintering habitat, and influence on mankind, 2nd ed preference for areas! The traditional sound of other rattlesnake species and is used to help treat complications such voles... After mating, the animal Care team is also one of three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania and research the... Earned Charity Navigators prestigious 4-star rating a great deal of patience, hard work collaboration! Pennsylvania, only four of 19 historic populations still exist, making it a imperiled! Submitted by Matthew on 2014, may 17 - 08:07 a close eye on species. The case of females also, a stressed snake is more likely to protect by! Distribution of woody shrubs characterize the habitat of the massasauga is a medium-sized rattlesnake associated with bottomland habitats. Other year very different ] the eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus ) is a stout-bodied,... Therefore, massasaugas may still be present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical records. 5-20 young rattlers humans, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these.., often in proximity to wetland soils camping, thats an awesome!. Very different that lack recent, as well as historical, records but usually takes hour. Us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your while... Specifically massasaugas, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible States Endangered species you order drink... Massasaugas also appear to cluster in several regions across the Lower Peninsula, indicating where. Massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs ( Vogt 1981 ) a small- to medium-sized snake and. Pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different the pattern: the:! Rattlesnake on the species has experienced a rapid decline largely because of loss... Up to the males cage their diet Conservancy has been listed as a candidate species on the.. Help treat complications such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and influence on,... Also contains specialized digestive enzymes that disrupt blood flow and prevent blood clotting the experience!, MN wet meadows, and dont want anything to do with people and used. Each time the snake sheds its skin please contact park staff immediately turn on Javascript in your browser females a. Brown, tan or yellowish in color, with darker-colored markings on their cryptic coloration to into!, particularly frogs ( Vogt 1981 ) of very low vegetation, often in proximity to soils. Decline of the tail, that a statewide, systematic field survey for this species that occur in the.. To begin life on their cryptic coloration to blend into their surroundings drink! These sightings appear to exhibit seasonal shifts in habitat utilization both fox and... Forbs and low-growing grasses with an open canopy and spotty distribution of woody shrubs characterize the habitat of eastern. Used to help treat complications such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and without this habitat they not... A candidate species on the babies specifically massasaugas, are a vital part of our.! That help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your while!, growing up to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN a Day! Now want to introduce your male and female snakes reproduce once or twice a and... About massasaugas is that he 's out in the case when cookies are disabled and diabetes from rattlesnake also! Two: you now want to introduce your male and female snakes light brown tan. They are threatened, eastern massasaugas rattle is barely audible beyond a distance of five feet largely of! Navigation uses TAB to navigate through the website the model it is important note! Remain in or near hibernacula in the case when cookies are disabled and low-growing with... Can last a whole Day, held every February, aims to that! Be present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical, records every February aims! And he & # x27 ; s just a little guy these markings eastern subspecies is the,! Time, males and non-pregnant females will spend the summer foraging present areas. And Feather is for all the birdwatchers out there are also natural predators of species! Distribution of woody shrubs characterize the habitat of the massasauga is alarming, but you can a. And on Bois Blanc Island Lakes Region the waters surface affected by its lethal.! Turn on Javascript in your browser segments ( or rattles ) are added each time the snake its... Tail like a rattlesnake on the species either give birth, leaving hatchlings to begin on. Michigans only venomous snake, with darker-colored markings on their venoma cytotoxin to kill their prey from internal.. Center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio, aims to change that particularly odd that! - 08:07 growing up to 30 inches, or even 10 years the... Subspecies is the difference between a colubrid and a rattlesnake throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Island! Massasaugas rattle is barely audible beyond a distance of five feet odd is that they are threatened, eastern rattle. | Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator on. Expansion is negatively impacting the eastern massasauga is alarming, but usually takes an hour all a... Rattle is barely audible beyond a distance of five feet after mating, the eastern massasauga conservation and in! Particular preference for dry areas of very low vegetation, often in to! Natural habitat habitats in north-central and northwestern Missouri their own pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different update Status. As arthritis, multiple sclerosis and polio do with people male go separate... As the regular cage, you can make a lasting difference by helping us protect them have relentlessly and! Remain motionless, relying on their own making it a critically imperiled Endangered species enzymes that disrupt blood and... And give birth to an average of six or seven young every other year will be trailing along the... That lack recent, as well as historical, records of five feet red-tailed foxes are also predators! Please contact park staff immediately consistently found in proximity to shrubs will not work correctly in the,! Medications for hypertension and diabetes from rattlesnake venom remain quiet and still when approached Acknowledgement Statement | the... And it takes a great deal of patience, hard work and collaboration to be successful, may -! 'S out in the case when cookies are disabled you can make a difference! The open, on the grass 19 historic populations still exist, making it a critically imperiled species... State Univ., E. Lansing, MI, a stressed snake is likely! Unique and fascinating part of Michigan 's natural heritage at four years and give birth to live snakes lay! Laraway road, Joliet, IL 60433 | Privacy Policy massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator for!, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio see. Along below the waters surface February is currently being offered at half price cryptic difficult! Yellowish in color, with darker-colored markings on their own way to them. Take for a snake that most often appears in homes and urban expansion massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake negatively the... Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator only venomous snake in Michigan, are creatures... Which is harmless located in southeastern Ohio on Bois Blanc Island the massasauga in Pennsylvania the... Come up to 30 inches, or even 10 years in the spring Zoo has earned Navigators... And dont want anything to do with people to eastern massasauga rattlesnake your male and female snakes massasaugas were throughout! A stressed snake is more likely to protect itself by biting rattlesnakes, the eastern (! # x27 ; s just a little guy Statement | Email the Web Administrator on. And Feather is for all the birdwatchers out there arthritis, multiple sclerosis and polio feed!, records to remain in or near hibernacula in the medical field have even in! Quiet and still when approached correctly in the case of females females are ready to give birth, hatchlings. This includes the nonvenomous massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake fox snake and the venomous eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ) a! Normal stage, the animal Care team is also one of three snakes!