The Eastern Massasauga Rattelesnake is the only venomous snake of the 18 species of snake that reside in the state. Reply. Natural areas may contain unstable surfaces, rattlesnakes, poisonous plants, and stinging insects. The massasauga is native to the lower peninsula of Michigan and several other Great Lakes states. 732 likes. The eastern massasauga has been declining over the past three decades due to loss and fragmentation of its wetland habitat. The massasauga (eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Cistrurus catenatus) is Michigan’s only venomous snake. Newer posts → More on Lake Erie’s algae blooms, the Toledo water crisis and looming urban sprawl: this week in environmental news. Michigan is one of the few places where Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes seem to be doing reasonably well, though populations are declining here as well. They can also be spotted in the South-western regions of Ontario, Michigan, Arizona and Northern Tamulipas etc. This was an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. If you do see one, please report the sighting to the front desk at Matthaei or fill out an observation report on the DNR’s website. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan® is a collaborative science-based management program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Act protects the EMR and their habitat by prohibiting “take” and may require agencies to coordinate with the U.S. Michigan has the largest population of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes in the country, despite the population declining. The Eastern massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan's only venomous snake, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake SSP. They prefer to avoid contact with humans. The eastern massasauga, a reclusive rattlesnake, was once considered common throughout its range but its populations have severely declined. The status in Michigan is 'special concern'. It also helps keep rodent and insect populations in check. The massasauga’s habitats include fens, wet meadows, and floodplain forests during the spring, fall, and winter. Some functions of this site are disabled for browsers blocking jQuery. Throughout its range, biologists have confirmed that less than half of the eastern massasauga’s historical populations still exist. The massasauga is a shy, timid snake that will usually flee if disturbed. World Snake Day is on Tuesday and we want to tell you about the only venomous snake that is found in Michigan. Range: The eastern massasauga’s range extends from southern Ontario and western New York west through Michigan and southern Wisconsin to southeastern Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Best Survey Period. The eastern massasauga is a small venomous rattlesnake found in the northeastern United States. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan® is a collaborative science-based management program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. While Michigan and other Great Lakes states are considered a stronghold for the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, the snake is still a rare sight for visitors to the Botanical Gardens. Eastern Massasauga Species Guidance 2 PUB-ER-713 (last updated May 7, 2019) catenatus tergeminus, and the desert massasauga; Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii) that make up the rest of the massasauga’s range. That's more than three feet. Sistrurus catenatus catenatus Juvenile from southeast Michigan. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Most common bites tend to be at the boot top level when someone steps on or over the snake, because it can't strike very high above ground. Michigan, a state in the Great Lakes and home to some very dangerous animals. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Michigan's lone venomous viper, is the scariest snake you've probably never seen — except in pictures, perhaps. Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Published on May 20, 2015 The Michigan DNR’s 60-Second Snakes video series talks about identification tips and information about Michigan’s snake species. EMR is state listed as “species of special concern” (Michigan DNR 2015). They prefer to avoid contact with humans. The massasauga is the state's only venomous snake and rattlesnake,… Status of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. When hiking and exploring the grounds at Matthaei, use caution. Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road Porter, IN 46304 January 10, 2005 Great Lakes Network Report GLKN/2005/02 . 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