You might mistake the adult snakes rattle for the buzz of an insect. Metro Toronto Zoo, Ontario, Canada. However, Michigan's massasauga population also has declined. Pregnant females will choose sparsely vegetated dry areas to bask until they give birth to their young in August or early September. Pennsylvania is a moderately sized state, with Philadelphia on the east coast and Pittsburgh on the west coast. When the temperature has come up to the same as the regular cage, you can move her back. The timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, has dorsal blotches that are usually uniform in width across the back (not wider at the edges, or bow tie shaped as in the massasauga) and very narrow, sometimes approaching a chevron. All Massasaugas are stout-bodied snakes with triangular-shaped heads. Habitat loss, once caused most prominently by the destruction of wetlands, is now primarily caused by forest succession and is the main factor for modern-day population declines. Unpublished report to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Office, Fort Snelling, MN. [2], According to Campbell and Lamar (2004), a population also exists in southeastern Colorado that is morphologically somewhat intermediate between S. c. tergeminus and S. c. Agricultural Many agricultural activities, if conducted in a sustainable manner, will not negatively affect the massasauga and its critical habitat. Through this study, more than 800 eastern massasauga rattlesnakes have been caught, examined and individually identified before being released back into their habitat. Adult massasaugas are gray or light brown with large, light-edged chocolate brown blotches on the back and smaller blotches on the sides. Watersnakes have a head that transitions smoothly into their body, with little to no neck. Visitors are concerned because they know rattlesnakes are venomous, and often assume that any snake they see must be one. The timber rattlesnake also has a uniformly black tail, whereas the massasauga has 4 to 7 black rings on the tail. Legge, J. T. and M. R. Rabe. These beauties may look a little like rattlers, but milk snakes are actually harmless. Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Division of Habitat Management, WPC > Wildlife > Species at Risk in Pennsylvania > Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, 800 Waterfront Drive Its not advised to get close enough to see whether there are venom pits in the cheeks! 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. It also contains specialized digestive enzymes that disrupt blood flow and prevent blood clotting. 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. Of course, no sudden movements. Since the massasauga requires open space, the habitat that remains is threatened by becoming overgrown by trees and shrubs. Breeding takes place in August and September. 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). 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. Prepared for the Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), November 2001. v+18pp. Segments (or rattles) are added each time the snake sheds its skin. Female eastern massasauga rattlesnakes give birth to litters between 5 to 20, typically in the fall. How long does it take for a rat snake to reproduce? 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. Moore and Gillingham (2006) followed the general movement patterns of massasaugas at a fen in Michigan and found emergence from hibernacula occurred in early to mid-April, then the snakes moved out of buckthorn dominated scrub\shrub or lowland hardwood floodplain to open and slightly higher elevation (approximately 5015m) emergent or scrub/shrub wetland during summer. How does a massasauga rattlesnake mate and reproduce? Massasaugas also appear to exhibit seasonal shifts in habitat utilization. [29], Canada: southern Ontario along the shores of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie, Considered to be its own separate species as of 2011[31], Mexico: isolated populations in the country's northeast region bordering Texas. 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. WPC Zoologist Ryan Miller explains how the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy protects the endangered [8][9], The Native American word, "massasauga", means "great river-mouth" in the Ojibwe language and was probably given to describe grasslands surrounding the river deltas in Ojibwe country. Adding to the problem is that many snake species look alike, and some venomous snakes look similar to nonvenomous ones. They are brown snakes with black or brown blotches, which can grow up to three feet long. Measuring about 45 - 80 cm in length (1.5 - 2.6 ft), the species occupies an approximate weight of 300 - 400 grams . The Fox Snake lacks a rattle. In Pennsylvania, only four of 19 historic populations still exist, making it a critically imperiled endangered species. If your female snake lies down near the male snake and seems relaxed, she may be ready for mating. Natural Resources Building McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Tour T. (1999). Once they are active, snakes can reproduce until they expire. Their native habitat includes prairie wetlands, shrub swamps, marshes and moist grasslands. Hognose snakes produce mild venom to subdue prey but pose no threat to humans. It is one of only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania. They generally occupy wetland habitats in the spring, fall, and winter, but in the summer, snakes migrate to drier, upland sites, ranging from forest openings to old fields, agricultural lands and prairies. This snake is active in the day, except in the hottest summer months when it becomes nocturnal. Massasaugas have rattles, but they are seldom heard because their rattles are small and quiet and only used on . [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. Beltz, E. 1992. In all, 51 free-ranging individuals 17 gravid (pregnant) females, 7 non-gravid females, 12 males and 15 juveniles were equipped with temperature sensitive radio transmitters and monitored every 48 hours. If bitten, a person should immediately seek medical attention. Most people's first thought when they think of rattlesnakes is dry, dusty country or high desert. It is Michigan's only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. 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. Reinert, H. K. 1981. Female snakes reproduce once or twice a year and depending on the species either give birth to live snakes or lay eggs. 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 . They are medium sized, hetero-thermic snakes, with a body that is covered in black blotches. Individuals tend to return to the same hibernation site each year (Prior 1991). 2016. Gravid females had smaller home ranges and movement parameters than males, non-gravid females and postpartum females. The massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a rattlesnake species found in midwestern North America from southern Ontario to northern Mexico and parts of the United States in between. 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. Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. 1533 pp. Since 2009, the Columbus Zoo has been directly involved in helping to protect this species by collaborating with other AZA-accredited facilities, universities and wildlife agencies in a field study analyzing eastern massasauga rattlesnakes at a site in Michigan to better understand the dynamics and health of this massasauga population. Historically, eastern massasaugas were found throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island. 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. [7][19] It is found only near the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, the Bruce Peninsula, the North Shore of Lake Huron,[20] Wainfleet Bog, and Ojibway Prairie. In Illinois, this includes the nonvenomous eastern fox snake and the venomous eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Oregon: The Natural Areas Association. Keep reintroducing your snakes daily until the female loses interest. Adults feed mainly on rodents (such as voles, white-footed mice, jumping mice, and shrews),[28] while juveniles usually prey on reptiles, more often lizards in western populations and snakes in eastern ones. Reclaimed massasauga habitat must be maintained periodically to keep forest encroachment in check. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake averages 20 to 30 inches in length. Solid black melanistic examples are also known, as well as cases where the back blotches join with those on the sides. Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Natural history of amphibians and reptiles of Wisconsin. Spring emergence typically starts in late March and early April as groundwater levels rise and ground temperature approaches air temperature (Harding 1997, Szymanski 1998). It is one of only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania. Rouse, J.D. Michigan appears to be the last stronghold for this species with more massasauga populations currently than any other state or province within the species' range. Weight. Join our email list to get news & information. They dont want to waste it on a human. Amer. The massasauga is one of two rattlesnakes that are native to Ohio. All other snakes have tails that taper to a point. 1993. Figuring it out isnt hard. Toll-free:1-866-564-6972. The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. A fox snake's tail ends in a sharp point, but it does not have the rattling segments you see onthe tail of a massasauga or another rattlesnake, according to the history survey. Massasaugas are grey or tan in 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 eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus) is a federally threatened rattlesnake. Now is the time to introduce your male and female snakes. + appendix. They rely on crayfish burrows and other fissures to access ground water that remains unfrozen throughout the winter for hibernation. When does a massasauga rattlesnake give birth? There are many direct and indirect benefits to conserving this species in Pennsylvania. 7), while the head of a Massasauga is similar to that of the body (Fig. The rattle sound of the massasauga is different than the traditional sound of other rattlesnake species. [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. If you see a rattlesnake on the road or your campsite, please contact park staff immediately. [11] It occurs in various habitats ranging from swamps and marshes to grasslands, usually below 1500m elevation. For more information, download the brochure A Landowners Guide to the Eastern Massasauga in Pennsylvania: Management & Protection.. It is Michigan's only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. Pennsylvania is the eastern edge of their range. 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. When females are ready to give birth, they find an abandoned animal burrow or brush pile and give birth to 5-25 hatchlings. Information gathered from our studies provided the framework for a comprehensive conservation and management plan for the eastern massasauga, which includes habitat management recommendations. Colubrid snakes dont have rattles at the base of their tails. The head is a thick diamond shape with dark stripes extending back from the eyes. : Fox snake vs. eastern massasauga rattlesnake, to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation. 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. 8). Sign your little one up for classes today! Already, the snakelets are living apart from mom in a behind-the-scenes habitat after she guarded them for a couple of days. The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI. Introducing the Two: You now want to introduce your female to the males cage. Most massasauga snakebites in Ontario have occurred after people deliberately handled or accidentally stepped on one of these animals. It is not uncommon to find deer, turkey, grouse, woodcock and rabbits in the grass and underbrush of massasauga habitat. 105: 393-395. [4] The status of the third subspecies was somewhat unresolved and it is tentatively recognized as the desert massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus edwardsii) by some,[5] or synonymized with the western massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus) by others.[6]. First off, look at the snake's tail end. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year. Here at Killbear, we get a lot of questions about snakes, and especially the difference between watersnakes and rattlesnakes as they are often confused for each other. Therefore, massasaugas may still be present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical, records. 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. 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As historical, records person should immediately seek medical attention four of 19 historic still...