This smaller, heavy bodied species typically reaches only 15 to 32 inches, and is grayish to grayish brown in ground color with a series of larger, darker brown or black “bow-tie” shaped dorsal and lateral blotches. Rattlesnake bites are a medical emergency. The Massasauga is a pygmy rattlesnake; most adults are only 60 to 75 centimetres long. A three-phase survey process, including visual searching, drift fencing, and the use of artificial cover objects, was employed. The venom of the Massasauga rattlesnake is hemolytic, which means it causes the breakdown of red blood cells in its victim. Submitted by Matthew on 2014, May 17 - 08:07. Lying well camouflaged among the leaves and grass in the yard, the snake — later identified as an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake — bit Logan’s left thumb when he touched its head. And he's just a little guy. However their population is endangered in parts of Canada. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper. Baby Rattles. The belly is mostly black, with some irregular white or yellowish marks. Metro Toronto Zoo, West Hill Ontario. There are three different subspecies, or types, of Massasauga rattlesnakes: the eastern, western, and desert Massasaugas. This probably refers to the wet habitats preferred by the eastern and western subspecies. They spend some time sunbathing and shedding last year's outer skin, then begin their annual migration to their summer hunting grounds. 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. Stocky with a well-developed rattle, the Eastern Massasauga is brownish gray with rounded dark blotches on its body. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. In late spring and summer, they live in dry upland areas. Records suggest that the eastern massasauga was frequently encountered in the vicinity of present-day Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (INDU) until the 1930s. The snakelings are about nine inches long at birth, and are somewhat paler than the adults. Only two people, however, have ever died in Ontario from a massasauga bite, both more than 40 years ago. The eastern variety usually has a background color of gray to brownish gray. If the species is eventually listed as threatened or endangered, it will qualify for legal protection, including habitat protection. The highest concentration of rattlesnakes is in the regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The Massasauga rattlesnake is now a candidate for federal listing under the United States Endangered Species Act. Rattlesnake bites are uncommon, but potentially devastating. A rather unusual place for a snake that normally prefers cool rocks and the forest floor. The snakes were born on June 20. See more ideas about rattlesnake, snake, poisonous snakes. Submitted by Matthew on 2014, May 16 - 20:44. It is Ontario’s only venomous snake, though it will only bite in self-defence if it is threatened or harassed. 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. Michigan's only venomous snake is a rare sight for most state residents. Due to disappearing habitat and human persecution, the snake is considered threatened and listed on the Canadian Endangered Species List. 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. Yes, There Are Rattlesnakes In Georgian Bay Islands National Park! What's particularly odd is that he's out in the open, on the grass. 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. When a female Massasauga rattlesnake is ready to mate, she has a special way of announcing it: she sheds her old skin, which releases a special chemical that attracts males. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Two Michigan residents were bitten by a rare rattlesnake in one month, an incident the Department of Natural Resources says is unusual. Western Massasaugas are more pale; their background color is light gray or tan-gray, and contrasts sharply with the dark brown markings. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. Author Animal Place Posted on March 19, 2012 May 17, 2012 Categories Ravenous Reptiles Tags Characteristics, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake: Facts, Habitat and More. This heat-seeking ability is especially useful for finding food during the dark of night. Though Massasauga rattlesnakes are not listed as endangered or threatened by IUCN, they are still in trouble in the wild (see Conservation Status). What's particularly odd is that he's out in the open, on the grass. PDF Version . Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes have a potent venom but have relatively short fangs that often fail to penetrate clothing and can deliver only small amounts of venom with each bite. Tag Archives: eastern massasauga rattlesnake Baby Rattlesnakes at Chicago Zoo. Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine, From southeastern Canada, across parts of the eastern and middle United States to Arizona, Prairies, meadows, marshes, swamps, floodplain forests, woodlands, desert grasslands. Baby Massasaugas have a "button" at the tip of the tail which is often yellow in colour. Arizona has 13 distinct species of rattlesnakes, which is the highest amount of species in a single state in the entire US. The young ones are born with a single rattle segment (called a button) on their tail. The Saint Louis Zoo is doing its part to help eastern Massasaugas. The female gives birth to live young. The scales are keeled (ridged down the centre), which gives the snake a rough appearance). Image of venomous, baby, reptile - 7393820 Photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo. Although heat sensors don't help Massasaugas find ectothermic prey, these snakes have another secret weapon: their tongue! Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, and like all pit vipers, it is venomous Johnson, G. 1998. eastern massasauga rattlesnake is present at the INDU, both active searching and passive collecting were used. Zoo ReservationsZoo HoursFrequently Asked QuestionsCalendar of Events, Preschool RegistrationBook your Event at the Zoo Save with a Membership!Hotel PartnersShop the eStore, Contact Us1 Government Drive    St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 781-0900 EmploymentEmployee ResourcesPress RoomVendor Opportunities, Privacy Policy | About This Site | AZA Accredited | Member of WAZA | Member of ZMD, © 2003-2021 Saint Louis Zoo all rights reserved. This special sense organ, located on the roof of the snake's mouth, helps interpret airborne smells. The pregnant female may bask in the sun, which raises the temperature of the eggs and speeds their development. Habitat loss has taken a heavy toll on these reptiles. Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a State Endangered Species and a Federally Threatened Species. It's great for scaring away enemies! Each time the snakes shed their skin, a new segment is added to the rattle. And there's a slight difference in the facial structures (the Massasauga's heat pits) that would put this guy in the milk snake camp. The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. 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. Their heat-seeking ability helps Massasauga rattlesnakes find endothermic prey, such as mice, shrews, and small birds. Apr 20, 2017 - Eastern Massasauga is a poisonous species of Pitviper snakes mainly found in different regions of United States. (This means they're in a state similar to hibernation, but with periods of wakefulness.) Older segments become weak and break off. Leave a Reply Cancel … It is brownish with saddle- or butterfly-shaped darker brown blotches on the back that alternate with smaller blotches on the sides. The name "Massasauga" comes from a Chippewa Indian word meaning "great river mouth." The eastern massasauga can remain undetected with the help of its pattern, even at close range. There are a variety of rattlesnakes that can be found all around North and South America. Three subspecies are currently recognized including the nominate subspecies described here. A large rocky crevice, for instance, can hold a lot more snakes than an abandoned crayfish burrow -- both popular winter dens for Massasaugas. Allowed HTML tags: