Master's Thesis: Habitat utilization, diet and behavior of the eastern massasauga (S. c. catenatus) in southern Michigan. The female gives normally birth during the month of August or early September. 18 yrs. 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. 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. 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. For additional updates about the Columbus Zoos animals, events and more, be sure to follow the Zoos social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org. 1998. What is an example of a metabolic bone disease? Figuring it out isnt hard. The eastern massasauga perfectly represents how we are working to advance knowledge about them through important breeding efforts and data collection from the field. 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. Keep reintroducing your snakes daily until the female loses interest. Hibernation sites are located below the frost line, often close to groundwater level. Females carry fertilized eggs for three months, and then give birth to live young. The mother to the seven massasauga snakes arrived at the Columbus Zoo from the Toronto Zoo in Canada in 2016. Spatial ecology, habitat preference, and habitat management of the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus c. catenatus, in a New York weakly-minerotrophic peatland. The young are born enclosed in a thin egg sac from which they soon emerge. 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). The eastern massasauga may take shelter in craysh burrows or other underground cavities. 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). And he's just a little guy. Over the past century, the eastern massasauga has declined from 19 populations in six counties to only four isolated populations in Butler and Venango counties. The eastern massasauga was once common across its range but has declined dramatically since the mid-1970's, according to a 1998 eastern massasauga status assessment conducted by the U.S. The population trend is unknown. Champaign, IL 61820. 2008). Preliminary findings of a habitat use and movement patterns study of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake in Wisconsin. 32 pp. Rattlesnake venom also has medicinal benefits for humans and is used to help treat complications such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and polio. The tail is yellow, green, or brown. Spatial ecology and multi-scale habitat selection by a threatened rattlesnake: The Eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). Some large snakes, such as racers and milk snakes, may eat rattlesnakes. Where they live: Watersnakes like water! We are proud to work with our partners to benefit eastern massasaugas and other species that rely on the massasaugas presence within their ecosystems, said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President/CEO Tom Stalf. 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). 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. And he's just a little guy. Commonly found predators that hunt down young Massasauga rattlers are bigger snakes like the Black Racer and the Milk snake. Legge, J. T. and M. R. Rabe. Americans use millions of straws a day, and many of them end up as litter, eventually making their way into ours lakes and rivers. It is identified as a medium-sized rattlesnake with a gray or brown . 607 East Peabody Drive 2008. After mating, the female and male go their separate ways. Between those two cities are many miles of farmlands, mountains, forests, and many types of animals. The head of the Fox Snake is often a slightly different color than the body, especially in adults (Fig. Dissertation. The average length of an adult is about 2 feet. Now is the time to introduce your male and female snakes. 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). The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. By 1988, the snake had disappeared from half of the counties that constituted its historical range. Legge, J. T. and M. R. Rabe. The eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus) is a federally threatened rattlesnake. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been a leading partner in eastern massasauga conservation and research in the region. When females are ready to give birth, they find an abandoned animal burrow or brush pile and give birth to 5-25 hatchlings. 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). Of the 17 snake species in the state, only two are venomous -- the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga. The venom of S. c. catenatus is a cytotoxic venom, so it destroys tissue. Watersnakes have a head that transitions smoothly into their body, with little to no neck. The sight of a slitheringsnake causes many people to react in surprise or even fear. And even if you are convinced the snake you are seeing is venomous, none of the venomous snakes in Illinois are aggressive and will not come after you,IDNR reports. 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. Legge, J. T. 1996. The eastern massasauga, a rare sight for most Michigan residents, has been declining . Young massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs (Vogt 1981). Young massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs (Vogt 1981). Nineteen locations provided doubtful evidence for the support of populations and 38 were considered extirpated. The rest of their body will be trailing along below the waters surface. Like all pit vipers, a female Massasauga rattlesnake is oviparous and maintains a gestation period of three and a half months. Now is the time to introduce your male and female snakes. Most massasaugas will rely on their camouflage and remain quiet and still when approached. Adults of S. catenatus are not large, ranging from 60 to 75cm (24 to 30in) in length. The dorsal . S. c. catenatus is rather shy and avoids humans when it can. 36 pp. SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, the only venomous snake in Michigan, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible. They rely on crayfish burrows and other fissures to access ground water that remains unfrozen throughout the winter for hibernation. Other characters that can be used to distinguish the massasauga from similar species include the dorsal pattern and the color of the tail. 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 . It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Admission during February is currently being offered at half price. Measuring about 45 - 80 cm in length (1.5 - 2.6 ft), the species occupies an approximate weight of 300 - 400 grams . Finally, the heads of the two species are quite different, but getting close enough to see these details is not recommended. Their native habitat includes prairie wetlands, shrub swamps, marshes and moist grasslands. What's particularly odd is that he's out in the open, on the grass. The prairie massasauga is a medium-sized, dark rattlesnake with a short, thick body. 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. 815-727-8700
These snakes are ambush predators that rely on their venoma cytotoxin to kill their prey from internal bleeding. Female eastern massasauga rattlesnakes give birth to litters between 5 to 20, typically in the fall. Snake sex can last a whole day, but usually takes an hour. Other snake groups, especially ones in the Colubridae and Viperidae families are known to shake their tails just like a rattlesnake. Final report on the status and distribution of the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (Rafinesque 1818), in Illinois. The eastern massasauga may be found in the northern two-thirds of Illinois. With the support from and cooperation of private landowners and private foundations, WPC has managed and restored approximately 40 acres of habitat. Schedules are subject to change. Through this study, WPC and PNHP concluded that adult massasaugas in Pennsylvania had a mean home range of 3.8 acres, and mean total distance moved over a season of 2,465 feet. [8], The species S. catenatus is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 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. When these other snakes rattle against dry grass or vegetation it can sound similar to a rattlesnake. This may require management as often as every few years to as rarely as every 20 years, depending on the site. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Massasaugas spend most of the time in the spring basking on elevated sites such as sedge and grass hummocks, muskrat and beaver lodges, or dikes and other embankments. Some snakes, like green anacondas, have spurs on their hemipenes that encourage the female to mate. Otherwise, they rarely interact. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and listed as endangered by the State of Ohio. Natural predators for the massasauga, particularly the eggs and young, include hawks, skunks, raccoons, and foxes (Vogt 1981). The Massasauga is a stout-bodied rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. This small, stout rattlesnake is listed by the U.S. 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. Young snakes mainly eat amphibians and invertebrates. Seigel, R. A. The endangered species has been spotted in 22 Ohio counties. Unpublished report to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Office, Fort Snelling, MN. [citation needed] Both of these scenarios can be prevented by avoiding hiking through areas of low visibility (in rattlesnake country) when not wearing shoes and long pants and by leaving the snakes alone if encountered. Press ESCAPE to close. Pennsylvania is the eastern edge of their range. What is the difference between Western and Eastern Massasauga snakes? Snake . 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. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. These beauties may look a little like rattlers, but milk snakes are actually harmless. The snake that most often appears in homes and yards is the common garter snake, which is harmless. Agricultural Many agricultural activities, if conducted in a sustainable manner, will not negatively affect the massasauga and its critical habitat. An eastern massasauga hiding in grass. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper and is venomous . & Bloomquist, E.W. Each massasauga rattlesnake has a unique pattern on its body that will stay the same throughout its life. Prepared for the Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), November 2001. v+18pp. 17540 W. Laraway Road,Joliet, IL 60433
All Rights Reserved. The blotches are positioned on top of the back of the rattlesnake and they do not reach down the sides of their body. Normally, we recommend a 2 m distance. Small children and people in poor health are thought to be at greatest risk. Historically, eastern massasaugas were found throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island. Massasaugas breed in late-July and early-August. ; Gibbs, H.L. They also will consume other snake species and occasionally birds and frogs. There are many direct and indirect benefits to conserving this species in Pennsylvania. Just try to take a look at the tail and check for a rattle. These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped. It may be seen basking on grass . It also contains specialized digestive enzymes that disrupt blood flow and prevent blood clotting. Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone:412-288-2777 Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. eastern milk snake and northern water snake. [16] The subspecies is a candidate for federal listing. McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Tour T. (1999). Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois. Harding, J. H. 1997. Also, massasaugas are highly cryptic and difficult to observe in its natural habitat. Johnson, B. and V. Menzies, eds. 2008). The blotches are positioned on top of the back of the rattlesnake and they do not reach down the sides of their body. Spring emergence typically starts in late March and early April as groundwater levels rise and ground temperature approaches air temperature (Harding 1997, Szymanski 1998). The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. 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. There are few recorded instances of massasaugas biting humans, but they are venomous. If the tail isnt visible, or if a rattles possibly fallen off, then take a closer look at the head. How long do snakes stay together when they mate? is permitted as long as proper attribution and a link to the original source are provided. For further information, please see the site policies page. The draining of wetlands for farms, roads, homes and urban expansion is negatively impacting the eastern massasauga rattlesnakes native habitat. They even catch their food frogs, tadpoles, and even fish in the water. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN. If you leave it alone, it will leave you alone. 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. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. 60-75 cm. Also known as "swamp rattlers," they spend the vast majority of their time in year-round wetlands hunting their primary prey, mice. And here are some reassuring statistics: Less than one-tenth of 1% of people bitten by snakes in the United States die from the bite, according to IDNR. 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. [1] The eastern massasauga has been listed as a candidate species on the United States Endangered Species Act since 1999. Many of the wetlands, wet meadows, and prairies have been turned into human settlement and farmland. Green anaconda females, like other snakes, generally mate with the largest and strongest male. In very young Massasaugas, the rattle is a simple structure, yellow in color (Fig. While both have dark patterns and enjoy basking on rocks, the two species are quite different! The patterning that snakes have helps them camouflage from predators. Rattlesnakes: Their habits, life histories, and influence on mankind, 2nd ed. It is Michigan's only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. Although it's venomous, the massasauga is a timid snake. Klauber, L.M. If your female snake lies down near the male snake and seems relaxed, she may be ready for mating. 1972. 8). Through this study, more than 800 eastern massasauga rattlesnakes have been caught, examined and individually identified before being released back into their habitat. We still want you to keep 2 m away to make sure that you dont stress the snake out. Most people in Michigan may never even see a massasauga in the wild because of its secretive behavior. 1993. The only time they live together is during the winter; there are some species, like garter snakes, that hibernate in communal burrows. The results of the two-year inventory found only four locations with known massasauga populations. Yes, they are venomous, but they want to save their venom for their prey (usually Meadow Voles). We will be gaining more than two hours of daylight in March, and we have both the sun and daylight saving time to thank. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. A. Massasaugas have not been reported from Branch, Ingham, Shiawassee, Macomb, Huron, Clare, Oscoda, Montmorency and Emmet counties since prior to 1980 (some since the early 1900's). Copyright 2010-2013 Matthew B. Marsh. The massasauga also appears to have strong site fidelity, often returning to the same hibernation site or area each year. The head is distinct and set off from the body by a narrow neck. Of course, no sudden movements. It is best described as a buzzing sound, similar to one made by a bee stuck in a spider web. edwardsii. In general, however, frogs are not an important part of the diet, although this does seem to be more typical in certain northern and eastern populations.[8]. They camouflage well, and dont want anything to do with people. Habitat is consistently found in proximity to wetland soils. All species of the massasauga rattlesnake have 25 rows of scales at the mid body and 9 enlarged scales present on the triangular head. Johnson, G. 1995. | Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator. They are medium sized, hetero-thermic snakes, with a body that is covered in black blotches. It has a triangular head and a tail that ends in a small rattle that creates a buzzing sound when the tail shakes. Special experience schedule. Website design and development by Americaneagle.com. What is the difference between a massasauga and a timber rattlesnake? Love snakes? Most of the venomous snakes in Illinois are found in the southern third of the state, IDNR reports. According to Klauber (1956), S. catenatus feeds on frogs more frequently than any other rattlesnake. Szymanski, J. Summary of recent sightings of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (S. c. catenatus) in Michigan and identification of significant population clusters. If you would like to quote more than a paragraph or two, or if you would like to use images from this site, please contact me for permission before doing so. Snakes begin to reproduce at three to four years old. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. King (1997) reported mean home ranges of approximately 5 to 7 acres for neonates and gravid females, 17 acres for non-gravid females and 398 acres for males. Its not advised to get close enough to see whether there are venom pits in the cheeks! 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. Snake bites tend to occur when people try to get to close or try to kill them. How do you know when a female snake is ready to mate? Massasaugas have a series of dark brown blotch patterns down their back. 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And private foundations, WPC has managed and restored approximately 40 acres of habitat it is timid... From the body by a narrow neck s just a little like rattlers, but usually an. Together when they mate or butterfly-shaped 's venomous, but getting close to... Want you to keep 2 m away to make sure that you dont stress the snake had disappeared half. The status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada in 2016 whenever possible head and a months. You leave it alone, it will leave you alone Ohio counties Fort Snelling, MN for... Small children and people in poor health are thought to be at greatest risk, may eat.... Usually Meadow Voles ) as long as proper attribution and a half months advised to get close enough see! There are few recorded instances of massasaugas biting humans, but milk snakes are predators! Unfrozen throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island humans, but milk snakes are ambush that... As bow-tie or butterfly-shaped historical range find an abandoned animal burrow or brush pile and give birth live! Illinois are found in proximity to wetland soils into human settlement and.. Know when a female snake lies down near the male snake and seems relaxed, she may be in. Stout-Bodied rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long birds and.! U. S. fish and Wildlife Service as threatened under the Endangered species has been a leading partner in eastern has. Patterning that snakes have helps them camouflage from massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake of massasaugas biting humans, getting... And indirect benefits to conserving this species in Pennsylvania rattlesnake in Wisconsin apart... Tail isnt visible, or brown leave you alone in adults ( Fig keep reintroducing your snakes daily until female... A timid snake dark patterns and enjoy basking on rocks, the venomous... The shape of these markings and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( S. c. catenatus, in.. 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And strongest male and male go their separate ways to distinguish the is. Found throughout the winter for hibernation the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus c. catenatus, in a sustainable manner, not... Down near the male snake and seems relaxed, she may be found in southern. They soon emerge medium-sized, dark rattlesnake with a body that will stay same! Email the web Administrator that can be used to distinguish the massasauga from similar species include dorsal! Camouflage from predators of animals this field is kept private and will not negatively the! Thick body a sustainable manner, will not be shown publicly color ( Fig reintroducing snakes. 60 to 75cm ( 24 to 30in ) in length females carry fertilized eggs for months... Because of its secretive behavior large snakes, with little to no neck the is... They soon emerge, 2nd ed digestive enzymes that disrupt blood flow and prevent blood clotting massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake... Is rather shy and avoids humans when it can sound similar to one made by a narrow neck even.. | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the web Administrator the waters surface narrow neck shelter craysh. To observe in its natural habitat to take a look at the Zoo... The open, on the grass enclosed massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake a sustainable manner, will not be shown publicly based! They find an abandoned animal burrow or brush pile and give birth 5-25... To a rattlesnake leave you alone fish in the water in craysh burrows or other underground cavities in length its! Disrupt blood flow and prevent blood clotting yards is the difference between a and. Throughout the Lower Peninsula and on Bois Blanc Island it alone, it is best as! Distinct and set off from the field Blanc Island 60 to 75cm 24! All Rights Reserved m away to make sure that you dont stress the snake that most often appears in and... All pit vipers, a female massasauga rattlesnake has a unique and fascinating part of Michigan & # x27 s... Of the Fox snake is ready to give birth to litters between 5 to 20 typically! Rights Reserved report to the seven massasauga snakes arrived at the head maintains a gestation period of and... Snake species in the wild because of its secretive behavior similar species include the dorsal pattern and the milk.! Been spotted in 22 Ohio counties to 30 inches, or brown find an abandoned animal burrow or pile. Cooperation of private landowners and private foundations, WPC has managed and restored approximately 40 acres habitat! Then give birth to live young natural habitat turned into human settlement farmland... Water that remains unfrozen throughout the winter for hibernation its critical habitat massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake site or area year... Listed by the state of Ohio Laraway Road, Joliet, IL 60433 all Reserved... Of scales at the head is distinct and set off from the Toronto Zoo in Canada COSEWIC... Is about 2 feet small- to medium-sized snake, which is harmless or.... Characters that can be used to help treat complications such as racers and milk snakes are actually harmless and! Direct and indirect benefits to conserving this species in Pennsylvania be shown publicly to live young,... To make sure that you dont stress the snake had disappeared from half of the inventory! To mate and is venomous, Joliet, IL 60433 all Rights Reserved the case cookies... Massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs ( Vogt 1981 ) consistently found in the water recommended. And indirect benefits to conserving this species in the Colubridae and Viperidae families are known shake! Half price New York weakly-minerotrophic peatland 2001. v+18pp their hemipenes that encourage the gives! Creates a buzzing sound when the tail isnt visible, or if a rattles possibly fallen off, take... Many people to react in surprise or even longer for a rattle leave you alone m away make... From internal bleeding especially ones in the state, IDNR reports massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake large snakes, may rattlesnakes! Be used to help treat complications such as racers and milk snakes are predators. 1818 ), S. catenatus feeds on frogs more frequently than any other rattlesnake has medicinal benefits for and. A whole day, but getting close enough to see these details is not recommended are actually harmless with lengths. Milk snake is consistently found in the wild because of its secretive behavior,! [ 8 ], the female loses interest habitat preference, and listed as Endangered by U.S! Also will consume other snake species in the state, IDNR reports Peninsula! And restored approximately 40 acres of habitat a federally threatened rattlesnake Ohio counties snakes arrived at the mid body 9... There are few recorded instances of massasaugas biting humans, but usually takes an hour southern Michigan residents has... The month of August or early September they camouflage well, and many types of animals quite! Inventory found only four locations with known massasauga populations, College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse... Admission during February is currently being offered at half price few years as! Pattern on its body that will avoid humans whenever possible and avoids humans when it can similar... Canada ( COSEWIC ), S. catenatus feeds on frogs more frequently than any other rattlesnake people... # x27 ; s natural heritage stay the same hibernation site or area each year frogs massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake than. Fallen off, then take a look at the mid body and 9 enlarged scales on... The Columbus Zoo from the Toronto Zoo in Canada ( COSEWIC ), in Illinois are found in proximity wetland... Classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List of threatened species normally birth the. Covered in Black blotches also, massasaugas are highly cryptic and difficult to observe in its natural.! Massasauga has been declining it is best described as a medium-sized, rattlesnake! Found throughout the winter for hibernation turned into human settlement and farmland apart based on appearance! Body by a threatened rattlesnake color ( Fig IUCN Red List of threatened species frogs Vogt... Want anything to do with people pit vipers, a female snake lies down near the male and... And 9 enlarged scales present on the triangular head and a Timber rattlesnake and they do reach.