DNR urges public to give eastern massasauga rattlesnake its space

Harassing or killing threatened species is illegal

In the wake of an eastern massasauga rattlesnake bite at a state-managed park in Oakland County last month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging the public not to harm, harass or attempt to capture the threatened species.

Officials at state parks are reporting damage to wetland areas as people veer off established trails and trample vulnerable vegetation looking for the venomous snakes. Some people are threatening to kill the snakes if they encounter them.

Because the eastern massasauga is listed as a state and federally threatened species, it is illegal to pursue, harass, wound, kill or capture the snake. A person found liable of violating the Endangered Species Act could be sentenced to up to a year in prison and a fine of $50,000.

On July 21, a 41-year-old Michigan man was bitten by an eastern massasauga while attempting to photograph the snake at a boat launch in the Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township – an incident that attracted significant media attention. The man was hospitalized but was expected to recover.

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan’s only venomous native snake. The snake’s bite is painful but extremely unlikely to be fatal. Between 25% and 50% of bites are “dry bites,” meaning the snake did not deliver a dose of venom.

Amy Bleisch, DNR endangered species biologist, said there have been no confirmed human deaths in Michigan from an eastern massasauga bite for over 100 years.  

“The best way to avoid massasaugas and damaging their habitats is to stay on the trails,” Bleisch said. “These snakes are shy and prefer to avoid people. If they don’t feel threatened, they will hide and wait for people to walk by.”

If you are bitten, stay calm and seek medical attention. If possible, call 911 for help, sit down and wait for emergency responders. Remove rings, watches and bracelets that can cause problems due to swelling. Do not apply ice or tourniquets. Do not cut the wound or apply suction. 

Declining globally

The eastern massasauga is generally tan with large brown splotches on its back that resemble a video game controller or bowtie. Its tail ends with a tan-colored, segmented rattle that produces a high-pitched sound like an insect buzzing. The thick-bodied snake grows to be about 18 to 30 inches long.

There are a few harmless look-alike snakes in Michigan with similar patterns. Learn more about how to identify the eastern massasauga in this DNR 60-second video.

Eastern massasaugas are declining globally due to habitat loss and illegal collection and killing. Michigan contains a core population of eastern massasaugas, which live in specific wetlands in the Lower Peninsula as well as on Bois Blanc and Mackinac islands in Lake Huron. The DNR actively manages habitat for the conservation and recovery of the snake.

Bleisch noted that it’s also illegal to own an eastern massasauga or any state-threatened or endangered species as a pet. Supporting the illegal pet trade, she said, encourages poachers to remove valuable animals and their genetics from the wild, further endangering the species. 

“If you see anyone exhibiting suspicious behavior, like walking around in an eastern massasauga wetland with a snake hook and a pillowcase, call the RAP (Report All Poaching) hotline immediately at 800-292-7800,” Bleisch said.

Unique species

Because the massasauga population has dwindled and the snake is so good at hiding, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people to see one, Bleisch said.

If you do spot an eastern massasauga, give the snake space. Stay at least 3 feet away, which is out of its strike zone.

“The state of Michigan is the stronghold globally for the eastern massasauga, and the snakes are an important part of our ecosystems and natural heritage,” Bleisch said. “By giving the snakes space, humans and eastern massasaugas can coexist and future generations can safely enjoy one of Michigan’s most unique species.”

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Protected species: Michigan is a stronghold for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, which is both state and federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Photo courtesy of Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
• Eastern massasauga rattlesnake: The eastern massasauga is characterized by a tan or gray body and dark brown or black splotches that resemble a bowtie. It grows to 18 to 30 inches long and has a tan-colored, segmented rattle. Photo courtesy of Michigan Natural Features Inventory.