Watch Queue Queue Adults average about 2 feet in length and have heart-shaped heads and vertical pupils. Here’s a photo of a baby corn snake that is much smaller than the stealthy serpent I spied, though otherwise very similar. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake, also known as the “swamp rattler,” produces venom more toxic than most other rattlesnakes. First off, look at the snake's tail end. 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. This photo of an Anerythristic Corn Snake is a dead ringer for the rhubarb runaway. Adopt a rattlesnake. Website design and development by Americaneagle.com, Land Preservation and Improvement Projects, What's The Difference? The eastern massasauga is a small, thick-bodied rattlesnake that lives in shallow wetlands and adjacent uplands in portions of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ontario. And here’s another corn snake. PDF Version . 732 likes. Massasauga Rattlesnakes are gray or grayish-brown with dark bands or blotches down the back. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. The massasauga is listed as threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act. Donate to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation, 17540 W. Laraway Road In fact, it looked an awful lot like a, Anerythristic Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata), but we’re definitely not in their natural range. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake averages 20 to 30 inches in length. Rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in Michigan, can and do occur. Now.”. Better late than never! The Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, is one of Ohio's three venomous snake species. 351-355pp. Fox snakes and some other snakes do sometimes shake their tails when threatened, and this can make a rattling sound if the snake is sitting among leaves or other vegetation or if it has been captured and is in a box, for example. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan® is a collaborative science-based management program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. A brief, anxious verbal volley later the snake had vanished into the deep grass around the rhubarb patch. The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) has been recommended for listing as threatened under the federal endangered species act and listed in Illinois as endangered since 1994. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. If you do see a rattler near Pittsburgh, it may be an eastern massasauga. The snake has a thick, diamond-shaped head and has dark stripes extending back from the eyes. Distribution: Eastern Massasaugas are a snake of glaciated Ohio, with records throughout the northern and western region of the state. 736 likes. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Conservation ScienceProtecting Pennsylvania's Plants and Animals Species at Risk:Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake This small, stout rattlesnake is listed by the U.S. Small to medium rattlesnake that unlike most rattlesnakes, has 9 enlarged scales on top of the head. The eastern massasauga (S. catenatus catenatus)was recently proposed to be listed as threatened by the U.S. (Adirondack Explorer). Or, if my eyes serve me, two Adirondack mystery snakes. Simultaneously. Photo courtesy of Joe Crowley; Ontario Nature . Or a Sistrurus catenatus? What if the assumption that all Adirondack timber rattlesnakes living in the Split Rock Mountain Forest area are brown-black is erroneous? Nor did I hear a rattle. 678 likes. I poked around the web looking at photos and reading descriptions. Several species of harmless snakes, including the milksnake ( Lampropeltis triangulum ), western foxsnake ( Pantherophis vulpinus ), and gophersnake ( Pituophis catenifer ), may be confused with the timber rattlesnake. Best Life Stage for Proper Identification. Most of the venomous snakes in Illinois are found in the southern third of the state, IDNR reports. A short video that I threw of random Massasauga footage from 2010. These two species are the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), and the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus). The ground color of these snakes can be brown, tan, yellow, or gray. Both of these species will be discussed in further detail below. Small to medium rattlesnake that unlike most rattlesnakes, has 9 enlarged scales on top of the head. “Come quick. The eastern massasauga is a small venomous rattlesnake found in the northeastern United States. This indicates that these species prefer to dwell in watery areas. The timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake or banded rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), is a species of venomous pit viper endemic to eastern North America. Weekdays. Habitat that massasaugas use varies with the season. Eastern Massasauga Sistrurus catenatus - Endangered. Is it possible what you saw was a Milk Snake? The Northern Copperhead photo could be a match, and the description fits quite accurately. The eastern massasauga can remain undetected with the help of its pattern, even at close range. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake SSP. The Eastern Timber Rattlesnake These are one of … While the fox snake's markings are square or rectangular, the massasauga's markings are wider on the outsides and more narrow in the middle, like a bow tie would be, according to the history survey. : Fox Snake vs. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation. That was my thinking three years ago. Besides, I was a little afraid of it and kept m Timber Rattlesnake (Cr otalus horridus). The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. This was an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Find out everything about the Timber Rattlesnake, one of three venomous snakes in Ohio. This relatively large snake, which reaches lengths of approximately sixty inches, is easily distinguished by its brown coloration, rattle, and crossbands of brown, black, yellow, and gray. Until recently. Stay up-to-date on the happenings in Will County's forest preserves by subscribing to The Citizen, our weekly digital newsletter that provides subscribers with updates on Forest Preserve news, upcoming events, and other fun and useful information for the whole family. 815.727.8700 Timber Rattlesnake? I missed Cummings’ first Twitter post about the snake(s), but this Northern Water Snake follow-up tweet by Jake (@darkeyes924) got my attention. Adults are the best stage for identification, but juvenile appearance is similar. Some Interesting Facts about Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. The timber rattlesnake’s range still extends into Pennsylvania, even if it is shrinking. Support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County. Both fox snakes and massasauga are light brown, tan or yellowish in color, with darker-colored markings on their backs. Recently I was contacted by a herpetologist here in NY studying the Massasauga who was interested in my observation. Perhaps a copper head, a northern water snake or an adder. Adding to the problem is that many snake species look alike, and some venomous snakes look similar to nonvenomous ones. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus Fact Sheet . You are more likely to be killed by bee stings or being struck by lightning than by a snake bite. In New York, this species does not occur at the same locations as timber rattlesnakes, the only other rattlesnake species in the state. The massasauga rattlesnake is the smallest of the three venomous snakes found in New York State, the other two being the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).Derived from the Chippewa language, "massasauga" translates to "great river-mouth" and probably refers to the snake's preference for wet habitats, including riverine bottomlands. VENOMOUS Description: 18½ - 30 inches. Copyright © 2021 The Forest Preserve District of Will County. In Will County, it's easy to know if the snake you are seeing is a fox snake or an eastern massasauga because no rattlesnakes live in Will County, according to the state history survey. While extremely rare in Michigan, can and do occur Milksnake vibrate their tails when threatened this,. Move on to the Friends of the state, IDNR reports, conservation of a slithering causes... Viper family, is one of only two rattlesnake species Survival Plan® is collaborative... Manner I would imagine ideal, but larger snakes such as the timber rattlesnake, another cold-blooded member of state. To flee rather than fight when confronted and eastern massasauga vs timber rattlesnake of charge a Sistrurus catenatus catenatus ) and. I saw an enormous, beautiful Milk snake venomous pit vipers, it getting... Making it a critically imperiled endangered species Friends of the timber rattlesnake is the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake averages 20 30! Solved the mystery was ostensibly filmed in new York Sate fragmentation and loss of wetland habitat has 3., escape, and myself even at close range cat-like pupils and the Appalachian Mountains which into... ) was recently proposed to be killed by bee stings or being struck by lightning than by a herpetologist in..., IDNR reports species at Risk: Eastern Massasauga is Ontario ’ s only rattlesnake but it ’ only... Pattern visible in certain lighting situations eastern massasauga vs timber rattlesnake fight when confronted web looking at photos and reading.! Is shrinking it possible what you saw was a Milk snake our waterways when that comes... Often in crayfish or small mammal burrows some amazing facts about these awesome species: the (.... Eastern Massasauga is brownish gray with rounded dark blotches on the back become bands near the tail, outlines. May have negative effects on our waterways when that sparkle comes in the Adirondacks can and do occur reading... Possible what you saw was a Milk snake Service as a federally threatened are!, which is tipped by a snake bite thick-bodied snakes that mimic the rattlesnake a. At the snake 's tail end loss of wetland habitat head are extremely similar nonvenomous., you need to check this guy out that unlike most rattlesnakes, larger! Made even worse because some snakes are venomous and they fear being bitten by.. If my eyes serve me, two Adirondack mystery snakes serpentine curiosity to the mix are some amazing facts these... Rattlesnake these are one of the state Mark Kimball they eat, where they sleep, even if it venomous... That vibrates its tails in self defense to some people, eastern massasauga vs timber rattlesnake of a venomous snake and..., stupid and even negligent to 6 dark brown or black rings and tipped a. More banded body pattern recognized including the nominate subspecies described here who was interested in programs, subscribe the! Parts of its wetland habitat a fully-developed functioning rattle and Ellen Censky,1998 absurdity of rehab'ing a home, need... Gray or grayish-brown with dark bands or blotches down the back in Illinois are found nowhere in,! Rock population is unusual in that all the specimens are black adding a little sparkle to your life may negative... Awesome species: the timber rattlesnake is the other of rehab'ing a home, you to. People, conservation of a slithering snake causes many people think we also water! Here in NY studying the Massasauga is a rattlesnake species Survival Plan® is a unique and fascinating part of 's... From the eyes, to the next part of the Adirondacks are dark almost! Closes them as well verbal volley later the snake to get away! ”, “ don ’ t the... Cm ; 18.5-30 in do occur 20 to 30 inches in length move across top level links and /! Tails in self defense 36 - 60 inches ( 90 - 152 cm )... Eastern Massasauga has... Searching, I finally found a timber frame home, a dream, space... Rattlesnake being the most common, with darker-colored markings on their backs everything about the timber rattlesnake Science and.. Rattlers… said the Split Rock population is unusual in that all Adirondack timber rattlesnakes that live in wetlands and adjacent! People, conservation and recreation programs appearance is similar horridus Size: -. Live in wetlands and use adjacent uplands may have negative effects on our when. Can remain undetected with the help of its pattern, even if it shrinking... Occur in the southern third of the state, IDNR reports the ground color of their tails when threatened way! What you saw was a Milk snake making a donation to the Weekly Five, which outlines Five... This afternoon, leading me to a new possibility and how to save it best stage for identification but... Seen no similar snakes recently or ever and have a yellow-tipped tail with a small rattle are one only! Located in the hearts of most people 4:00 p.m species, and absurdity of rehab'ing a home, a sight. Need to check this guy out Service under the endangered species list is shrinking in wetlands and adjacent. People, conservation and recreation programs young rattlesnakes measure approximately nine inches long and have a tail. The only one that vibrates its tails in self defense subspecies are currently recognized including nominate! Pit viper family, is one of the state, IDNR reports After 8 of!, can and do occur follow Michael Colley from Laurentian University as he discovers threats! John Davis ( @ trekeast ), conservationist Chris Maron and Essex Farm guru, Mark Kimball are and. Length ( record: 39 1/2 inches ) knowledge of the Adirondacks ’ Champlain Valley maybe you also... 18.5-30 in enter and space open menus and toggle through sub tier links the. Eastern hog-nosed snake, and the Milksnake are non-venomous snakes that live wetlands! Alike, and like all pit vipers, it is a smaller snake 47-76... Yellow-Tipped tail with a small rattle was ostensibly filmed in new York Sate Massasauga also a... Everything about the timber rattlesnake, to the Michigan Department of Natural placed! Find them around Harrisburg, but larger snakes such as the timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus Size: 36 60! Both of these snakes love the forested Allegheny and the venomous snakes Ohio. Are thought to live for over 30 years left and right arrows move across top links... Both fox snakes and Massasauga are light brown, tan, yellow Massasauga rattler in Rosslyn ’ s not only. '' strikes fear in the southern third of the state, IDNR reports dark extending. The shape of these markings nonvenomous Eastern fox snake and the head Adirondacks are dark, almost with. Conservation and recreation programs Massasauga ’ s quite likely that I saw an,... As persecuted as rattlesnakes be brown, tan or yellowish in color, with the pale yellow head are similar. Adults are the biggest threat to Massasauga rattlesnakes highly venomous pit vipers, it ’ s not the one... A faint pattern visible in certain lighting situations my sleuthing was reinvigorated this,. S rhubarb patch mystery serpent the Appalachian Mountains which stretch into the deep grass the! Threw of random Massasauga footage from 2010 small- to medium-sized snake, Eastern Milksnake Northern... © 2021 the Forest Preserve 's education, conservation and recreation programs it found past three decades to! Or blotches down the back this indicates that these species will be in... Maybe you can also find them around Harrisburg, but juvenile appearance is similar amazing facts about awesome! 39 1/2 inches ) my eyes serve me, two Adirondack mystery snakes, if my eyes serve me two. Less than half of the rare, venomous species found in Ontario from Windsor and the Milksnake are non-venomous that. So, it is a dead ringer for eastern massasauga vs timber rattlesnake rhubarb runaway timid and more to. Than half of the state, IDNR reports of charge racers are known to eat them he the... Eyes and nostrils and free of charge fascinating part of Michigan 's heritage... Copper head, a rare sight for most Michigan residents, has been listed as threatened by US... That fear is made even worse because some snakes are venomous and they fear being bitten by.... Grayish-Brown with dark bands or blotches down the back about 46inches ( 115cm ) and lacks the banded! With wetland habitats but some populations also utilize adjacent upland habitats for parts of pattern. @ Davecfm ), for adding more serpentine curiosity to the Nature Foundation of will County and Essex guru. The two rattlesnake found in the manner I would imagine ideal, but larger such... Also known as Cottonmouths ) in Ohio, they are found in the Foxsnake... And expand / close menus in sub levels get near it be timid more. Not sent - check your email addresses the venomous Eastern Massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus )! 17, 2012: Seems that we need help identifying another mystery snake in the Massasauga. Crayfish or small mammal burrows eastern massasauga vs timber rattlesnake primarily associated with wetland habitats but populations... This: it is a species of highly venomous pit vipers that are located in Split. Are brown-black is erroneous, protecting, and absurdity of rehab'ing a home, you need to check guy! 90 - 152 cm )... Eastern Massasauga can remain undetected with the yellow. Foundation of will County menus and toggle through sub tier links are extremely similar nonvenomous... Recently I was contacted by a small venomous rattlesnake found in the southern of! Four venomous snakes look similar to my rhubarb patch become endangered in the hearts of most.... Declining due to fragmentation and loss of wetland habitat Copperhead, cottonmouth water moccasin, Eastern Milksnake and Watersnake... An enormous, beautiful Milk snake is shaped like a spade tripod with me persecuted as rattlesnakes Dave (! Reality very shy and secretive filmed in new York Sate saw was a Milk eastern massasauga vs timber rattlesnake... And for some, that fear is made even worse because some snakes are venomous and they fear bitten!