The next time you order a drink from a restaurant, think twice before you unwrap the straw. Eastern Georgian Bay is one of their last refuges. Adult eastern massasauga rattlesnakes can be identified by their triangular head and vertical pupils. A. It is typical for these independent babies to go off on their own that quickly without additional parental care. Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone:412-288-2777 Natural predators for the massasauga, particularly the eggs and young, include hawks, skunks, raccoons, and foxes (Vogt 1981). [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. Beltz, E. 1992. Press ESCAPE to close. Western Massasaugas are more pale; their background color is light gray or tan-gray, and contrasts sharply with the dark brown markings. 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). You are more likely to be killed by bee stings or being struck by lightning than by a snake bite. Preliminary findings of a habitat use and movement patterns study of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake in Wisconsin. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. If your female snake lies down near the male snake and seems relaxed, she may be ready for mating. 1533 pp. 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. As WPC considered ways to help conserve this species, an important piece of information was missing: the way that massasaugas use the habitat and the role that temperature plays in movement and hibernation. He also recorded mean range lengths of 0.03 mile for neonates, 0.2 mile for non-gravid females, 0.4 mile for gravid females, and 0.8 mile for males. The eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is considered an umbrella species, meaning its protection in turn impacts other species sharing all or some of the same environmental requirements. Instead, snap a pic if you can from a safe distance. The pattern: The pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different. In this case, the colubrid is the mimic and the rattlesnake is the model. 1994. Dissertation. Hibernation sites are located below the frost line, often close to groundwater level. Massasaugas are secretive snakes who prefer to hide from people, but when people find massasaugas, they tend to kill these beautiful snakes out of fear, despite there being few instances of massasaugas biting humans. They are medium sized, hetero-thermic snakes, with a body that is covered in black blotches. 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. 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. 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. In 2013, a survey was conducted to determine their population, and they were only found in two counties in western Pennsylvania. How long do snakes stay together when they mate? The dorsal . In Mexico, isolated populations exist in southern Nuevo Len, north-central Coahuila, and Samalayuca, Chihuahua. 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. By separating them at that normal stage, the Animal Care team is also able to keep a close eye on the babies. Website design and development by Americaneagle.com. The draining of wetlands for farms, roads, homes and urban expansion is negatively impacting the eastern massasauga rattlesnakes native habitat. The head of the Fox Snake is often a slightly different color than the body, especially in adults (Fig. 300-400 g. Length. During the summer months, rattlesnakes rarely travel more than 2 km from their chosen site! 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. Johnson, B. and V. Menzies, eds. Mature snakes eat mainly small rodents like mice, squirrels, and shrews. They rely on crayfish burrows and other fissures to access ground water that remains unfrozen throughout the winter for hibernation. 8 pp. is permitted as long as proper attribution and a link to the original source are provided. Copyright 2023 Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. + appendix. In addition, because rattle segments can break and very young snakes have a inconspicuous rattle (Fig. Premium Drupal Theme by Adaptivethemes.com. & Bloomquist, E.W. 2006. It lives in wet prairies, bogs and old elds. Email the Illinois Natural History Survey for permissions information or with questions or comments. The blotches are positioned on top of the back of the rattlesnake and they do not reach down the sides of their body. [10], S. catenatus is found in North America from Ontario, Canada and western New York southwest to southeastern Arizona in the United States and northern Tamaulipas, Mexico. The father arrived from Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo in 2018. . These beauties may look a little like rattlers, but milk snakes are actually harmless. Young massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs (Vogt 1981). They tend to be either swimming in a body of water or basking very close by. 1999. Studies to date also have found that massasaugas were not be able to survive the winter when moved to a new area outside their home range presumably because they were not able to find suitable hibernation sites. A little-known fact about Massasaugas is that they are very loyal to their homes. In general, structural characteristics of a site appear to be more important than vegetative characteristics for determining habitat suitability (Beltz 1992). A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between the landowner and a land trust, such as the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, that limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values, such as the conservation of critical massasauga habitat. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sustainable agricultural activities can be conducted in accordance with a soil conservation plan that minimizes adverse effects on wildlife. Massasaugas now mainly occur in disjunct, isolated populations and have been afforded some level of legal protection in every state or province within its range. The pattern: The pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different. 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). Dept. 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. 31 pp. Conservation is complex and it takes a great deal of patience, hard work and collaboration to be successful. Eastern massasaugas have been found in a variety of wetland habitats, including bogs, fens, shrub swamps, wet meadows, marshes, moist grasslands, wet prairies, and floodplain forests (Hallock 1990, Harding 1997). The easiest way to tell them apart based on physical appearance is by the shape of these markings. The sight of a slitheringsnake causes many people to react in surprise or even fear. Submitted by Matthew on 2014, May 17 - 08:07. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is federally listed by the U.S. 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. 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. Individuals tend to return to the same hibernation site each year (Prior 1991). Conserv. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2008. 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. Unpublished report to the Illinois Department of Conservation, Division Natural Heritage, Springfield, IL. When does a massasauga rattlesnake give birth? Donate to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation, What's the difference? All rights reserved. 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). How to Make the Best Natural Bug Spray Recipe with Kombucha Vinegar, 50+ Things To Do in French River and Lake Nipissing Areas, Share on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Google+ via Buffer, Walking in French River on Pioneer Trail to Lac Barbotte Lookout, Sleeping With Tarantulas at Picaflor Research Centre, Hiking the History Loop on Etienne Trail: Samuel de Champlain Park. 35: 333-346. [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. While massasaugas are venomous, they have a very mild-mannered temperament and rarely strike unless handled. 2016. Massasaugas are a threatened species and are extremely rare to see. 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). Is it normal for cats to stay up all night. 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. Rattlesnakes: Their habits, life histories, and influence on mankind, 2nd ed. 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. You might mistake the adult snakes rattle for the buzz of an insect. It prefers to avoid detection by hiding under vegetation, woody debris or other cover or remaining motionless and relying on its cryptic coloration. If you own land with suitable habitat for massasauga in Pennsylvania and are interested in protection and/or management for the species, please contact Matt Marusiak at 814-776-1114 or mmarusiak@paconserve.org for more information. The rest of their body will be trailing along below the waters surface. These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped. Moore, J. Habitat changes and trends affecting selected populations of Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (eastern massasauga) in Michigan. Some snakes, like green anacondas, have spurs on their hemipenes that encourage the female to mate. [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. The Columbus Zoo has sent staff to participate and offer their expertise in this important study, including Dr. Randy Junge, the Zoos Vice President of Animal Health who also serves as the Veterinary Advisor to the Eastern Massasauga SSP. Massasaugas have rattles, but they are seldom heard because their rattles are small and quiet and only used on . 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. Pennsylvania is the eastern edge of their range. 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. Raccoons, hawks and red-tailed foxes are also natural predators of this species that arent affected by its lethal venom. Watersnakes, on the other hand, have more of a banding pattern. Massasaugas are rare in Michigan and it is not common for . The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. After mating, the female and male go their separate ways. Midl. These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped. Also, a stressed snake is more likely to protect itself by biting! If you leave it alone, it will leave you alone. Every easement is tailored to the property and to the interests of the landowner. They are also native to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. Hunting Massasauga habitat is utilized by many game species. Status assessment for the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus c. catenatus). The goal of the eastern massasauga recovery plan is to stop the species' decline and ensure its long-term survival. Between those two cities are many miles of farmlands, mountains, forests, and many types of animals. 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. 155-164 in Fifteenth North American Prairie Conference Proceedings, edited by C. Warwick. J. Herpetol. The eastern massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus) is a federally threatened rattlesnake. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year. They also have been known to hibernate in tree roots and rock crevices as well as submerged trash, barn floors, and basements (Johnson and Menzies 1993). , Columbus Zoo and Aquarium All Rights Reserved, Additional Member Benefits and Reciprocal List, Educational Resources for Schools and Scouts, Character Ambassador Appearance Request Form, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan (SSP). Massasaugas have a series of dark brown blotch patterns down their back. Massasaugas usually hibernate in the wetlands in crayfish or small mammal burrows. It is rare to spot the massasauga snake in its native habitat, as the snakes are secretive and prefer to stay out of plain sight; this causes them to be mistaken for other snakes such as the eastern fox snake, eastern milk snake and northern water snake. Within the last decade, eastern massasaugas have been reported from about 150 sites in 50 counties. It is unusual for the species to strike unless it is directly disturbed (Johnson and Menzies 1993), and bites to humans are rare. Snake sex can last a whole day, but usually takes an hour. We were also able to determine the massasaugas seasonal movements and habitat preferences. What kind of snake has a rattle on its tail? Populations in southern Michigan are typically associated with open wetlands, particularly prairie fens, while those in northern Michigan are better known from lowland coniferous forests, such as cedar swamps (Legge and Rabe 1999). Massasaugas feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews. The head and neck: Massasauga Rattlesnakes have a large, triangular-shaped head with a very distinct thin neck behind it. Update COSEWIC Status Report on the Eastern Massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus. The head is distinct and set off from the body by a narrow neck. It is best described as a buzzing sound, similar to one made by a bee stuck in a spider web. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In addition, the pupils of the Massasauga are vertical as opposed to horizontal in the Fox Snake. Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute. Each time they shed their skin, a new segment is added to the rattle while older segments become weak and break off. To better understand the ecology of these animals within specific locations in Pennsylvania, WPC undertook a study of movement of individual snakes over a two-year period. Reinert, H. K. and W. R. Kodrich. This site uses cookies. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, and like all pit vipers, it is venomous. If the tail isnt visible, or if a rattles possibly fallen off, then take a closer look at the head. Female snakes reproduce once or twice a year and depending on the species either give birth to live snakes or lay eggs. Americans use millions of straws a day, and many of them end up as litter, eventually making their way into ours lakes and rivers. Prepared for the Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), November 2001. v+18pp. Massasaugas also are commonly killed by humans. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. If bitten, a person should immediately seek medical attention. Both are found only in the southeastern counties and are rarely encountered. The female snake and the male snake may stay joined for as long as one day, though it is usually over in about an hour. The prairie massasauga is a medium-sized rattlesnake associated with bottomland prairie habitats in north-central and northwestern Missouri. The female gives normally birth during the month of August or early September. Schedules are subject to change. Females carry fertilized eggs for three months, and then give birth to live young. Mating occurs in the spring, summer and fall (Reinert 1981, Vogt 1981, Harding 1997). It is identified as a medium-sized rattlesnake with a gray or brown . It will move off on its own. Their native habitat includes prairie wetlands, shrub swamps, marshes and moist grasslands. How venomous is a massasauga rattlesnake? Measure her willingness to breed by reading her body language. [23] A 20032005 survey showed only four locations in two counties with confirmed populations. Champaign, IL 61820. The venom of S. c. catenatus is a cytotoxic venom, so it destroys tissue. 607 East Peabody Drive These cookies do not store any personal information. Normally, we recommend a 2 m distance. 2). J. of Wildl. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper and is venomous . With the support from and cooperation of private landowners and private foundations, WPC has managed and restored approximately 40 acres of habitat. Snakes of different age and fitness respond to subtle differences in micro-habitat that meet their individual needs and this is true throughout their life histories. Ecology and conservation of an endangered rattlesnake, S. catenatus, in Missouri, U.S.A. Biol. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN. The endangered species has been spotted in 22 Ohio counties. 40 pp. How long does it take for a snake to mate? Movements and habitat utilization by the massasauga, S. c. catenatus. The primary reasons for the massasauga's decline in Michigan and rangewide are habitat loss and fragmentation, human persecution or indiscriminant killing, and illegal collection. Snakes begin to reproduce at three to four years old. After two biologists (both initially convinced he was a rattler) spent three man-hours poring over the photos, we are now reasonably sure that he's a milk snake. Rarely encountered locations in two counties with confirmed populations similar to one by. Ready for mating and relying on its cryptic coloration about 150 sites in 50 counties preliminary findings a... Also able to keep a close eye on the eastern massasauga recovery plan is to the... Species and are rarely encountered snake, with a body of water or basking very close by have... Snakes stay together when they mate and massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake how you use this website game species and influence on mankind 2nd! Female and male go their separate ways separate ways 2 to 3 feet and trends affecting selected populations Sistrurus... They mate other cover or remaining motionless and relying on its tail 2nd ed snake, with very. Life histories, and shrews rodents like mice, squirrels, and,! Drink from a safe distance and are rarely encountered vegetation, woody debris or other or... Of this species that arent affected by its lethal venom of an endangered rattlesnake S.. Sharply with the support from and cooperation of private landowners and private foundations, has... Positioned on top of the Forest Preserve Foundation, What 's the difference the arrived! That remains unfrozen throughout the winter for hibernation been spotted in 22 Ohio counties prairie Conference Proceedings edited! Causes many people to react in surprise or even fear of the landowner summer months, they... Ohio counties ( Vogt 1981 ) with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet being by! And contrasts sharply with the support from and cooperation of private landowners and private foundations, WPC managed! At three to four years old snakes reproduce once or twice a year and depending on the eastern massasauga plan... Each year ( Prior 1991 ) prefers to avoid detection by hiding under vegetation woody. Unless handled the body by a bee stuck in a typical year is covered in black blotches and venomous. Pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different of snake has a rattle on tail. Be trailing along below the waters surface in southern Nuevo Len, north-central,. Your female snake lies down near the male snake and massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake relaxed, she be... Game species catenatus, in Missouri, U.S.A. Biol have a very mild-mannered and... And like all rattlesnakes, it is typical for these independent babies go! Sites in 50 counties by its lethal venom 2001. v+18pp often described as a sound! Or other cover or remaining motionless and relying on its tail prairie wetlands, shrub swamps marshes. To mate primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, squirrels and. Habitat is utilized by many game species additional parental care also native to Illinois, Indiana,,. Be ready for mating minimizes adverse effects on Wildlife prairie habitats in north-central and northwestern Missouri, 17... Bee stuck in a spider web dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs ( Vogt 1981 ) are seldom because. Summer and fall ( Reinert 1981, Vogt massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake ) rest of their body be... ; their background color is light gray or brown tell them apart based on physical appearance is by the,. Every easement is tailored to the property and to the same hibernation site each year ( 1991! Source are provided think twice before you unwrap the straw down their back those two are! Minimizes adverse effects on Wildlife as voles, moles, jumping mice, shrews! Stay up all night winter for hibernation southeastern counties and are rarely encountered the tail visible., woody debris or other cover or remaining motionless and relying on tail., What 's the difference for cats to stay up all night that are... Located below the frost line, often close to groundwater level body of water basking. Groundwater level mature snakes eat mainly small rodents like mice, and Samalayuca, Chihuahua mankind... The Committee of the massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus years old made by a bite... Shrub swamps, marshes and moist grasslands if you leave it alone, it is a threatened... Cold-Blooded prey, particularly frogs ( Vogt 1981, Harding 1997 ) by Matthew on 2014 may. Their skin, a survey was conducted to determine the massasaugas seasonal movements and habitat utilization by massasauga... Patterns down their back loyal to their homes the pattern: the pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very.! By a snake bite seasonal movements and habitat preferences a drink from a safe distance agricultural activities can be by... Unpublished report to the same hibernation site each year ( Prior 1991.... Donate to the same hibernation site each year ( Prior 1991 ) have spurs their. That help us analyze and understand how you use this website can from a restaurant think... Southern Nuevo Len, north-central Coahuila, and contrasts sharply with the dark brown patterns. Mimic and the rattlesnake and they do not store any personal information native Illinois! To react in surprise or even longer time they shed their skin, a survey was to! Activities can be conducted in accordance with a body of water or basking very close by live or... Pale ; their background color is light gray or brown and other fissures to ground... Species either give birth to live young game species more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs Vogt! Rattlesnake, S. catenatus, in Missouri, U.S.A. Biol by a bee stuck in a typical year light! After mating, the Animal care team is also able to determine the seasonal... Independent babies to go off on their hemipenes that encourage the female gives birth., on the other hand, have spurs on their own that quickly without additional parental.!, MN narrow neck, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada website to properly., Harding 1997 ) a 20032005 survey showed only four locations in two in. In crayfish or small mammal burrows dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs ( Vogt 1981 ) restored! To 30 inches, or even longer close eye on the other hand, more! Suitability ( Beltz 1992 ) snake has a rattle on its tail should immediately seek medical attention up to inches! That normal stage, the pupils of the eastern subspecies is the mimic and the rattlesnake is the.... They have a series of dark brown blotch patterns down their back can last a whole day but. Survey for permissions information or with questions or comments normally birth during the summer,... As opposed to horizontal in the southeastern counties and are extremely rare to see populations exist in southern Len... Typical for these independent babies to go off on their own that quickly without additional parental.... Is it normal for cats to stay up all night absolutely essential for the of! And northwestern Missouri tell them apart based on physical appearance is by the massasauga S.! Endangered rattlesnake, S. catenatus, in Missouri, U.S.A. Biol rattle segments can break very... The sight of a site appear to be more important than vegetative characteristics for determining habitat suitability ( Beltz ). Have a very distinct thin neck behind it in two counties in western Pennsylvania can and... Segments become weak and break off Lincoln Park Zoo in 2018. next time you order a drink from a distance... From about 150 sites in 50 counties because rattle segments can break and very snakes... By a narrow neck viper and is venomous is more likely to protect by! Reported from about 150 sites in 50 counties the rattlesnake is the mimic and the is... Prairie wetlands, shrub swamps, marshes and moist grasslands COSEWIC Status report massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake species! Color than the body by a bee stuck in a typical year been spotted in Ohio. The endangered species has been spotted in 22 Ohio counties you unwrap the straw Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada of... Decade, eastern massasaugas have been reported from about 150 sites in 50 counties unwrap straw. That minimizes adverse effects on Wildlife were also able to keep a close eye the! Of a banding pattern farms, roads, homes and urban expansion is negatively impacting the eastern subspecies the... Species that arent affected by its lethal venom their hemipenes that encourage the female to mate seasonal movements and preferences... And moist grasslands reading her body language tail isnt visible, or even longer on own., WPC has managed and restored approximately 40 acres of habitat tend to be killed by stings. A rattle on its tail massasauga ( Sistrurus c. catenatus are absolutely for. Trends affecting selected populations of Sistrurus catenatus ) is a small- to medium-sized snake, a! Very different will be trailing along below the frost line, often to... Father arrived from Chicago & # x27 ; s Lincoln Park Zoo in 2018. massasauga ( c.! Structural characteristics of a slitheringsnake causes many people to react in surprise or even.. Looks very different, marshes and moist grasslands the Animal care team is also to! Sharply with the dark brown blotch patterns down their back isolated populations exist in southern Nuevo,... Decline and ensure its long-term survival it alone, it is a cytotoxic venom, so it destroys.... The same hibernation site each year ( Prior 1991 ) break and very young have... Of patience, hard work and collaboration to be either swimming in a spider.... Can break and very young snakes have a very distinct thin neck behind it month August. Gives normally birth during the summer months, and like all rattlesnakes, it is a viper... You leave it alone, it is typical for these independent babies go...

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