The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging the public not to harm, harass, or attempt to capture the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, following a snakebite incident last month at a state park in Oakland County.
On July 21, a 41-year-old man was bitten by an eastern massasauga while trying to photograph the snake at a boat launch in the Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township. He was hospitalized but was expected to recover.
The eastern massasauga is Michigan’s only venomous native snake, and its bite is painful but rarely fatal. Between 25% and 50% of bites are “dry bites,” meaning no venom is delivered. According to Amy Bleisch, a DNR endangered species biologist, there have been no confirmed human deaths from an eastern massasauga bite in Michigan in over 100 years.
Because the species is listed as threatened at both the state and federal level, it is illegal to pursue, harass, wound, kill, or capture one. Violating the Endangered Species Act can result in up to a year in prison and a $50,000 fine.
State officials say some park visitors have been leaving trails and trampling wetland vegetation while searching for the snakes, and some have threatened to kill them on sight.
“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.”
Anyone bitten should remain calm, remove rings, watches, or bracelets before swelling begins, and seek medical attention immediately by calling 911. Ice, tourniquets, cutting the wound, or applying suction should be avoided.
The eastern massasauga is tan or gray with dark brown splotches resembling a bowtie, and grows 18 to 30 inches long. Its tail ends in a segmented rattle that produces a high-pitched, buzzing sound. The species is declining globally due to habitat loss and illegal collection, and Michigan is considered a global stronghold for the snake, with core populations in Lower Peninsula wetlands and on Bois Blanc and Mackinac islands.
It is also illegal to keep an eastern massasauga as a pet. Bleisch said supporting the illegal pet trade encourages poachers to remove animals 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.
Those who spot a massasauga should stay at least 3 feet away, outside the snake’s 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.”
