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The
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
A misunderstood reptile
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Did
you know that there are only three members of the pit viper family
in Canada and that one of these venomous reptiles makes its home
in Ontario? The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is a misunderstood
creature especially with the recent media hype about snake bites.
So let us
demystify this unique reptile. The Eastern Massasauga is named
for the Indian word that translates as great river mouth and is
where the snake was typically found. Now you will find the Massasauga
in only a few areas; Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula, the
Wainfleet Bog near Port Colbourne and the Ojibway Prairie Complex
at Windsor. Because of the loss of habitat the snake is now on
the endangered species list.
They are timid
creatures and sightings can be rare. The bite statistics show
an average of two bites per year. This year there were four bites
in a short period which was why the snake received some negative
media attention. The unfortunate side effect was intentional killings
of this normally shy snake. The intentional killings upset me
especially when the survival of this snake is precariously hanging
in the balance. There have only been two human deaths in Ontario
due to snake bite and that was more than 40 years ago. The deaths
occurred because of lack of medical treatment.
 Sistrurus
catenatus catenatus as he is called in Latin means rattle,
tail and chain. The snake has a chained pattern on his back and
a relatively wide head. He has a fairly wide body as well, something
not common with most Ontario snakes. His tails has a brown rattle
which is helpful when trying to determine the identity of the
reptile who is often confused with the Eastern Hognose Snake.
A young rattlesnake
has a button instead of a rattle and occasionally the rattle can
be broken off. When they shed their skin another button is left
eventually forming the rattle which they use as a warning system.
The rattling of the tail is not an indication that it is about
to strike but merely a request that it be left alone. A rattlesnake
would prefer not to have to interact.
The snake
has an unusual feature, heat sensing pits below the eyes. This
is why it is part of the pit viper family. The pits help it find
and identify prey even on the darkest night. The pupils of his
eyes are similar to that of my cat thus improving night vision.
The Massasauga has a black belly with whitish yellow marks. Because
of the chain pattern on the back this snake can blend very well
into the natural surroundings.
Of course,
like many snakes, the Eastern Massasauga has a forked tongue,
and an internal ear that helps it gather sensory information.
The venom not only helps disable prey but also aids in the digestion
of the meal. The snake can move each of his fangs separately and
they actually lie flat when not in use. Rattlesnakes are born
with venom and the ability to strike.
Massasaugas
only migrate about 1 km and tend to hibernate in wet or rocky
areas. They will live in a solitary hibernaculum for the winter
usually a rocky crevice or animal burrow and the hibernate in
late October or early November.
Snake bites
can occur so caution must be exercised. An important key is to
know what the snake looks like. Of course one should wear hiking
boots and pants when traveling in the snake's habitat. If you
do disturb the snake or hear his rattle then back away from him
so that he has room to move along freely. Don't pick up the snake
or disturb it and never kill an Eastern Massaauga. It is a protected
species and killing it is illegal.
Be sure to
read the guide at www.massasauga.ca
If you see
an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake please enjoy the sight from
a safe distance and report the sighting to
Natural Heritage
Information Centre
Ministry of Natural Resources
300 Water Street, 2nd Floor, North Tower
Peterborough, ON Canada
K9J 8M5
Telephone:
705-755-2159
Special thanks
to Darlene Upton for providing photographs and pertinent information
on the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake.
For more information
visit The Great Georgian
Bay Reptile Awareness Program
For
more articles please view the archives.
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