The venom of a massasauga is more toxic than that of most other rattlesnakes, but the amount it injects is relatively small compared to those snakes. These venom-less bites, called dry-bites, occur in about 25 percent (and possibly as high as 50 percent) of all rattlesnake bites.
How can you tell an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake?
Adult massasaugas are gray or light brown with large, light-edged chocolate brown blotches on the back and smaller blotches on the sides. Young snakes have the same markings, but are more vividly colored. Other snakes that look similar include the fox snake, milk snake and hognose snake.
How many Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes are left?
We have information indicating that 267 of the historical populations still exist today. Most of those populations are in Michigan and Ontario, Canada. New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa have fewer populations.
What do you do if a massasauga rattlesnake bites you?
One quarter of all rattlesnake bites are ‘dry’ bites. Stay calm and reduce movement. Remove jewelry on the affected limb. Call emergency services (911) and get to a hospital as quickly and safely as possible.
Where can you find Massasauga rattlesnakes?
The massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a rattlesnake species found in midwestern North America from southern Ontario to northern Mexico and parts of the United States in between. Three subspecies are currently recognized including the nominate subspecies described here.
Do Massasauga rattlesnakes swim?
They tend to be either swimming in a body of water or basking very close by. They even catch their food – frogs, tadpoles, and even fish – in the water. Rattlesnakes — while they can swim — are less likely to be out on open water, and are usually found basking on rocks or in forests farther inland.
Where can I get a massasauga rattlesnake?
Where it’s been found in Ontario. In Canada, the Massasauga is found only in Ontario, primarily along the eastern side of Georgian Bay and on the Bruce Peninsula. Two small populations are also found in the Wainfleet Bog on the northeast shore of Lake Erie and near Windsor.
Do all Massasauga rattlesnakes have rattles?
All Massasaugas are stout-bodied snakes with triangular-shaped heads. And of course, they all have a rattle on the end of their tail! The rattle is actually a series of interlocking scale segments, which make a buzzing noise when the tail is vibrated.
Can Massasauga rattlesnakes swim?
Do Canadian hospitals have antivenom?
Antivenom available at eight locations across Ontario – My Parry Sound Now.
Are water snakes in Ontario poisonous?
The Lake Erie Watersnake is not venomous. The only venomous snake in Ontario is the Massassauga rattlesnake, which is a reclusive snake that would rather flee than bite. Lake Erie Watersnakes can be a paler colour than watersnakes found elsewhere in Ontario.
Where is the Massasauga rattlesnake found?
Ontario
Where it’s been found in Ontario. In Canada, the Massasauga is found only in Ontario, primarily along the eastern side of Georgian Bay and on the Bruce Peninsula. Two small populations are also found in the Wainfleet Bog on the northeast shore of Lake Erie and near Windsor.
How big can an eastern diamondback rattlesnake get?
The eastern diamondback is a large, heavy-bodied rattlesnake. Adults can grow to an average 3-6 feet in length and can weigh up to 10 pounds. The background color is brown, tan or yellow with brown diamonds down the back which are outlined in cream.
How long is the adult eastern diamondback rattlesnake?
The eastern diamondback is the largest rattlesnake in the world. Although outlandish stories exaggerating the size of this snake are often told, here are the facts: adults are 4-5 feet in length. Large snakes are 6 feet long with a maximum length probably under 8 feet.
What is the eastern diamondback rattlesnake adaptation?
SAVING THE EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake — the largest rattlesnake in the world — has amazing adaptations for capturing prey (but poses little threat to humans). Each snake is equipped with a pair of long, curved, hollow fangs that connect with venom glands and fold within the mouth when not in use.
