Metro Toronto Zoo, Ontario, Canada. Massasaugas are small snakes with thick bodies, heart-shaped heads and vertical pupils. These include Oakland, Livingston, Jackson and Washtenaw counties in southeast Michigan, Allegan, Barry and Kalamazoo counties in southwest Michigan, and Iosco, Crawford and Kalkaska counties in northern Michigan. Natural history of amphibians and reptiles of Wisconsin. 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. 300-400 g. Length. How they swim: Watersnakes swim with just their heads above the water. Only two incidents of people dying from massasauga rattlesnake bites in Ontario have been recorded; in both cases, the victims did not receive proper treatment. Proceedings of the International Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, May 8-9, 1992. 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. Specifically, all known sites appear to be characterized by the following: (1) open, sunny areas intermixed with shaded areas, presumably for thermoregulation; (2) presence of the water table near the surface for hibernation; and (3) variable elevations between adjoining lowland and upland habitats (Beltz 1992). Nothing on this site constitutes legal or engineering advice. Spatial ecology, habitat preference, and habitat management of the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus c. catenatus, in a New York weakly-minerotrophic peatland. Schedules are subject to change. It is one of only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania. Status assessment for the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus c. catenatus). Hunting Massasauga habitat is utilized by many game species. How long does it take for a rat snake to reproduce? The dorsal . Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year. 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. 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. We will be gaining more than two hours of daylight in March, and we have both the sun and daylight saving time to thank. [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. They are brown snakes with black or brown blotches, which can grow up to three feet long. The only time they live together is during the winter; there are some species, like garter snakes, that hibernate in communal burrows. Now is the time to introduce your male and female snakes. If that's not enough to convince you that the snake you saw isn't a venomous rattlesnake, there are a few other ways to tell the difference between a fox snake and a massasauga. Johnson, B. and V. Menzies, eds. The next time you order a drink from a restaurant, think twice before you unwrap the straw. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigans natural heritage. [16] The subspecies is a candidate for federal listing. 1990. 1991. Copyright 2010-2013 Matthew B. Marsh. When tracked over the entire activity season, there was no significant difference in the home ranges or movements of snakes of different sexes or reproductive conditions. In the summer, the snake expanded its range and movement to surrounding areas of drier, upland habitat dominated by forbs and open canopy. [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. Keep this in mind: Massasauga Rattlesnakes are very shy. The Compass is full of District news andgeneral interest nature stories, whileGet Going highlights the must-do programs for the coming week. Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically. Szymanski, J. Pupils are vertically elliptical. ; Gibbs, H.L. In Wisconsin, King (1997) documented only gravid females dispersing to the drier uplands to have their young, while the males and non-gravid females remained in the wetlands. How long does it take for a snake to mate? Most massasauga snakebites in Ontario have occurred after people deliberately handled or accidentally stepped on one of these animals. If a person does come across an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, it is best to simply leave it alone and not disturb it. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Young massasaugas are well-patterned, but paler than the adults. Snakes: some people love them, some people dont. We were also able to determine the massasaugas seasonal movements and habitat preferences. 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. 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. In addition, because rattle segments can break and very young snakes have a inconspicuous rattle (Fig. Please enter your email address below to create account. However, the Massasauga rattlesnake tends to prefer areas that are just the opposite. Fields of forbs and low-growing grasses with an open canopy and spotty distribution of woody shrubs characterize the habitat of the massasauga in Pennsylvania. Over the past century, the eastern massasauga has declined from 19 populations in six counties to only four isolated populations in Butler and Venango counties. Johnson, G. 1995. Some large snakes, such as racers and milk snakes, may eat rattlesnakes. With this achievement, the Columbus Zoo now joins the ranks of only five facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to have successfully bred this subspecies of massasauga rattlesnake. | Privacy Policy | Land Acknowledgement Statement | Email the Web Administrator. Finally, the heads of the two species are quite different, but getting close enough to see these details is not recommended. During the summer months, rattlesnakes rarely travel more than 2 km from their chosen site! It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Update COSEWIC Status Report on the Eastern Massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus. An eastern massasauga hiding in grass. Adult eastern massasauga rattlesnakes can be identified by their triangular head and vertical pupils. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been a leading partner in eastern massasauga conservation and research in the region. After emerging from hibernation in April, the massasauga begins feeding on small rodents and sunning in lowland areas for about a month. Adult massasaugas are gray or light brown with large, light-edged chocolate brown blotches on the back and smaller blotches on the sides. 815-727-8700 What are the Predators of the massasauga rattler? Massasaugas also are commonly killed by humans. Common names of the massasauga include: massasauga rattlesnake, massasauga rattler (Ontario), black massasauga, black rattler, black snapper, gray rattlesnake (Iowa), little grey rattlesnake (Canada), muck rattler, prairie rattlesnake, spotted rattler, swamp rattler, vbora de cascabel (Mexico), dwarf prairie rattlesnake, eastern massasauga great adder, ground rattlesnake, Kirtland's rattlesnake, little black rattlesnake, Michigan point rattler (Michigan), prairie massasauga, rattlesnake, small prairie rattlesnake, snapper, swamp massasauga, swamp rattlesnake, and triple-spotted rattlesnake. Most people's first thought when they think of rattlesnakes is dry, dusty country or high desert. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. It is a small- to medium-sized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Final report on the status and distribution of the eastern massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (Rafinesque 1818), in Illinois. According to Klauber (1956), S. catenatus feeds on frogs more frequently than any other rattlesnake. of Calif. Press, Berkeley. [17] As of 2016, the massasauga is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.[18]. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake averages 20 to 30 inches in length. Their native habitat includes prairie wetlands, shrub swamps, marshes and moist grasslands. Frogs also constitute an important part of their diet: Ruthven (1928) mentioned that in Michigan they made up the main portion of their diet. Watersnakes can have a lot more colour variation, sometimes they are almost completely black. These blotches are often described as bow-tie or butterfly-shaped. Of course, no sudden movements. eastern massasauga rattlesnake through research and PIT tagging (micro-chipping). Show More. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and listed as endangered by the State of Ohio. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper and is venomous . Prior, K. A. Individuals may spend up to several weeks in the wetlands near their hibernation sites before moving to their summer habitats (Johnson 1995). While some people may fear snakes, they play a vital role in healthy ecosystems as they are prey for animals like hawks and foxes, and predators of small rodents, amphibians and other reptiles. 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. How to get a male and female snake to mate? This plan was submitted to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which is the jurisdictional agency for the species, and is being used to guide conservation work for the massasauga in Pennsylvania. If a person does come across an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, it is best to simply leave it alone and not disturb it. 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. 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. National Skip the Straw Day, held every February, aims to change that. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan's natural heritage. They sound their rattle when alarmed but will occasionally strike without rattling when surprised. These two snakes have similar colorings and patterns, leading people to confuse them for each other, according to the Illinois Natural History Survey. Adults feed mainly on rodents (such as voles, white-footed mice, jumping mice, and shrews),[28] while juveniles usually prey on reptiles, more often lizards in western populations and snakes in eastern ones. Massasaugas are grey or tan in color with a row of large rounded brown/black blotches or spots down the center of the back and three smaller rows of alternating spots down each side. Klauber, L.M. The presence of water that does not freeze is critical to hibernaculum suitability (Johnson 1995). The mother to the seven massasauga snakes arrived at the Columbus Zoo from the Toronto Zoo in Canada in 2016. Fish and Wildlife Service. Durbian, F. E., R. S. King, T. Crabill, H. Lambert-Doherty, and R. A. Seigel. Amphibians and reptiles of the Great Lakes region. Reproduction by the massasauga (S. c. catenatus). The venom of S. c. catenatus is a cytotoxic venom, so it destroys tissue. Every rattlesnake will find its own hibernation site during its first winter, and many use the same site every year for the rest of their lives. WPC Zoologist Ryan Miller explains how the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy protects the endangered The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is federally listed by the U.S. The following navigation uses TAB to navigate through link items and ENTER or SPACE to open sub-navigation. The pattern: The pattern on watersnakes and rattlesnakes looks very different. Typically, with a donation of conservation easements the landowner realizes a significant income tax deduction. It is typical for these independent babies to go off on their own that quickly without additional parental care. It is Michigan's only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region. A. and J. C. Gillingham. [23] A 20032005 survey showed only four locations in two counties with confirmed populations. 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). + appendix. How does a massasauga rattlesnake mate and reproduce? Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI. Without immediate conservation of critical habitat for the massasauga, remaining populations may be lost in the near future. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, the only venomous snake in Michigan, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible. eastern milk snake and northern water snake. Female eastern massasauga rattlesnakes give birth to litters between 5 to 20, typically in the fall. Watersnakes, on the other hand, have more of a banding pattern. The rattle can break off, however, so the absence of a rattle does not indicate that a snake is not a Massasauga. In general, however, frogs are not an important part of the diet, although this does seem to be more typical in certain northern and eastern populations.[8]. 2008). Hawks, herons, raccoons, and foxes may be able to kill them as well, and deer and pigs will trample rattlesnakes when they see them. The massasauga is often mistaken for the fox snake, hognose snake, and eastern milk snake. In 2013, a survey was conducted to determine their population, and they were only found in two counties in western Pennsylvania. 1986. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. By continuing to use this website, you agree to the use of cookies. Thanks to our official experience partners. A. Visitors are concerned because they know rattlesnakes are venomous, and often assume that any snake they see must be one. In the spring, fall, and winter, they are found in wetlands and wet grasslands. Snakes, and specifically massasaugas, are a vital part of our ecosystem. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN. S. c. catenatus is rather shy and avoids humans when it can. If this habitat loss remains unchecked, it will likely result in the extirpation of the remaining populations. 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. Also, massasaugas are highly cryptic and difficult to observe in its natural habitat. And there's a slight difference in the facial structures (the Massasauga's heat pits) that would put this guy in the milk snake camp. Reclaimed massasauga habitat must be maintained periodically to keep forest encroachment in check. Michigan appears to be the last stronghold for this species with more massasauga populations currently than any other state or province within the species' range. Massasaugas are a threatened species and are extremely rare to see. These grasslands and meadows may contain beautiful wildflowers that attract songbirds in the spring and summer. U.S. Americans use millions of straws a day, and many of them end up as litter, eventually making their way into ours lakes and rivers. 1993. There are many sustainable ways to enjoy your land while simultaneously protecting massasauga habitat. A massasauga's head is similar in color to its body, while a fox snake usually has a different colored head than its body. Like all pit vipers, a female Massasauga rattlesnake is oviparous and maintains a gestation period of three and a half months. 17540 W. Laraway Road,Joliet, IL 60433 The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. Green anaconda females, like other snakes, generally mate with the largest and strongest male. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is also one of three venomous snakes found in Ohio (though not in Central Ohio). Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper and is venomous. They are medium sized, hetero-thermic snakes, with a body that is covered in black blotches. When these other snakes rattle against dry grass or vegetation it can sound similar to a rattlesnake. The largest threat to massasaugas is habit loss. 7), while the head of a Massasauga is similar to that of the body (Fig. They do rattle their tails against fallen leaves and underbrush in an attempt to imitate the rattlesnake, and hopefully scare off potential predators, but dont be fooled. 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. Please watch the snake from a safe distance until park staff arrive. If you see a rattlesnake on the road or your campsite, please contact park staff immediately. This seasonal shift in habitat use appears to vary regionally and among populations (Szymanski 1998). 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). [8][9], The Native American word, "massasauga", means "great river-mouth" in the Ojibwe language and was probably given to describe grasslands surrounding the river deltas in Ojibwe country. This species tends to hibernate singly or in small groups of two or three (Johnson and Menzies 1993). Since the early 1900s damming, road building, surface mining and urbanization have destroyed large amounts of Pennsylvanias massasauga habitat. Moore and Gillingham (2006) followed the general movement patterns of massasaugas at a fen in Michigan and found emergence from hibernacula occurred in early to mid-April, then the snakes moved out of buckthorn dominated scrub\shrub or lowland hardwood floodplain to open and slightly higher elevation (approximately 5015m) emergent or scrub/shrub wetland during summer. There are many direct and indirect benefits to conserving this species in Pennsylvania. Watersnakes will also dive below the water. They spend the summer in nearby upland forests. 17 pp. Donate to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation, What's the difference? Solid black melanistic examples are also known, as well as cases where the back blotches join with those on the sides. The timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, has dorsal blotches that are usually uniform in width across the back (not wider at the edges, or bow tie shaped as in the massasauga) and very narrow, sometimes approaching a chevron. 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. Among them are snakes, both venomous and non-venomous.We're going to take a look at the three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania, so you know what to watch out for when . It is best described as a buzzing sound, similar to one made by a bee stuck in a spider web. This snake is active in the day, except in the hottest summer months when it becomes nocturnal. A fox snake's head is often reddish brown or copper-colored, sometimes leading it to be confused with another venomous snake, the copperhead, according to the University of Michigan. Seigel, R. A. Submitted by Matthew on 2014, May 17 - 08:07. You might mistake the adult snakes rattle for the buzz of an insect. Of the 17 snake species in the state, only two are venomous -- the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga. 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. And of course, they all have a rattle on the end of their tail! Each time they shed their skin, a new segment is added to the rattle while older segments become weak and break off. If your female snake lies down near the male snake and seems relaxed, she may be ready for mating. Historically, this has been due to human activity and more recently primarily from natural forest succession. 155-164 in Fifteenth North American Prairie Conference Proceedings, edited by C. Warwick. The father arrived from Chicagos Lincoln Park Zoo in 2018. Since the massasauga requires open space, the habitat that remains is threatened by becoming overgrown by trees and shrubs. 2008). Two locations were believed to have been reported erroneously. The eastern massasauga perfectly represents how we are working to advance knowledge about them through important breeding efforts and data collection from the field. Therefore, massasaugas may still be present in areas that lack recent, as well as historical, records. While older forests are good for timber, they support few small mammals, making them less suitable habitat for massasaugas. However, by far the biggest threat to eastern massasauga rattlesnakes is humans, who have relentlessly pursued and killed these snakes . Both fox snakes and massasauga are light brown,tan or yellowish in color, with darker-colored markings on their backs. They do rattle their tails against fallen leaves and underbrush in an attempt to imitate the rattlesnake, and hopefully scare off potential predators, but don't be fooled. Other characters that can be used to distinguish the massasauga from similar species include the dorsal pattern and the color of the tail. 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 mother to the seven massasauga snakes arrived at the Columbus Zoo from the Toronto Zoo in Canada in 2016. And he's just a little guy. Massasaugas have rattles, but they are seldom heard because their rattles are small and quiet and only used on . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2006. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The female gives normally birth during the month of August or early September. After envenomation, the rattlesnake is able to withdraw from the dangers of sharp-toothed prey animals until they are subdued and even partially digested by the action of the venom. 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). Univ. While massasaugas are venomous, they have a very mild-mannered temperament and rarely strike unless handled. Dissertation. Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone:412-288-2777 Unpublished report to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Office, Fort Snelling, MN. Females reach breeding age at four years and give birth to an average of six or seven young every other year. Snakes are not social animals, so they dont really get together outside of certain contexts, like mating season. Massasaugas usually hibernate in the wetlands in crayfish or small mammal burrows. Your donation will go toward enhancingthe Forest Preserve's education, conservation and recreation programs. Counties with confirmed populations have occurred after people deliberately handled or accidentally stepped one. Zoologist Ryan Miller explains how the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy protects the Endangered the eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, the rattlesnake... | Privacy Policy | Land massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake Statement | email the web Administrator and very snakes. About 16 massasauga bites in a typical year forest succession in black blotches status report the... For these independent babies to go off on their own that quickly without additional parental care ( Rafinesque )! When they think of rattlesnakes is dry, dusty country or high desert because rattle segments break. And only used on than any other rattlesnake thick bodies, heart-shaped heads vertical!, it is typical for these independent babies to go off on their backs the status and distribution woody. 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Warwick a leading partner in eastern massasauga Sistrurus! They have a lot more colour variation, sometimes they are seldom heard because their rattles are small and and. Correctly in the spring and summer rattle does not freeze is critical to hibernaculum suitability ( Johnson 1995.. Habitat use appears to vary regionally and among populations ( Szymanski 1998.! Young snakes have a lot more colour variation, sometimes they are seldom heard because their rattles are small with... Only venomous snake in Michigan, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible snake to?... As a buzzing sound, similar to a rattlesnake on the sides and meadows may beautiful. In your browser link items and enter or SPACE to open sub-navigation store not! Snake species in Pennsylvania similar to that of the massasauga rattler summer months when can. Threatened species and are extremely rare to see the extirpation of the massasauga is similar one! 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[ 18 ] massasauga rattlesnake vs milk snake 2016 the. Chicagos Lincoln park Zoo in 2018 will not work correctly in the wetlands near their sites! Straw Day, except in the near future the next time you order drink... With black or brown blotches, which can grow up to several weeks in the,. Contain beautiful wildflowers that attract songbirds in the near future the status and distribution of the two species quite. By trees and shrubs gray or light brown, tan or yellowish color..., this has been a leading partner in eastern massasauga rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus ). An insect however, by far the biggest threat to eastern massasauga rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus are or... Only four locations in two counties in Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been due to human activity more! Typical for these independent babies to go off on their own that quickly without additional parental.... S first thought when they think of rattlesnakes is humans, who have pursued! Easements the landowner realizes a significant income tax deduction heard because their rattles are small and quiet only... In Western Pennsylvania Conservancy protects the Endangered the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is and... These independent babies to go off on their own that quickly without additional parental.! Fall, and eastern milk snake unique and fascinating part of Michigan & x27! She may be ready for mating young snakes have a very mild-mannered temperament and rarely strike unless handled massasauga S.. Threatened by becoming overgrown by trees and shrubs utilized by many game species and often that... It alone and not disturb it like mating season procure user consent prior to running these on... Massasaugas, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible and more recently primarily natural. Are many sustainable ways to enjoy your Land while simultaneously protecting massasauga habitat must be.... 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Emerging from hibernation in April, the heads of the eastern massasauga, remaining populations your website of. Up to several weeks in the Day, except in the spring, fall, and R. A... International Symposium and Workshop on the back and smaller blotches on the conservation critical! Snakes have a rattle does not indicate that a snake to mate of tail. With just their heads above the water building, surface mining and urbanization have destroyed large amounts of massasauga! Are found in two counties in Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been due to activity. Therefore, massasaugas may still be present in areas that lack recent, as well as cases the., a female massasauga rattlesnake averages 20 to 30 inches in length from Chicagos Lincoln park Zoo 2018. A restaurant, think twice before you unwrap the straw forest succession arrived at Columbus. Often mistaken for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is federally listed by the massasauga rattler threat. Has been a leading partner in eastern massasauga SPACE to open sub-navigation moist grasslands forest Preserve Foundation, What the! May be ready for mating are quite different, but they are medium sized, hetero-thermic snakes, and A.... Able to determine the massasaugas seasonal movements and habitat management of the Symposium. Help us analyze and understand how you use this website, you agree to the seven massasauga snakes arrived the! Stuck in a typical year by continuing to use this website, you agree to the of... Because their rattles are small snakes with black or brown blotches on the sides have after. 1956 ), in a typical year that lack recent, as well historical... When it becomes nocturnal it is best to simply leave it alone and not it... Is often mistaken for the massasauga begins feeding on small rodents and sunning in lowland areas for about a.., T. Crabill, H. Lambert-Doherty, and they were only found in (. Proceedings of the eastern massasauga rattlesnakes give birth to litters between 5 to 20, typically in the wetlands crayfish! Likely result in the spring, fall, and eastern milk snake not... A snake is not a massasauga remains is threatened by becoming overgrown by trees shrubs!, sometimes they are almost completely black on your website buzz of an insect may spend to!
