#massasauga

Western Massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus), family Viperidae, Kansas, USA

Venomous.

First round of zoo pics! The reptile house was so fun. I could have sat there all day ❤️

February 15, 2020

Love your rattlin' neighbors and leave them be to do their rattlin' things 🐍❤

The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is one of three venomous snakes found in New York.

These docile snakes depend on wet habitats like wet prairies, marshes, and low areas along rivers and lakes for food and shelter. As reptiles, they also need drier, open places to bask in the sun to help control their body temperature. These are especially important for pregnant females. Loss of wetland habitat with areas free of trees and shrubs has contributed to the massasauga's decline. Thanks to research and funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, however, habitat restoration projects are underway! Recently, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation cleared 32 acres of habitat for the snake. Surveys have already found juvenile snakes in the area! This joint effort between the Service and NYSDEC provides hope that the snake’s existing habitat will support it into the future.

Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), mother and pups, family Viperidae, found int he Great Lakes area of the US and Canada

Venomous.