It uses venom injected through long, hollow, retractable fangs to kill and begin digesting its prey. Massasauga rattlesnake is a species of venomous snake occurring in the midwestern north america. Massasaugas are primarily diurnal ambush predators that wait motionless for unsuspecting prey, but some active foraging may occur ernst and ernst 2003. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake us fish and wildlife service. The desert massasauga, sistrurus catenatus edwardsii, inhabits xeric grasslands from western texas to southeastern arizona and occurs in. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in canada. In the ojibway language, massasauga means mouth of river, an appropriate.
For official map representation of provincial parks, visit ontarios crown land use policy atlas. Massasauga rattlesnake georgian bay biosphere reserve. Pdf population viability assessment for the eastern. Eastern massasauga species guidance 2 puber7 last updated may 7, 2019 catenatus tergeminus, and the desert massasauga. This morning, ron pittaway and i were thrilled to see this robust massasauga rattlesnake near the shoreline of georgian bay in muskoka.
As of april 25, 2020, provincial parks and conservation reserves are closed to the public for all recreational activities until may 31, 2020. They arent a very rattling rattlesnake, said joanne earnhardt, a population biologist at. The massasauga provincial park is a provincial park in parry sound district, ontario, canada, stretching from the town of parry sound south to the moon river. Predicted road mortality was set as the observed postmitigation mortality n5 and the potential number of massasauga road mortalities had mitigation not been. The massasauga provincial park is a park in ontario and has an elevation of 184 meters. This image shows what groups the massasauga falls into, but if you read on, youll learn about why its in those groups. 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. A small up to 550 mm or 22 in total length excluding rattle light silvergray to graybrown rattlesnake.
The eyes have vertical, catlike pupils and the head is shaped like a spade, though it is not as wide as the heads of other rattlesnakes in iowa. Pdf population viability assessment for the eastern massasauga. The park encompasses hundreds of islands on the coast of georgian bay and many inland lakes including clear lake and spider lake. Scientists round up eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in illinois. The massasauga sistrurus catenatus is a stoutbodied, relatively small rattlesnake that feeds primarily on small mammals. Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii that make up the rest of the massasaugas range.
The eastern massasauga, a rare sight for most michigan residents, has been declining due to fragmentation and loss of wetland habitat. Jun 27, 2014 although one person has already been bitten this summer by the massasauga rattlesnake, experts say the timid snake poses little threat. It is the only venomous snake species in ontario, and although its venom is. Ontario ministry of natural resources parry sound nature club. The only venomous snake in ontario, the massasauga rattlesnake resides mainly in the eastern georgian bay area and the bruce peninsula. The massasauga rattler consists of three subspecies. A row of faded, softedged blotches lines each side. General coloration is light gray to dark gray, with rows of dark to light brown blotches down the middle of the back and along both sides. The massasauga rattlesnake is the provinces only poisonous snake and. Lawrence population is currently listed as threatened and the massasauga rattlesnakes carolinan population is listed as endangered under the ontario endangered species act, 2007 and threatened under the federal species at risk act. Massasauga sistrurus catenatus reptiles of arizona. Guidelines for identifying significant habitat, and significant wildlife habitat, for the massasauga in eastern georgian bay and bruce peninsula populations, ontario. Large, oval, crispedged, dark brown blotches line the back. The general appearance of the eastern massasauga can vary, with some individuals having brown blotches on a gray background and others being almost completely black in color.
The massasauga may be totally black but is more commonly gray or tan with rows. According to an estimate, the total number of classes of venomous snakes it about 600 in total and the fatal encounters take thousands of lives each year. Massasauga rattlesnake general habitat description ontario. It is ontarios only venomous snake, though it will only bite in selfdefence if it is threatened or harassed. The prairie massasauga is a mediumsized, dark rattlesnake with a short, thick body. Derived from the chippewa language, massasauga translates to great rivermouth and probably. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake sistrurus catenatus. You may imagine the massasauga to be a vicious serpent, ready to strike. Species status assessment for the eastern massasauga. View an interactive map of the known ranges of massasauga rattlesnakes in ontario. Page 1 genetics of desert massasauga in texas genetic determination of the desert massasauga distribution in texas a report to texas parks and wildlife department for the wildlife conservation grants program wade a. It is assessed as threatened by the committee on the status of endangered wildlife in canada cosewic due to a historical population decline, continued habitat fragmentation and loss, and human persecution, and is listed as threatened on. Genetic determination of the desert massasauga distribution in texas.
Massasauga,sistrurus catenatus species at risk public registry. In 2011, results from a genetic analysis of the subspecies within. In first nations traditions, the massasauga rattlesnake is the medicine keeper of the land a reminder to tread lightly and to take only what we need. It is ontario s only venomous snake, though it will only bite in selfdefence if it is threatened or harassed. Nrcs activities to benefit massasauga rattlesnakes focus on the protection of existing wetlands, restoration of drained or manipulated wetlands, and enhancing the wildlife habitat of nearby areas. Why ontarios only venomous snake is more scared of us. The slithering creatures which we know as snakes are one of the oldest species of the world. Click the image to view the classification from the class level on down to the subspecies level. It is grey, tan or light brown with dark brown, bowtie shaped blotches on its back and is often confused with other banded or blotched ontario snakes. As ontarios only remaining venomous reptile, the massasauga rattlesnake has faced widespread persecution, despite the fact that it poses little threat to public safety.
For official map representation of provincial parks, visit ontario s crown land use policy atlas. The striking dark greybrown stripes, that contrast beautifully against a light skin tone, make this venomous snake one of the most exotic reptiles to come across. Massasauga sistrurus catenatus catenatus wildlife home. Workshop, attendants meet the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the fox snake, the milk snake, the largest snake in ontario. There are three recognized subspecies of this species. Welcome to the massasauga provincial park ontario parks. This graphic shows some of the closer relatives of the massasauga rattlesnake and its subspecies. Guidelines for identifying important massasauga rattlesnake habitat are. Scientists round up eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in.
Eastern massasaugas are becoming increasingly rare in north america and are now endangered. This morning, ron pittaway and i were thrilled to see this robust massasauga rattlesnake near the shoreline of. Please submit your application as a single pdf or ms word file attachment and include in the email subject heading massasauga field assistant. Species action plan eastern massasauga natural diversity section june 2011 page 2 pennsylvania specimens examined by reinert 1978 was a male measuring 70. It is michigans only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the great lakes region. The name massasauga comes from the language of the chippewa tribe of native americans. The geographical range of sisturus catenatus is a patchy and which stretches across the united states and canada. A resource and field guide for living with rattlesnakes in ontario.
Below that row there are two additional rows of crispedged, dark. Massasauga, coluber and other snakes beautiful and deadly. Lawrence population pdf read the report carolinian population pdf what it looks like. Some snake species are often misidentified as rattlesnakes and are killed by humans out of fear. Population viability assessment for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake sistrurus catenatus catenatus on the bruce peninsula, ontario, canada article pdf available.
The massasauga sistrurus catenatus is a rattlesnake species found in midwestern north. Map of the proposed metapopulation structure of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes across the northern portions. This is because of bad stories or rumors about a species that is in reality very shy and secretive. Application deadline is midnight april 23, 2018, however applications will be assessed as they are submitted. This designation legally protects the massasauga from being harassed, captured, killed, bought, or sold. We humans or homo sapiens dont talk good about the serpents or reptiles sure as snakes. The eastern massasauga is one of two rattlesnakes and one of three venomous snakes that are native to ohio. Despite being a venomous species, they are quite timid. Massasauga, sistrurus catenatus, small north american rattlesnake of the family viperidae, found in prairies, swamps, and woodlands from the great lakes to arizona. This rattlesnake is capable of delivering potent venom. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, and like all pit vipers, it is venomous. Massasauga rattlesnake range map in orange goals and objectives for massasauga rattlesnakes. The plan reflects this ministrys intent to protect natural and.
The massasauga provincial park map ontario mapcarta. It is a small to mediumsized snake, with adult lengths averaging 2 to 3 feet. Why ontario s only venomous snake is more scared of us. The official name for the park is now the massasauga provincial park.
Hibbitts, gary voelker institute of renewable natural resources. With its western extreme in southeastern arizona, the massasauga is found through many of the midwestern states and is present as far east as portions of new york and adjacent canada. Blotches on the back become bands near the tail, which is tipped by a small rattle. Why ontarios only venomous snake is more scared of us the star. Check out our new list of printable resources and activity suggestions. New york, ohio, ontario, pennsylvania, and wisconsin figure 1. The eastern massasauga is a small venomous rattlesnake found in the northeastern united states. The massasauga is a stoutbodied rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake michigan natural features. Populations of this snake have declined so much that it is now necessary to work to conserve it or it could go extinct in the future. The federal species at risk act, and the provincial endangered species act have designated the eastern massasauga rattlesnake as a threatened species. Massasauga rattlesnake general habitat description. Massasauga rattlesnake sistrurus catenatus about animals. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake sistrurus catenatus catenatus is a unique and fascinating part of michigans natural heritage.
It is assessed as threatened by the committee on the status of endangered wildlife in canada cosewic due to a historical population decline, continued habitat fragmentation and loss, and human persecution, and is listed as threatened on schedule 1 of the species at risk. Species action plan pennsylvania fish and boat commission. The massasauga is one of the two venomous snakes in wisconsin, the timber rattlesnake is the other. The massasauga rattlesnake is the only venomous snake still found in. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake stewardship guide. Map showing the geographic distribution of each subspecies of sistrurus and the. Three subspecies are currently recognized including the nominate subspecies described here. Massasauga in ontario 0 10 20 40 60 80 kilometres queens printer for ontario, 2012 communities roads as recorded by the ontario natural heritage information centre as of february 29, 2012 species occurrence this map should not be relied on as a complete and accurate representation for locations of species at risk, routes or locations. The massasauga provincial park from mapcarta, the free map. Thus, range of eastern massasauga hereafter refer to as massasauga includes illinois, indiana, iowa, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new york, ohio, ontario, pennsylvania, and wisconsin figure 1. Massasauga rattlesnake conservation nrcs pennsylvania. Throughout their range, massasaugas are associated with a wide variety of habitats including bedrock, peat forests, wetlands and prairie grasslands. The massasauga rattlesnake is the provinces only poisonous snake and is found primarily along the eastern side of georgian bay. Sistrurus catenatus catenatus rafinesque eastern massasauga.
Massasaugas are primarily diurnal ambush predators that wait motionless for unsuspecting prey, but some active foraging may. Park features on this map are representative only and may not accurately depict regulated park boundaries. The massasauga is listed as threatened under both ontarios endangered species act, 2007, and the. The term rattlesnake strikes fear in the hearts of most people. Snakes of ontario identifier introduction eastern massasauga. Severe coagulopathy after a massasauga rattlesnake bite cmaj. The magnitude of decline varies across stateprovincial lines, with 33 percent of michigans to. The massasauga sistrurus catenatus is listed as two distinct populations on the saro. The massasauga backcountry campsite campsite 611 latitude.
They arent a very rattling rattlesnake, said joanne earnhardt, a population biologist at lincoln park zoo who chairs the. The heat sensitive pits between the eyes and the nostrils are unique to pit vipers. Massasauga in ontario sudbury north bay little current. The massasauga can remain undetected with the help of its pattern, even at close range. The massasauga rattlesnake, another coldblooded member of the pit viper family, is one of the rare, venomous species found in ontario. Thank you for your interest in the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and this education package. The massasauga rattlesnake was listed as threatened when the endangered species act. Cryptic patterns and coloration serve to break up the shape of the massasauga snake to better disguise it in vegetation, rocks, leaves, and shadows.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are gray or grayishbrown with dark bands or blotches down the back. The massasauga rattlesnake is the smallest of the three venomous snakes found in new york state, the other two being the timber rattlesnake crotalus horridus and the copperhead agkistrodon contortrix. The massasauga is ontarios only extant venomous snake. Rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in michigan, can and do occur. Massasauga means great river mouth, which describes the snakes habitat. Massasauga rattlesnake conservation in ontario canadas. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake united states fish and. Video living with wildlife the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. The massasauga rattlesnake, sistrurus catenatus, is a diminutive species with a distribution in the united states which largely tracks the retreat of pleistocene glaciation and the spread of grasslands. Although one person has already been bitten this summer by the massasauga rattlesnake, experts say the timid snake poses little threat. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake sistrurus catenatus catenatus.
Drought monitor, established in 1999, is a weekly map of. Educational video of the massasauga rattlesnake sistrurus catenatus and its conservation in ontario, canada. Eastern massasauga sistrurus catenatus species guidance. Eastern distinct population segment includes portions of ontario, canada. There are many fossils that have been found and they all dated back to 160 million years. Presently their populations tend to be fragmented, and the species is considered in trouble in many areas across its range. The massasauga is listed as threatened species by the us fish and wildlife service under the endangered species act. To some people, conservation of a venomous snake may seem a waste of money, stupid and even negligent. This name provides recognition to one of its key natural inhabitants, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and also borrows from the first nation heritage.
Attendees also learn to identify the rattlesnake and other snake species that are similar in appearance. The massasauga eats lizards, centipedes, mice, and other small mammals. Sep 30, 20 educational video of the massasauga rattlesnake sistrurus catenatus and its conservation in ontario, canada. For the massasauga rattlesnake, we considered critical habitat for the northern part of the species range as polygons with a 1. May 04, 2009 scientists round up eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in illinois. The massasauga has elliptical pupils and a pair of heatsensitive pits between the eyes and nostrils.
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