frequently asked q u e s t i o n s critter f i e l d   g u i d e what is it? g u e s s   g a m e ask jim y o u r   q u e s t i o n s critter care i n s t r u c t i o n s links f o r   m o r e   i n f o Critterguy / Critter Field Guide / Snakes / eastern Massasauga rattlesnake Critter Field Guide: Snakes of Michigan venomous eastern Massasauga rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus catenatus eastern Massasuga rattlesnake Description A heavy-bodied, gray or brown snake with dark blotches and spots on the back and sides. The only Michigan snake with segmented rattles on the end of its tail and elliptical ("cat-like") pupils in the eyes. The neck is narrow, contrasting with the wide head and body. The belly is mostly black. Adult Length: 2 to 3 feet. Habitat and Habits The Massasauga is a snake of the swamps and marshlands. They may move to upland fields and woods in summer, probably in search of mice and voles, their favorite food. These rattlesnakes are shy and avoid confrontation with humans. They should be treated with respect and left alone. Any bite from a Massasauga should receive prompt professional medical attention. Reproduction Females give birth to 8 to 20 young in late summer. The babies have a single "button" on their tails. Range and Status Massasaugas are found throughout the Lower Peninsula, but not in the Upper Peninsula (thus there are NO poisonous snakes on the Upper Peninsula mainland.) They are becoming rare in many parts of their former range. Acknowledgement James Harding MSU Museum Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 353-7978 hardingj@msu.edu © Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.