Eastern Massasauga
FamilyViperidae
Venom TypeVenomous
Max Length0.75 m
RangeGreat Lakes region
HabitatWetlands, Prairies
DietSmall mammals, frogs
Danger LevelModerate
About the Eastern Massasauga
A small, shy rattlesnake of wet prairies and marshes around the Great Lakes. Its name is thought to come from an Ojibwe word meaning great river mouth. Listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in 2016 because of wetland loss. It is the only rattlesnake still found in Ontario. Bites are rare and seldom fatal, but its venom is potent and needs medical treatment.
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