The U.S. is home to the rattlesnake, which is one of the world’s deadliest snake families. The Michigan Herp Atlas began in 2004 in an effort to collect observational data about Michigan's amphibians and reptiles. The snakes face a lot of threats though, including a recently discovered fungal disease. Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in Michigan October 25, 2017 Background The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (EMR) is listed as a threatened species under the U.S. This snake has a rather small, but noticeable, rattle on the end of its tail. The Massasauga rattlesnake Great Lakes-St.Lawrence population is currently listed as Threatened and the Massasauga rattlesnake’s Carolinan population is listed as Endangered under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 and Threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act. Michigan has the largest population of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes in the country, despite the population declining. Department of Natural Resources - Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Browsers that can not handle javascript will not be able to access some features of this site. There are dark stripes on both sides and top of the head. There have been 150 site reports in 5 counties over the last decade. The species has been recorded in every county of the Lower Peninsula and only Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula. Some functions of this site are disabled for browsers blocking jQuery. Rattlesnakes can be found in woodlands, plains, deserts, foothills, and marshes. In fact, Michigan has become an important laboratory for the study and preservation of one of them, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the only venomous viper that inhabits the state. Soon after, he determined the snake was an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake – Michigan’s only venomous snake and rattlesnake, according to the state Department of … Tracking rattlesnakes. The massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan’s only venomous snake. The body is marked along back and sides with rounded dark blotches against a gray or brownish gray background. Habitat-1 and Habitat-2: Massasauga rattlesnakes are found in wetland areas in Michigan. It is protected as a federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. There are 36 species in total, and around 65-70 subspecies. Endangered Species Act (Act). In fact, Michigan is a stronghold for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is dark colored and stocky with a thick, triangular shaped head. Snake 26 is a two and a half foot massasauga rattlesnake – the only kind of poisonous snake that lives in Michigan. Michigan's lone venomous snake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, has received federal protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species … Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico are home to a large variety of rattlesnake species. 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