Description
The Massasauga is a rattlesnake with the typical rattle
at the end of its tail. It is brownish-gray in Canada, with
rounded dark brown or black blotches on the back and sides. The
belly is black with scattered light markings. Massasaugas can grow
to 1 m in length, but most adults are only 60-75 cm long.
Confusing Species
There are no other rattlesnakes left in eastern Canada.
The Fox Snake and the Northern Watersnake both
superficially
resemble the Massasauga but neither has the rattle on its tail.
Distribution
In Canada, the Massasauga is mainly limited to the area
around Georgian Bay in Ontario. There are a few other scattered
reports in southern Ontario, but it is unclear if these represent
remaining viable populations. To the south the Massasauga is found
in a diagonal swath from the Great Lakes to Texas and further south
into Mexico.
Habitat
Massasaugas are generally associated with water. In
Ontario they are rarely found more than 50 km from the Great Lakes
and they often make use of wetlands near river mouths. In fact,
the name Massasauga in Ojibwa literally means "great river mouth."
Reproduction
Breeding occurs in the spring. Females do not lay
eggs, rather they give birth to their young in late summer. A
brood
consists of 2-19 young each 16-24 cm in length at birth. Females
may require three or more years to mature.
Natural history
The Massasauga is not an aggressive rattlesnake,
contrary to the opinions of many people. Researchers have found,
in
fact, that Massasaugas will remain alert but motionless if
approached. Hikers could walk right by a Massasauga and not be
aware of its presence. Only if it is approached in the open, when
the snake has no cover will a Massasauga coil and possibly strike.
Massasaugas eat small mammals and possibly frogs.
Conservation Concerns
Rattlesnakes are frequently killed on sight out of
fear. This, as well as habitat destruction reduces the area
available for Massasaugas to exist unmolested by humans. They are
considered Threatened in Canada by COSEWIC.
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