378 pp. The snake’s habitat needs vegetation control such as prescribed fire and mowing to prevent invasion of shrubs, trees and non-native plants. In summer, snakes migrate to drier, upland sites, ranging from forest openings to old fields, agricultural lands and prairies. West, Suite 990 This rattlesnake can also be identified by the nine large scales on the crown of the head, similar to most non-venomous snakes. Also, massasaugas are not long distance travelers, so roads, towns, and farm fields prevent them from moving between the wetland and upland habitats they need. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Unlike other rattlesnakes, massasaugas hibernate alone. Conserv. The In many areas massasaugas also use adjacent uplands during part of the year. When food is especially scarce they may only have young every three years. Historically, the snake’s range covered this same area, but within this large area the number of populations and numbers of snakes within populations have steadily shrunk. Massasauga rattlesnakes range from central New York and southern Ontario west to the prairies of Iowa and Missouri. Mark/recapture and radio-telemetry studies were initiated in the early 1980s to determine the status of this species in New York State. catenatus. Females give birth to litters of 5 to 20 live y… Along with dredging, the succession of forests into The Service is working with willing land managers to practice techniques that allow traditional management goals to continue but avoid harming the massasauga and its habitat. All three of these massasauga types love to find areas in To the left you can see the range of the Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas in grassland and in rocky The mission of the U.S. Indicator Species: The fact that massasaugas are in serious decline is a warning bell telling us that something is wrong. flames and die. Eradication: People seem to have an innate fear of snakes and fear of venomous snakes is particularly strong. with the incubation of baby massasaugas inside of the mother. 1993. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Seigel, R. A. The problem that massasaugas have with this is that they They usually are found hiding The average length of an adult is about 2 feet. like to hide in the grass, and they sometimes get caught in the Prescribed burns in parks A rattlesnake's "rattle" is at the end of its tail. Habitat loss: Massasaugas depend on wetlands for food and shelter and often use nearby upland areas during part of the year. During the summer months, individuals may disperse into nearby woods and fields in search of prey. Draining wetlands for farms, roads, homes, and urban expansion has eliminated much of the massasauga habitat. Reproduction: Like all rattlesnakes, massasaugas bear live young. Research: Researchers are studying the eastern massasauga to learn about its life history, about how it uses its habitat, and how we can manage for it and its habitat. Management: Lack of management and improper timing of management are threats to massasaugas. The eastern massasauga is listed as endangered, threatened, or a species of concern in every state and province where it is found. Brush cutting, prescribed burning and herbicide use are being studied as methods to improve the habitat. Ecosystem Role: The massasauga plays an important role in its ecosystems, both as a predator on small mammals, other snakes, and amphibians and as prey for hawks, owls, cranes, and some mammals. 1982. Latin Name: Sistrurus catenatus Scope: Statewide . Massasauga rattlesnakes range from central New York and southern Ontario west to the prairies of Iowa and Missouri. U.S. The habitat of this type of Massasauga is also disappearing. When the tail is vibrated, a distinct buzzing sound is produced, characteristic of a disturbed rattlesnake. All three of these massasauga types love to find areas in their habitat to sun themselves. This image shows the Although normally active during the daylight hours, massasaugas may resort to evening and nighttime activity to escape the mid-summer heat. massasauga. Experimental habitat management has also been Carried out. Manage. Map adapted from Conant and Collins (1998) and Harding (1997). Studies have been conducted in a continuing effort to determine the size and habitat requirements of New York's two populations. To learn about the different adaptations of the massasauga click The Midwest Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. A unique structure, it is formed from loosely attached, hard, horny segments. The destruction of its habitat The eastern massasauga, a rare sight for most Michigan residents, has been declining due to fragmentation and loss of wetland habitat. By conserving massasaugas, we conserve natural systems that support many species of plants and animals. water tables. Post-glacial changes affecting habitat conditions worked against the massasauga, eliminating the preferred prairie habitats in the eastern half of the range. Locations that provide open sunny areas with elevated hummocks for basking as well as shaded areas for retreat are ideal.