Michigan
Should we be rattled by rattlesnake population? Study aims to protect Michigan’s rattlesnakes
LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan zoologists are discovering that the Massasauga Rattlesnake inhabitants within the state is increased than they thought — after years on the endangered species listing.
The Massasauga Rattlesnake is Michigan’s solely venomous snake however they continue to be on the federal Endangerment Checklist. In 2022 alone, the group has discovered practically 50 of them within the Decrease Peninsula. So ought to we be rattled by their uptick?
One native zoologist, Ginny Miecznikowski on the Potter Park Zoo, stated it’s a great factor we’re discovering extra of them.
It’s typically fairly onerous to seek out them due to their pure reward as camouflage connoisseurs. That might be one of many causes people don’t discover them typically.
The extra possible motive is due to their low inhabitants. That’s precisely why Miecznikowski began finding out them.
“I’ve a terrific reference to it, I’ve a tattoo of a Massasauga, so it has a particular place for me,” stated Miecznikowski.
It’s the primary time Miecznikowski has studied venomous snakes. She joined different zoologists to survey the snakes of their pure habitat. Massasaugas stay in wetlands and barely enterprise away from their area. However by their research, they’re in a position to study concerning the species.
They look ahead to issues like dimension, headcount, and behaviors to find out what must be executed to guard their habitat.
You don’t must be a zoologist to assist shield them. Mason DeLuca, calls himself a Herper or reptile fanatic. He runs a Fb group bringing collectively tons of of Michigan individuals with the identical curiosity.
“It’s Herpetology, the research of reptiles and amphibians,” DeLuca stated. “There’s a gaggle of us bigger than individuals would possibly assume.”
The group Michigan Area Herping: Images and Discussions observe and watch species just like the Massasauga by documenting what they see.
DeLuca discovered six Massasaugas in June alone. He stated an important factor individuals can do is respect their privateness and observe from a distance.
He provides that for those who do ever discover one, retaining your distance is the most effective factor you are able to do. He stated you will need to keep in mind they’re simply as frightened of you as you might be of them.
“If we will save a snake from being killed or an individual from being frightened of one thing they don’t must be, then that’s a terrific factor,” stated DeLuca.
Massasauga not often chunk, averaging one to 2 bites in Michigan per 12 months, however their bites do warrant a hospital go to.
For those who do discover one, the Michigan Division of Pure Sources asks that you just report it right here.
Extra info on the Massasauga Rattlesnake will be discovered right here.
Copyright 2022 WILX. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to our Information 10 publication and obtain the newest native information and climate straight to your e-mail each morning.
Michigan
Snow, sleet and freezing rain hit Southeast Michigan
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Michigan
President Biden commutes death sentences for 37 inmates, including Michigan man
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Michigan
Michigan to see snow, rain Monday ahead of warming temperatures
Several inches of snow in the forecast
Southeast Michigan is expected to get 1-3 inches in most areas, with some cities potentially receiving less accumulation as a result of mixed precipitation.
Fox – 2 Detroit
Several inches of wet snow are expected accumulate across parts of Michigan through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service, with some areas possibly experiencing more than 6 inches of accumulation of wet snow.
While the southern Lower Peninsula is expected to receive a mix of rain and snow early in the week, the highest snowfall totals are expected north of M-46.
Christmas Day, however, could look a little different, according to the NWS office in Detroit/Pontiac, as warmer weather moves in and rain by the weekend.
With lake effect snow, western Michigan could experience accumulation Monday with 2 to 4 inches of snow with temperatures in the high 30s.
Roads could become slippery and messy early this week, and NWS offices across the state are encouraging Michiganders to leave extra travel time for commutes.
How much snow is expected in west Michigan?
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued a winter weather advisory through Monday.
“Low pressure will bring snow and mixed precipitation today with 2 to 4 inches of snow north of I-96 and snow, sleet and freezing rain to the south. Highs will be in the lower 30s,” the weather service said. “Wintry weather today will feature a mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain across southern Lower Michigan, while 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected in central and northern Lower Michigan. The precipitation will taper off to snow flurries this evening.”
Northern Michigan expected to see gradual warming before Christmas
A winter weather advisory is in effect for northern Michigan and parts of the UP today, the National Weather Service in Gaylord said.
“Snow will continue to spread across the area this morning. Heavier, wet snow will be seen over eastern upper for this mornings commute. This heavier, west snow will show up over northern lower a few hours later — more around the mid-morning hours. Drive carefully today, as wet snow leads to slushy and slipper roads,” the weather service said.
After today, the National Weather Service in Gaylord is predicting a warmer Christmas this year.
“Skies will be mostly cloudy for the majority of the week with temperatures becoming mild, said the weather service in a statement on X.
Northern Michigan could see a clipper system
Areas in Northern Michigan could see wet snowfall today, thanks to lake effect snow off Lake Michigan and a clipper system, an area of low pressure that usually forms in the southern provinces of Canada, and quickly drops southeast into the eastern U.S., bringing a shot of cold, arctic air with it.
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Monday.
“A system moving through the Great Lakes will produce widespread light, wet snow today across south central Upper Michigan,” the weather service said.
Expected snowfall through Dec. 24
In the Lower Peninsula, the weather service predicted lower snowfall totals for areas farther south. Here’s a look at some expectations:
- Detroit: 1 inch
- Grand Rapids: 1 inch
- Big Rapids: 2 inches
- Cadillac: 6 inches
- Clare: 4 inches
- Bad Axe: 6 inches
- Kalamazoo: 1 inch
- Muskegon: 1 inch
- Lansing: 1 inch
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
-
Business1 week ago
Freddie Freeman's World Series walk-off grand slam baseball sells at auction for $1.56 million
-
Technology1 week ago
Meta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age
-
News1 week ago
East’s wintry mix could make travel dicey. And yes, that was a tornado in Calif.
-
Technology3 days ago
Google’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps
-
Politics4 days ago
Illegal immigrant sexually abused child in the U.S. after being removed from the country five times
-
News4 days ago
Novo Nordisk shares tumble as weight-loss drug trial data disappoints
-
Entertainment5 days ago
'It's a little holiday gift': Inside the Weeknd's free Santa Monica show for his biggest fans
-
Politics1 week ago
Supreme Court may free Catholic charities from paying state unemployment taxes for their employees