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.

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