Size
46 – 76 centimeters
(18 - 30 inches)
Diet
Primarily small mammals, occasionally prey on small birds, amphibians and other snakes.
Range
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake range
Fact
A bite from a Massasauga is highly unlikely to be fatal if medical treatment is received.
Making A Difference
Humans are one of the biggest threats to the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, even though bites are rare and seldom fatal. This reptile would much rather hide than bite; their first line of defence is to remain very still and let their coloration camouflage them. Scientists and zoos are working on slowing the decline through a species recovery plan, which includes actions to prevent deaths by humans and reduce the effects of habitat loss from drought and flooding. Zoos all over the US and Canada work to educate people on this docile snake’s important role in ecosystems and breed assurance populations for future release.
Rattlesnakes aren’t born with a rattle, and instead gain a new segment every time they shed!
Juvenile Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake with only one button on its tail.
