The Greater Georgian Bay Reptile Awareness Program

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake	Wood Turtle	Five-lined Skink
Eastern Fox Snake	Spotted Turtle
Eastern Hognose Snake	Blanding's Turtle

	Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) COSEWIC Status-Threatened OMNR- Threatened Description: A heavy-bodied snake, the adults grow to about 76 cm. It is the only venomous snake in Ontario. Massasaugas are grey or brown with dark brown to black blotches on the back and several rows of alternating blotches along the sides. The blotches are edged in white. The belly is black. At the tail, the blotches may join to form rings or strips. The thick tail has a distinct segmented rattle and does not taper to a point. The neck is narrow in contrast with the wide head and body. Heat sensitive pits are located between the eyes and nostrils. The eyes have a vertical pupil. Confused Species: Eastern Hognose Snake, Eastern Milk Snake, Northern Water Snake, and Eastern Fox Snake Habitat: Generally found in low lying damp areas in the early fall and spring but move to dry uplands, and mixed forests with bedrock outcrops during summer.
Habits: The massasauga hibernates below the frost line from mid-October until mid- April (depending on temperatures) These sites may be natural fractures in the rock, tree root pockets or rodent burrows. Hibernation sites are often associated with damp areas or wetlands. Their typical prey is small mammals, but they may feed upon birds, amphibians and insects. The heat sensitive pits enable the snake to seek out and strike accurately at objects warmer than the surroundings. The massasauga will strike and inject venom into their prey. They wait for the venom to immobilise the prey before swallowing. Massasaugas rely on camouflage and remaining still to avoid predators. If the snake is threatened, it may retreat or rattle its tail as a warning. Their rattle consists of scaly, over lapping cups that rub against each other to produce a buzzing sound. Massasaugas are non-aggressive and are unlikely to strike unless stepped on, harassed or handled.
	With permission of the Royal Ontario Museum © ROM Note: These maps show the approximate range of these species.
The massasauga reaches sexual maturity at age 4 to 5 and mate mid summer to early fall. A female will generally reproduce every other year. The average litter is 12, and the young are born late summer. The young are 20-25 cm long and similar to adults but lighter in background colour. The fangs and venom are present at birth. The young have one yellowish "button" or rattle. A new segment is added each time the snake sheds its skin.
Safety Precautions If you hear a rattlesnake, stop moving and try to locate the snake. When you have located the snake, move away slowly from the snake and leave it space to retreat. Wear protective footwear and long, loose fitting pants or gaitors when hiking through brush or long grass. Use a flashlight while travelling at night. Be aware of where you put your feet or hands. If reaching into a shrub or dark area, gently probe the area first with a stick. Share your knowledge. Tell your children and visitors about the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Tell young children not to pick up a snake, and if they see a snake, to tell an adult. The message is not meant to scare them, just to make them aware. Keep your pet on a leash. Please consider: There have been two snakebite-related fatalities in Ontario. Neither person received appropriate medical attention. If a snakebite does occur: Remain calm and reassure the individual that has been bitten. Get them to lie down and wait for transportation. Contact Ambulance services to arrange transport and report your situation. Clean the location of the bite. Remove any jewellery from the affected limb in case of swelling. If possible, splint the limb to restrict movement. If you are required to drive a boat or vehicle to meet an ambulance, please remember you have time, you want to arrive safely to the hospital!