| Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus c. catenatus) |
Photo of a juvenile taken in Essex County
Photo of an adult male taken in Essex County
Photo taken in Essex County
Photo taken in Essex County
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The Eastern Massasauga is Essex Counties only venomous species of snake. They are small
rattlesnakes rarely reaching 36" in length but are rather thick in proportion to our other snakes.
Massasaugas usually have rather symmetrical dark saddle shaped blotches running down the back with
another row of circular blothces running down the side. The background colour is a lighter grey or brown
and sometimes has a slight greenish tint. They may be confused with Eastern Fox Snakes but this species
has a broader and more heavily patterned head, lacks the rich yellows and oranges found on Fox Snakes
and usually has a segmented rattle on the tail. Closer inspection will also reveal that the Massasauga has
a pit (a heat sensing organ) between the eye and nostril, a vertical pupil and an almost completely black
belly. This species has declined dramatically over the past few decades in this county and continues to do
so. Habitat loss is the main factor for its decline but persecution is also a contributing factor. This species
is shy and never shows aggression towards humans but rather tries to escape detection by staying
motionless or simply going the other way. It is unlikely to be encountered in Essex County by most people
due to its limited range and retiring habits but if you suspect you have found one please call Ojibway
Nature Centre. The staff at Ojibway are involved in a recovery project for this species.
rattlesnakes rarely reaching 36" in length but are rather thick in proportion to our other snakes.
Massasaugas usually have rather symmetrical dark saddle shaped blotches running down the back with
another row of circular blothces running down the side. The background colour is a lighter grey or brown
and sometimes has a slight greenish tint. They may be confused with Eastern Fox Snakes but this species
has a broader and more heavily patterned head, lacks the rich yellows and oranges found on Fox Snakes
and usually has a segmented rattle on the tail. Closer inspection will also reveal that the Massasauga has
a pit (a heat sensing organ) between the eye and nostril, a vertical pupil and an almost completely black
belly. This species has declined dramatically over the past few decades in this county and continues to do
so. Habitat loss is the main factor for its decline but persecution is also a contributing factor. This species
is shy and never shows aggression towards humans but rather tries to escape detection by staying
motionless or simply going the other way. It is unlikely to be encountered in Essex County by most people
due to its limited range and retiring habits but if you suspect you have found one please call Ojibway
Nature Centre. The staff at Ojibway are involved in a recovery project for this species.
Notice the pit between the eye and nostril and vertical pupils.
