An annual snake survey in Ohio conducted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources revealed an unexpected find – an eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, a species that is increasingly rare in the state and considered threatened. The rattlesnake was found in Huron County by wildlife officer Matthew Smith in May 2024. Officials captured the snake, recorded its measurements, and released it back into the wild.
Eastern Massasaugas are small snakes with thick bodies, heart-shaped heads, and vertical pupils. They typically grow to be about 2 feet long and have gray or light brown skin with chocolate brown blotches on the back. Some of them appear as all black, and they have been found in several states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. However, in Ohio, Massasaugas have become increasingly rare, with sightings in only nine counties since 1976.
These rattlesnakes have historically been found in more than 30 counties in Ohio, but extensive farming has significantly reduced their populations in the state. Despite this, colonies of Massasaugas still exist in bogs, swamps, and wet prairies, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s reptile field guide. The snakes, also known as “swamp rattlers” or “black snappers,” are not very active and are typically sluggish, rarely biting unless provoked. Their diet consists mainly of small rodents, frogs, and other snakes.
Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes possess highly toxic venom, and although a typical bite does not deliver enough venom to be fatal to healthy adults, officials warn that they should be treated with utmost caution and respect. The species is considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act and is one of only three venomous snake species in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and other wildlife authorities monitor the population and habitat of Massasaugas to ensure their protection and conservation.
In conclusion, the discovery of an eastern Massasauga rattlesnake in Ohio during an annual survey highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect threatened species like this one. Despite their rarity and vulnerability, these snakes play a vital role in their ecosystems and deserve careful management and protection to ensure their survival for future generations. Members of the public are urged to respect and appreciate the presence of wildlife like the Massasauga rattlesnake and to report any sightings to wildlife authorities to further support conservation efforts.
