So You Think You Saw a Slithery Serpent in Michigan? Don't Panic, It's Probably Just Looking for Vernors!
Let's face it, snakes get a bad rap. They get slithering around all mysterious-like, with their forked tongues and occasionally giving you a heart attack when you least expect it. But for our friends in the Great Lakes State, fear not! Michigan's snake situation is about as exciting as waiting in line at the DMV – there's really not much to worry about.
Michigan's Snake Scene: More Chill Than a Bob Seger Concert
The Big Number: Here's the lowdown: Michigan boasts a total of 18 slithering residents. That's right, 18 different species of snakes call the mitten-shaped state home. But plot twist! Out of those 18, only one is actually venomous.
The Lone Ranger of Venom: Meet the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Michigan's sole representative in the "don't touch" category. These guys are shy and reclusive, preferring a life of wetland lounging to starring in your nightmares. They're also the smallest rattlesnake in North America, so if you do stumble upon one (unlikely, but hey, stranger things have happened), it'll probably be more scared of you than the other way around.
The Rest of the Crew: The other 17 snake species in Michigan are about as venomous as a plate of soggy nachos (not very). You've got your garter snakes, your water snakes, your hog-nosed snakes (who are famous for their dramatic fainting spells), basically a whole party of reptiles that would rather be left in peace to chomp on some worms.
So You Saw a Snake in Michigan. Now What?
Here's the golden rule: Leave it alone. These snakes are more interested in catching their dinner (which isn't you) than causing trouble. Admire them from a safe distance (and by safe distance, we mean a distance that allows you to whip out your phone and snap a National Geographic-worthy pic), and then go about your day.
If the snake is somewhere it shouldn't be, like chilling in your living room, call animal control. They're the experts at wrangling these slithery friends and getting them back to where they belong.
Most importantly, don't try to be a hero. Unless you're a trained professional, trying to catch or handle a snake is a recipe for disaster (for both you and the snake).
Frequently Asked Snake Encounters (Michigan Edition)
How to identify a Massasauga Rattlesnake?
These guys have a triangular head, diamond-shaped patterns on their back, and most importantly, a rattle on their tail (hence the name). If you hear a buzzing sound, that's your cue to slowly back away.
How to avoid snakes?
Stick to trails and avoid tall grass or overgrown areas where snakes might be hanging out.
How to handle a snake encounter?
Stand still and observe the snake from a safe distance. Most likely, it will slither away on its own.
How to remove a snake from your house?
Call animal control. They're the pros!
How worried should I be about snakes in Michigan?
Not very! Michigan snakes are more likely to give you a fright than cause any serious harm.
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