So You Think You Saw a Slithery Serpent in the Mitten State? A Guide to Michigan's Venomous (and Mostly Not-So-Venomous) Snake Population
Let's face it, snakes get a bad rap. They're often portrayed as slithering villains, out to strike fear (and fangs) into the hearts of unsuspecting humans. But here in Michigan, the "snake situation" is actually pretty chill. In fact, you're more likely to get spooked by a rogue squirrel stashing nuts in your car than encounter a venomous serpent.
But First, How Many Venomous Snakes Are We Talking About Here?
Hold onto your hats (or, you know, don't, because snakes can't exactly steal hats), because Michigan boasts a whopping total of... drumroll please...one. That's right, just one singular species of venomous snake slithers through the fields and forests of the Great Lakes State.
The Lone Ranger of Rattlesnakes: The Eastern Massasauga
This shy little fella, with a body pattern that resembles a chain of chocolate chip cookies (if chocolate chip cookies were slightly terrifying), prefers to avoid human contact altogether. They're much more interested in munching on mice and frogs than your ankles.
Fun Fact: The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is actually the smallest rattlesnake in North America, and their rattle sounds more like a maraca with a mild case of the hiccups than the terrifying warning most people imagine.
Okay, That's One Down, But What About the Rest?
Michigan is actually home to a total of 18 species of snakes, and the vast majority are about as venomous as a grumpy librarian on a Monday morning (which is to say, not very). You'll find a variety of legless lizards slithering around, from the long and slender Eastern Ratsnake (perfect for squeezing through tight spaces) to the adorable little Northern Ribbon Snake, which can come in a surprising array of colors, like a living bag of Skittles.
Basically, Michigan's snake scene is more like a friendly neighborhood reptile block party than a viperous villain convention.
How to Live Fearlessly (or at Least Not Panicked) Around Michigan's Slithering Friends: A Totally Unofficial FAQ
How to Identify a Massasauga Rattlesnake:
- Look for a triangular-shaped head, which is a giveaway for venomous snakes.
- Check for the rattle (though it might not sound like you think it does).
- If it looks like a chain of chocolate chip cookies fused with a snake, that's probably your guy (and by "guy," we mean "snake").
How to Avoid Snakes:
- Stick to trails and avoid tall grass where snakes might be hiding.
- Give them space! If you see a snake, admire it from afar and then slowly back away.
How to Help the Massasauga Rattlesnake:
- These little guys are actually threatened! Leave them alone and report any sightings to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Venomous and Non-Venomous Snake (Besides the Rattlesnake):
- This can be tricky – best to leave identification to the experts. If you're unsure, just admire it from a safe distance and then move on.
How Likely Are You to Get Bitten by a Snake in Michigan?
- Extremely unlikely. Massasaugas are shy and will only strike if they feel threatened. Just be respectful and you'll be fine.
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