Toronto Zoo has announced the birth of four massasauga rattlesnakes, an endangered species in the Carolinian population of southern Ontario. A day in the life of ACRES Outreach Manager, A day in the life of ACRES Advancement Director, Celebrate Earth Day by restoring local land, A day in the life of ACRES Office Manager, A day in the life of ACRES Executive Director. After coming out of hibernation in spring, they travel to the habitat they use from spring through fall (their active season), which varies considerably among individuals depending on region and local conditions. ACRES Land Trust is a membership-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural and working lands in northeast Indiana, southern Michigan and northwest Ohio. The Act’s implementing regulations include a take exemption for the defense of human life and state that any person may take threatened wildlife: “…in defense of his own life or the lives of others.”  The regulations require that any person taking, including killing, listed wildlife in the defensive of human life under this exception must notify our headquarters law enforcement office in writing within five days.Â. They may be able to help you directly or recommend an animal damage control company that can help. To list the eastern massasauga as threatened, we first published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on Sept. 30, 2015, and opened a 60-day public comment period. Endangered or threatened throughout most of its range, the massasauga was listed as threatened by the U.S. This rule makes final the listing of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus … Habitat that massasaugas use varies with the season. The massasauga rattlesnake was found in Lower Cedar Valley Preserve. States may also have their own laws restricting activity that affect federally listed species. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has commercial value in the pet trade and snakes, in general, are feared and persecuted by people - venomous species even more so. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake slithered its way onto the U.S. It’s possible that enhancing wetlands and adjacent upland habitats will benefit many other native plant and animal species as well.”. In areas near natural habitat, eastern massasaugas occasionally find their way into backyards and campgrounds and it may be necessary to take other action. “We hope this multi-year study helps ACRES, and our neighbors, understand the situation Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes are in,” says Hill, “We want to make the best decisions to protect this species from extirpation.”. These snakes are state endangered and federally threatened, granting them protection against poaching. If you live near areas with eastern massasaugas, there are steps you can take to keep them away from your yard. Sadly, most were spotted alongside the road, having been hit by cars. Eastern massasaugas are small, thick-bodied snakes that live in wetlands and use adjacent uplands. These resources may become important in the future as sources of food or medicine. The ultimate goal of those conservation actions is the recovery of listed species, so that they no longer need the Act’s protective measures. Non-governmental agencies, universities and other federal and state agencies often carry out conservation actions identified in recovery plans. The Massasauga rattlesnake is now a candidate for federal listing under the United States Endangered Species Act. 13.  Where can I learn more about the eastern massasauga, the final rule to list it as threatened and recovery? But snakes, who face threats from cars — and from outright persecution — … The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake This small, stout rattlesnake is listed by the U.S. These snakes are state endangered and federally threatened, granting them protection against poaching. These are almost always wetlands, and they frequently hibernate in crayfish burrows, or under tree roots or logs. The massasauga is listed as threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act. More than 2,000 ACRES members make it possible to protect these areas and offer trail systems for free public use, open dawn to dusk daily. Habitat is also lost indirectly when development affects the amount and movement of water in and near wetlands, which may dry out the wetlands or degrade their value for the massasauga by causing drought and flooding. “As wetlands have been drained and destroyed, the massasauga has disappeared with them,” said the Center’s Collette Adkins, an attorney and biologist who … Neighbors reported roadside sightings in one specific location. Eastern massasaugas eat small rodents like mice and voles, but they sometimes eat frogs and other snakes. The Massasauga rattlesnake Great Lakes-St.Lawrence population is currently listed as Threatened and the Massasauga rattlesnake’s Carolinan population is listed as Endangered under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 and Threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2016. Throughout its range, biologists have confirmed that less than half of the eastern massasauga’s historical populations still exist. Camera traps made out of buckets and trail cameras were constructed and set up at the properties. Our analysis projects a 90 percent reduction in number of populations over the next 50 years. Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Species program is conserving and restoring threatened and endangered species and their ecosystems. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Pomara, L.Y., B. Zuckerberg, O.E. In fall they move to areas where they will hibernate over winter. By saving species from extinction, we ensure that their beneficial uses will be available to us in the future. Eastern massasauga populations in the eastern and central parts of the range are vulnerable to climate variables but less so than the southwestern populations. Bloomington, MN 55437-1458, Contact Us Phone: 612-713-5360 The report, prepared for the Service by Pomara and colleagues (Pomara et al., unpublished Technical Report) identifies the increasing intensity of winter drought and increasing risks of summer floods as the climate factors causing population losses. It is gray and brown with dark, round brown blotches on the back and other smaller and less-distinct blotches on the sides. If you need it moved, contact your state natural resource agency. Lawrence population) in Canada Action Required: Conservation breeding, reintroduction, population augmentation and translocations As Ontario’s only remaining venomous reptile, the massasauga rattlesnake has faced widespread persecution, despite the fact that it poses little threat to public safety. “Research shows that enhancing habitat by reducing cover can help to increase Massasauga populations,” says Hill. The Western Massasauga is a venomous species of rattlesnake that is endangered in Nebraska. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a federally threatened species. Â, Implementation of recovery actions generally requires the participation of a broad range of partners.  Examples of recovery actions include habitat restoration (e.g., restoration of native vegetation) and management, research, captive propagation and reintroduction, and outreach and education. Adults average about 2 feet in length and have heart-shaped heads and vertical pupils. In turn, the snakes become food for hawks and other raptors. Thanks to support from the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Greater Olin Lake Conservancy, Irving Materials, Inc., and the LaGrange County Community Foundation, ACRES is able to continue this study. Even though the massasauga is listed as threatened, the Endangered Species Act allows you to protect yourself or others if threatened. Required fields are marked *. Conserving eastern massasaugas means conserving the wetlands and adjacent uplands where they live. The range of the snake has generally remained the same over time; however, the number of populations and the numbers of snakes within populations have steadily declined. Â, After the eastern massasauga is listed as threatened, funding for recovery actions will be available from a variety of sources, including federal budgets, state programs, and cost share grants for non-federal landowners, the academic community, and nongovernmental organizations.  In addition, pursuant to section 6 of the Act, the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin would be eligible for federal funds for the protection or recovery of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.  Information on our grant programs available to aid species recovery can be found at: www.fws.gov/grants.Â. “They’ve also been spotted at surrounding closed preserves in LaGrange County.”. Massasaugas are typically docile and non-confrontational. The Endangered Species Act requires the Service to prepare a recovery plan for each listed species. If given a choice, when confronted with a human they usually quietly move away. If you need it moved, we advise you to use caution and encourage anyone wishing to move a snake to contact an appropriate state or local agency for professional expertise in handling rattlesnakes. 5. Keep in mind that since the Massasauga is under federal protections, killing one is illegal and could land you in a lot of hot water with local authorities. Listed species often become priorities for grants and other funding because of the section 7(a)(1) requirement that all federal agencies use their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species.  Â. Maintaining the trails with a mower was a threat to the snakes, so we decided to close the preserve to protect their population,” said Director of Land Management Casey Jones. 1. Technical Report. Unpublished report prepared for the U.S. Curled up in the sedges you see a brown spotted snake with a rattle raised in the air, a kind warning that its personal space is being invaded. Fish and Wildlife Service Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because they are unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. In every state and province within this range, the eastern massasauga is state- (or province) listed as endangered, threatened, or a species of concern. Check your state agency websites and get involved in citizen science efforts in your area. Entire populations have been lost, and we expect them to continue to be lost, because development and vegetative succession eliminates available habitat, reduces habitat quality and fragments what little habitat remains. Barrington, IL 60010-5010 West, Suite 990 Martin. In addition to threats from habitat loss, habitat degradation and direct mortality, a recent Climate Change Vulnerability Analysis indicates that populations in the southwestern parts of the range are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Now that the eastern massasauga is listed as threatened, what happens next? Fish and Wildlife Service In Pennsylvania, only four of 19 historic populations still exist, making it a critically imperiled endangered species. 3.  Why did the Service list the eastern massasauga as threatened? “Snakes were seen along the trails at ACRES Marsh Wren Nature Preserve, and we knew we had to act. Prescribed burning and mowing are important tools for managing habitat for eastern massasaugas and many other grassland-dependent wildlife and plants. If there is an imminent threat to human safety, all forms of take, including lethal take, are allowed for human safety. “It appears that Massasaugas are crossing the road in a certain narrow area. ACRES lets nature take its course on the preserves, with the exception of eradicating invasive species. The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus) is the most venomous snake located in the north eastern United States and one of three venomous snakes located in Ohio including the Northern Copperhead and Massasauga Rattlesnake with both rattlesnake species being listed as endangered. What is causing the loss of eastern massasauga populations? You see a blue heron flying. Snakes will run along the fencing until they slither through the buckets for a snapshot. Species Status: Endangered (Carolinian population) and Threatened (Great Lakes/St. The U.S. Knowingly killing a … It can be 18-39 inches long. Overall the massasauga is not endangered but some local populations in some states are protected as they are becoming rare, | Hummingbird photo by Chuck Fletter | Jack-in-the-pulpit photo by Thomas Sprunger. The massasauga rattlesnake is the smallest of the three venomous snakes found in New York State, the other two being the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Sandhill cranes, sora rails, Virginia rails, bobolinks and sedge wrens live in the marshes and low areas that massasaugas frequent. For example, rattlesnake venom has been explored for human medicinal use, including treatments for arthritis, multiple sclerosis and polio. The Massasauga Rattlesnake is around 50 to 70 centimeters long, with a stout body, and a vertical pupil (like a cat's). They hunt by sitting and waiting. Due to market demand and the documented willingness of individuals to collect eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and the willingness of others to kill them out of fear or wanton dislike, any action that publicly discloses the location of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (such as critical habitat) puts the species in further peril. © 2021 ACRES Land Trust Currently, we find only small, isolated populations of the massasauga throughout its former range. . It is the only venomous snake species in Ontario, and although its venom is potent, this is a small snake with small fangs and a limited amount of venom. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are rare and “listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act,” officials wrote. U.S. Many plants and animals are directly important to humans for their aesthetic and cultural value and for biological diversity. Social Sharing Population of the Massasauga snake in … Foraging habitat usually has an open canopy and a sedge or grass ground cover. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Michigan's lone venomous snake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, has received federal protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. What action is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chicago Field Office at: Louise Clemency, Field Supervisor ACRES also sent mail-in surveys to neighbors around the preserves. Here they hunt for small rodents, frogs and occasionally other snakes, keeping these populations in check. “ACRES can protect and enhance the snake’s habitat, but without addressing the active threat of vehicle-caused mortality, their population is still threatened.”. Northern leopard frog, Kirtland’s snake and spotted turtle – all species of concern -- co-exist with eastern massasaugas. Through this consultation, the Service works with the federal agency and advises on whether the actions would affect the species or critical habitat as well as ways to avoid impacts. Loss of habitat is their biggest threat. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chicago Field Office at the address and phone number provided in the answer to question 13. The species S. catenatus is classified as least concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Game animals such as white-tailed deer and turkey share habitat with the massasauga. This photo is available for media use. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. 10.  How does listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act help conserve the eastern massasauga? Wikimedia Commons:USFWSmidwest. Take is defined in the Act as “. The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus c. catenatus) was originally a subspecies of the more widespread Massasauga rattlesnake (S. catenatus), a thick-bodied species of snake which inhabits a large range. Then…wait…did you hear a rattle? If the species is eventually listed as threatened or endangered, it will qualify for legal protection, including habitat protection. Such snake sightings at these properties over the years led our crew to develop a management plan this spring. In Ohio, it would be called the Eastern Massasauga as either (Sistrurus catenatus) or if subspecies are recognized (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are a challenging species to reproduce. It has light and dark bands on the tail. ACRES protects several properties with suitable habitat for Massasaugas. 9. Adult females tend to bear young every other year.Â. Direct mortality further reduces massasauga numbers. The massasauga rattlesnake is at-risk in some parts of Ontario and endangered in others. In most situations it will leave on its own and you will never see it again. Rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in Michigan, can and do occur. We published a final rule in the Federal Register on September 30, 2016, that adds the eastern massasauga to the list of threatened species. In addition to the loss of populations, we expect the extent of species’ range will shrink by more than 80 percent over the next 50 years as populations are lost.Â. In Canada, it lives only in Ontario. Volunteer at a local nature center, zoo or national wildlife refuge. Contrary to popular belief, the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake does not present much of a threat to humans. One of the basic measures to protect eastern massasauga rattlesnakes from unauthorized collection and intentional killing is restricting access to information showing the location of the species’ populations.  Publishing maps and narrative descriptions of eastern massasauga rattlesnake critical habitat would significantly affect our ability to reduce the threat of persecution and unauthorized collection. Cut your grass short and often; remove structures that a snake might use (leaf piles, brush piles, dead logs, rocks, stack of firewood); and remove food or habitat that might attract small rodents. A Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake an Endemic of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Region. Email: MidwestNews@fws.gov, www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/reptiles/pdf/eama-mgmt-guide.pdf. https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/eastern-massasauga-rattlesnake Your email address will not be published. Find a location Each snake has a unique pattern, and from that pattern, Hill can determine how many different snakes pass through the buckets. “We had to implement some unique methods to observe and record them.”. Listing under the Endangered Species Act helps conserve plants and animals by focusing conservation planning and funding for species recovery, raising awareness through outreach and education that can lead to additional opportunities and partnerships, and by regulation protecting listed animals from intentional and unintentional harm.Â. “This means removing brush that has begun to naturally move into these open areas. The eastern massasauga is a natural part of our environment that has evolved over millennia; it has an ecological role within its communities, and conserving it and its habitat benefits a suite of plants and animals. All Snakes Are Not Created Equal The adult massasauga is usually two to three feet in length, while the adult timber rattler is usually longer than three feet. Like all rattlesnakes, eastern massasaugas bear live young. The young actually hatch from eggs while still in the female's body. However, fire and mowing can kill individual snakes if done after the snakes have emerged from hibernation. The striking dark grey/brown stripes, that contrast beautifully against a light skin tone, make this venomous snake one of the most exotic reptiles to come across. Anyone who is bitten should seek medical attention immediately. The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus; ICZN 2013) is a small rattlesnake native to the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of North America. Rattlesnake venom also has anti-coagulant properties that stay localized, unlike some other anti-coagulants that are currently used to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Jennifer Moore, professor of biology, and a team of rotating students have been conducting ongoing research in an effort to save the species. “Knowing how many snakes are out there may help us make informed management decisions,” said Hill. Fish and Wildlife Service taking? Buzzing cicadas, croaking frogs and the sound of a rattle add to the chorus of a morning marsh. This year ACRES is working to develop a management plan based solely around one specific, scaly species. Loss of habitat is their biggest threat. Derived from the Chippewa language, "massasauga" translates to "great river-mouth" and probably refers to the snake's preference for wet habitats, including riverine bottomlands. 7.  Why does the Service want to conserve a venomous snake? What can I do if I see an eastern massasauga near my home? The final rule has an effective date of October 31, 2016. Snake bites are rare; approximately 2-3 per year and with treatment, a full recovery is highly probable. near you ». New questions and solutions are part of an ever-updating management plan. What should land managers know to protect the eastern massasauga when conducting prescribed burns or mowing to manage vegetation? Spread the Word: Understanding the important ecological role that snakes play is a key to conserving the eastern massasauga and other snakes. We prepared a Species Status Assessment to assess the eastern massasauga’s current and projected future ability to survive.  The report on the Status Assessment was peer reviewed by 21 individuals with expertise in the eastern massasauga, its habitat and ecology, and threats affecting it. People’s fears related to eastern massasauga rattlesnake are largely exaggerated. Habitat loss is the primary threat driving declines of eastern massasaugas, but as their numbers decline, direct mortality plays a more significant role. 6.  Why did the Service determine that designating critical habitat for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is not prudent? The eastern massasauga is both predator and prey. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake photo by Mike Redmer, USFWS. Overseen by Land Management Specialist Evan Hill, ACRES developed a multi-year research project based on these questions.