In Search of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) is currently conducting a study to locate remaining populations of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, in Pennsylvania and needs your help. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (also known as the black snapper, swamp rattler or pygmy rattler) was once common throughout Western Pennsylvania. Its range encompassed Allegheny, Butler, Crawford, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties. However, many factors have contributed to its disappearance and it is currently believed to occur in only three counties. The main factors resulting in this decline are habitat destruction and human persecution
Description
The eastern massasauga is a relatively small pitviper with adults reaching only two to three feet in length. The massasauga's coloration is usually gray to light brown with dark brown blotches down the middle of the back and three rows of smaller, alternating dark blotches along each side. Dark head stripes begin behind the eyes and extend down onto the neck. The belly is black with irregular white or yellow markings. The tail tip of newborns is yellow but darkens with age. At the end of the tail is a distinctive rattle which is comprised of keratin (the same material as fingernails). A new segment is added each time the snake sheds. Since snakes shed multiple times a year and rattle segments are easily broken off, the number of rattle segments is not a reliable indicator of the snake's age-contrary to popular belief.
Natural History
Massasaugas typically hibernate in crayfish burrows and spend the summer months hunting rodents, their main prey item. An adult snake can eat up to nine pounds of rodents per year. Since massasaugas only reproduce every two to three years, even the removal of a single pregnant female is a significant loss to the population. Mating takes place in August and September and the young are born live the following summer. Massasaugas return to the same area each year to hibernate but do not necessarily use the same burrow or den like timber rattlesnakes. They are shy and docile by nature and will retreat if given the chance. While camouflage is their best defense, they will rattle and even strike if stepped on, picked up, cornered or otherwise feel threatened.
Confusing Species
The pattern and coloration of the northern water snake and eastern milk snake is similar to that of the massasauga. Additionally, when encountered both of these species may vibrate their tail in an attempt to fool would-be predators. This oftentimes misleads someone into believing they just had a rattlesnake encounter.
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Eastern Massasauga:
Northern Water Snake: Eastern Milk Snake:
Massasauga Encounters
If you are fortunate enough to encounter one of Pennsylvania's rarest natural resources please take the following steps:
1. Please do not injure or kill the snake. It is unlawful to kill, catch, handle or keep Massasaugas.
2. Stop any activities that could possibly cause harm to yourself or the snake.
3. If the snake tries to retreat, let it.
4. Mark the area where the snake was encountered or be able to point it out to a contact person.
5. Please contact the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy at (412) 288-2777 (even if the snake is dead).
