Interesting Facts about the Massasauga

 

Here are some interesting facts about the massasauga rattlesnake: 

•  The name “Massasauga” comes from the Chippewa language, meaning “Great River Mouth”.  It got this name by being found near rivers and lakes.

• There are only two kinds of poisonous snakes in Wisconsin, the massasauga is one, and the timber rattlesnake is the other.

• Massasaugas are sometimes captured and sold illegally as pets.  If you are caught selling and transporting these snakes, the consequences include either a hefty fine, some quality time in the big house, or both.  SO BE WARNED!!

  

• The massasauga goes by many names, such as the black rattler, Sauger, black Massasauga, swamp rattler, or gray rattlesnake.

• Massasaugas don’t always rattle their tails near humans.  This may have come about as a result of being hunted for many years by people.  Rattling their tails only attracted the attention of humans, who would attack them.

• The massasauga is more poisonous than the timber rattlesnake, but has less venom to use, so it is not as dangerous to humans.

• Massasaugas do not mate for life, they are polygamous. (They choose a new mate each year)

  

  So there you have it! Pretty interesting huh?  Continue on and read about me here.  To find out more about the massasauga rattlesnake, try these sites: Massasauga Stewardship Guide, The Wisconsin DNR page, or Herpnet.net.