The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a small rattlesnake species, currently listed as threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This rattlesnake inhabits the midwestern United States. It is unique as it utilizes wetlands as its core habitat. During the winter they brumate in terrestrial crayfish burrows or rotted-out root channels in wetlands. After emerging in early spring, they occupy open-canopy wetlands to forage for rodents, amphibians, and occasionally snakes. They also breed before returning to their overwintering habitats at the end of Autumn.
Presence/absence surveys are generally conducted from early Spring through early Fall when temperatures are between 50 and 80 F°. The most fruitful survey periods are during the spring emergence when all age classes are active and during mid-summer. In mid-summer, gravid females are especially active.
EDGE’s professional Herpetologist, Mr. Tim Brust, is a USFWS-permitted and an ODNR-approved Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake surveyor. Tim has led numerous surveys for Eastern Massasauga in Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. He has also conducted awareness and safety training for contractors working in the vicinity of these snakes.
Evaluating and managing potential disturbances to Eastern Massasauga habitat is critical to your project’s success. If your project is located within Eastern Massasauga range, please reach out to Tim for #furtherinsight.
