1. . But these snakes also eat a variety of ectothermic (so-called "cold-blooded") critters, including frogs, lizards, and small snakes. Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically. Jul 21, 2019 - Photo about Juvenile Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) coiled on a log. Like all pitvipers, Massasauga rattlesnakes have heat-sensitive pits located on each side of the head, between the nostril and eye. Fair use (quotations, etc.) To some people, conservation of a venomous snake may seem a waste of money, stupid and even negligent. The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. baby massasauga rattlesnake. Cryptic patterns and coloration serve to break up the shape of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake to better disguise it in vegetation, rocks, leaves, and shadows. Rattlesnake bites are painful, with swelling and tissue damage near the bite site. Photo courtesy of Joe Crowley; Ontario Nature . Premium Drupal Theme by Adaptivethemes.com. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. If you’re bitten by one it can be dangerous, but it’s very rarely fatal. What's particularly odd is that he's out in the open, on the grass. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. The snakes were born on June 20. Metro Toronto Zoo, West Hill Ontario. Baby Massasaugas have a "button" at the tip of the tail which is often yellow in colour. The rattle is actually a series of interlocking scale segments, which make a buzzing noise when the tail is vibrated. According to the reports of IUCN, these species are in the list of least important. And he's just a little guy. While they have much in common, the three subspecies all look a little different. The Massasauga is a stout-bodied rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long. We're funding research that's tracking the migratory movements of Massasaugas in the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge -- one of just three Missouri sites where the species is found today. Nothing on this site constitutes legal or engineering advice. It's great for scaring away enemies! (This means they're in a state similar to hibernation, but with periods of wakefulness.) After mating, the female and male go their separate ways. The name "Massasauga" comes from a Chippewa Indian word meaning "great river mouth." Rattlesnakes: Their Habitat, Life Histories, and Influence on Mankind. The venom of the Massasauga rattlesnake is hemolytic, which means it causes the breakdown of red blood cells in its victim. Young rattlesnakes measure approximately nine inches long and have a yellow-tipped tail with a “button” rather than a fully-developed functioning rattle. Though the venom is highly toxic, there are very few reports of humans dying from a Massasauga bite. 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