The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is warning residents: anyone who harasses, captures or kills an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake faces up to one year in prison and a $50,000 fine under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The warning follows a July 21 incident in which a 41-year-old Novi man was bitten while trying to photograph a massasauga near a boat launch at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township. As we reported July 22, the man was transported by ambulance to the University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor for antivenom treatment.
But the DNR's concern extends beyond one snakebite. The agency said people have been veering off established trails and trampling wetland vegetation to look for the snakes since news of the bite spread, WXYZ reported. Some visitors have even threatened to kill the snakes if they encounter them.
"The best way to avoid massasaugas and damaging their habitats is to stay on the trails," DNR endangered species biologist Amy Bleisch said, according to MLive. "These snakes are shy and prefer to avoid people. If they don't feel threatened, they will hide and wait for people to walk by."
The Eastern massasauga is Michigan's only venomous snake and a state and federally threatened species. It is illegal to pursue, harass, wound, kill or capture one. Michigan has more massasauga populations than any other state, and the snakes live in specific wetlands in the Lower Peninsula and on islands in Lake Huron.
What happened July 21
Witness Richard Curylo told WXYZ his group was swimming at Proud Lake when they heard movement in the grass. The victim moved closer to get a better photo angle. The snake struck his hand.
Commerce Township Fire Chief James Dundas told Oakland County Times the man was in significant pain but his vital signs remained stable during transport.
Dr. Brad Uren, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Michigan, said he has seen about five rattlesnake bite cases in 20 years of practice. He noted the bites are not usually immediately life-threatening but said that is not a reason to delay care.
No one has died from a massasauga bite in Michigan in more than 100 years, according to the DNR. Between 25% and 50% of bites are "dry," delivering no venom. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites statewide in a typical year.
How to stay safe
The DNR recommends maintaining at least a three-foot distance from any massasauga, which puts a person outside the snake's strike range. If bitten, officials advise staying calm, seeking immediate medical attention, removing rings and watches to prevent swelling complications, and avoiding ice, suction or tourniquets.
Residents who witness suspicious behavior near massasauga habitat, such as someone carrying a snake hook and a pillowcase, can call the DNR's Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.
