A Snake in the grass
exercise :2
3. What did the article in a US paper state about the deaths due to snake bite?
Answers
Explanation:
Massasaugas usually hibernate in the wetlands in crayfish or small mammal burrows. They also have been known to hibernate in tree roots and rock crevices as well as submerged trash, barn floors, and basements (Johnson and Menzies 1993). Hibernation sites are located below the frost line, often close to groundwater level. The presence of water that does not freeze is critical to hibernaculum suitability (Johnson 1995). Individuals tend to return to the same hibernation site each year (Prior 1991). This species tends to hibernate singly or in small groups of two or three (Johnson and Menzies 1993).
Crayfish chimney used for hibernating
Massasauga home ranges and movement distances can be quite variable, which may be due to differing habitat structure and resource availability at the various sites (Moore and Gillingham 2006). King (1997) reported mean home ranges of approximately 5 to 7 acres for neonates and gravid females, 17 acres for non-gravid females and 398 acres for males. He also recorded mean range lengths of 0.03 mile for neonates, 0.2 mile for non-gravid females, 0.4 mile for gravid females, and 0.8 mile for males. Other studies have reported mean home ranges of 0.65 acres to 95 acres (Reinert and Kodrich 1982, Johnson 1995, Moore and Gillingham 2006, Durbian et al. 2008). The most recent information on mean home ranges for massasaugas in Wisconsin and Missouri is 9 acres for females, 13 for gravid females, 95 for males, and 2 for neonates (Durbian et al. 2008). Reported maximum movements range from 0.1 mile in Michigan (Hallock 1990) to 2 miles in Wisconsin (King 1997).
Massasaugas feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews. They also will consume other snake species and occasionally birds and frogs. Young massasaugas are more dependent on cold-blooded prey, particularly frogs (Vogt 1981). Natural predators for the massasauga, particularly the eggs and young, include hawks, skunks, raccoons, and foxes (Vogt 1981). Massasaugas also are commonly killed by humans.
Massasauga camouflage
When they are threatened, eastern massasaugas will typically remain motionless, relying on their cryptic coloration to blend into their surroundings. They sound their rattle when alarmed but will occasionally strike without rattling when surprised. The rattle sound of the massasauga is different than the traditional sound of other rattlesnake species. It is best described as a buzzing sound, similar to one made by a bee stuck in a spider web. Although the temperaments of individual snakes vary widely, this species is generally considered non-aggressive. It is unusual for the species to strike unless it is directly disturbed (Johnson and Menzies 1993), and bites to humans are rare. Although the venom is highly toxic, fatalities are very uncommon because the species' short fangs can inject only a small volume (Klauber 1972). Small children and people in poor health are thought to be at greatest risk. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year.
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Identification
Gray or grayish brown with dark blotches edged in white and spots down back and sides
18.5-30 inches long; record 39.5 inches long
Belly blackish, not patterned
Heavy-bodied; often found coiled
Gives birth to live young
Pit on each side of head between eye and nostril
Cat-like pupils
Wide, triangular head
Distinct segmented rattle
Tail thick, squarish; does not taper to a point like all other snakes in Michigan
Does not always rattle a warning; relies on pattern and remaining motionless to go undetected
Scales keeled; anal scale single
Look-Alike Snakes
Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)
24-36 inches; Record 52 inches
Light gray or tan with brown or reddish-brown, black-bordered blotches running down back
Young similar to adults but blotches brighter red
Often Y- or V-shaped light marking on top of neck
Belly white with black checkerboard pattern
Scales smooth; anal scale single
Lays eggs
eastern milk snakeeastern milk snake
Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpine gloydi)
Eastern subspecies in Southeast Lower Peninsula only; western subspecies in Upper Peninsula only
36-54 inches; record 70.5 inches
Yellowish to light brown with black or dark brown blotches; head reddish or orangish
Belly yellow with black checkboard pattern
Scales weakly keeled; anal scale divided
Lays eggs
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