THE EASTERN MASSASAUGA
 RATTLESNAKE STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

  This booklet was created for those who live, work, visit, cottage or camp within the range of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake
(Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) – Ontario’s only venomous snake!

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is a fascinating and unique Ontario reptile.
Although it’s venomous, the massasauga is timid. It prefers to avoid detection, often
sheltering itself under shrubs, ferns, brush, or slabs of rock. When it is disturbed or
encountered in open habitat, the massasauga prefers to move to a more hidden
location. The public may encounter the snake near dwellings, campgrounds, or hiking
trails. However, most people will never get to see a massasauga in the wild because
of the snake’s secretive behaviour. But even if you don’t encounter a massasauga,
there is much to learn about this misunderstood reptile.
 
This book is designed to help people increase their knowledge about this threatened Ontario snake, and to make the public comfortable living in its environment. Ultimately, our goal is to provide people with the knowledge not only of how to live safely with this snake, but how to become a good land steward. We hope this book will move readers to promote the recovery of this rare species!
 
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

 

The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

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