Michigan Beware: The Only Venomous Snake In The Mitten State
Everyone has their fears and to some people they don't make sense because they aren't afraid of those things, but everyone's fears are valid. For example, I am deathly afraid of the ocean while also having a genuine fear of falling. There are very common fears like heights, spiders, and even heartbreak that large amounts of people share together. Whether a fear is common or obscure, there is a reason that person is fearful of whatever it may be.
Another one of the most common fears in the world is the fear of snakes. I may not necessarily be afraid of snakes, but I definitely don't prefer to be in their presence. I do understand how people are fearful of snakes as they are able to move around sneakily and pose great danger through both strangulation but also from their venom. Michigan has several snake species within its borders, but one snakes poses a greater danger than the rest.
18 different snake species call the Mitten State home which already has a number of you shaking in your boots, so you won't like what is coming next. There is one snake that is more dangerous than the rest as this snake is the only venomous snake in the entire state, and that's the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake.
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As scared as you may be of snakes and more specifically the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, you must restrain yourself around the animal. One remaining calm will most likely deter the snake from bothering you but also any harm done to the snake could result in fines or jail time. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Although snakes can be scary and cause danger to humans, they are vital in keeping the ecosystem balanced as they feast on mice, moles, voles, and shrews, rather than humans. If threatened, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake will either lie still to blend into their environment or strike immediately depending on the situation. Listen to the rattle to easily discern the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake from other rattlesnakes as their rattle sounds more like the buzz of a bee.
The chances are low that you will be bitten by a venomous snake in Michigan. Even if you are bitten by the eastern massasauga, you have a high chance of surviving the bite.