The animals are facing extinction for many reasons, chief among them habitat loss from logging and sprawl, groundwater overuse, climate change and pollution.
What is the habitat of the Kirtland’s snake?
Kirtland’s snakes occupy moist, open meadow or wet prairie habitats, and old fields, and are found almost exclusively in the Midwest, with the core of their range centered on Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
Are there rat snakes in Michigan?
Five of Michigan’s species are currently listed as threatened, endangered, or species of special concern: Gray (Black) Rat Snake – Species of Special Concern. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake – Threatened. Kirtland’s Snake – Endangered.
Are copperhead snakes in Michigan?
Despite what you may have heard, copperheads are NOT found in Michigan. We’ve compiled a quick rundown of these species and what you need to know about each of them, including the one species of venomous snake.
What is the most poisonous snake in Michigan?
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, the only venomous snake in Michigan, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible. Also known as “swamp rattlers,” they spend the vast majority of their time in year-round wetlands hunting their primary prey, mice.
Are hognose snakes in Michigan?
Habitat and Habits: A snake of open, sandy woodlands – found in the wooded dunes of western Michigan. … The upturned snout is used to burrow after toads, a favorite food. When threatened, hognose snakes puff up with air, flatten their necks and bodies, and hiss loudly.
Do Kirkland snakes bite?
Little is known about this shy, reclusive reptile, which flattens itself and strikes repeatedly, but harmlessly when threatened. The non-venomous Kirtland’s snake isn’t known to bite humans who handle it.
Can a garter snake hurt you?
Does a garter snake bite hurt? Like any animal’s bite, the garter snakes’ bite will hurt, but it is unlikely to cause serious issues, or even death. Some species do contain venom, although it is not considered significantly toxic to humans.
Are garter snakes poisonous?
First off, we want to reiterate the most important thing: garter snakes are not poisonous. In fact, they can be a natural form of pest control, as they feed on small rodents such as mice and moles. If you’re having a rodent problem, they can be of some help for you!
What should I do if I get bitten by a corn snake?
Although Corn Snakes aren’t venomous, it’s best to make sure the bite area is cleaned. Snakes tend to carry a lot of bacteria in their mouth, and if the bite draws blood, you’ll need to disinfect. Some Neosporin or hydrogen peroxide should do the trick!
Do water moccasins live in Michigan?
Water moccasins (cottonmouths), which are venomous, do not occur anywhere near Michigan. But both species have a fondness of water.
Are blue racers in Michigan?
Blue racer snakes’ range covers all of the lower peninsula of Michigan as well as the most southern tip of the upper peninsula down through northern Indiana, Illinois, into parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, and the most southern tip of Ontario, Canada on Pelee Island in Lake Erie.
How many poisonous snakes are there in Michigan?
About the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a unique and fascinating part of Michigan’s natural heritage. It is Michigan’s only venomous snake, and one of only two rattlesnake species that occur in the Great Lakes region.
What color are Michigan rattlesnakes?
The snake is usually found in or near wetland habitats in the state. Adult massasauga snakes are usually 18.5 inches – 30 inches long, but the record, according to MSU, is 39.5 inches. That’s more than three feet. Its body is gray or grayish-brown with dark blotches edged in white with spots down the back and sides.
Are there snakes in Lake Superior?
These two species, along with the smooth green snake, are the only snakes confirmed at the lakeshore, although western fox snake, northern water snake, and northern ringneck snake are likely to live here as well. There are no poisonous snakes in the park.
Are Northern water snakes poisonous?
Northern water snakes are some of the most common water snakes in the United States. … As adults, they have dark bands and are often mistaken for copperheads or cottonmouths, but these snakes are not venomous. However, when agitated they may flatten their bodies and bite.
Where are the blue racers in Michigan?
Racers have been found through most of the Lower Peninsula (except the northernmost sections) and the southern tip of the Upper Peninsula. Once common, their numbers have fallen in many places. Needless persecution by humans as well as habitat loss are probable factors in this decline.
Are milk snakes poisonous?
However, the milk snake is not venomous or poisonous, not matter how badly it wants to be. Milksnakes prefer to live in forested areas but will also be happy in barns and agricultural areas. They eat a wide variety of prey including other snakes, amphibians, rodents, insects, fish and small birds.
Is a black rat snake poisonous?
Eastern rat snakes, formerly known as black rat snakes, are large non-venomous snakes between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white. … Predators include hawks and other snakes.
Can a cottonmouth and copperhead mate?
Kissing Cousins. Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are members of the same genus, which means they are closely related species, and have even been known to mate and produce hybrid babies in captivity.
Will a cottonmouth chase you?
If you see a cottonmouth in the wild, be calm and realize that you are much larger than it, and it perceives you as a potential predator that has invaded its space. Cottonmouths are not out to get you, are not aggressive, will not chase you, and ultimately would like to be left alone.
Does Lake Michigan have snakes?
This is an essential question for those who are afraid of snakes, and the complete simple answer is: yes. There are snakes in lakes of Michigan. In fact, this article can be dissolved into one summary, and that is to say that Michigan is full of snakes!
Are red corn snakes poisonous?
>> While not venomous, corn snakes will bite. Their striking range is quite long, about 1/3 to 1/2 of their body length. … Young corn snakes are a favored food item of coral snakes and kingsnakes.