Protected Endangered Rattlesnake Killed At A Michigan Park

I've always found snakes very interesting, but something I prefer to observe from a very far distance.

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That's probably because I've seen so many movies or stories about someone getting bitten by a venomous snake and dying.

⬇️ 12 Animals You Must Report If You Hit Them in Michigan ⬇️

Recently a venomous snake was found dead at a Michigan park and now officials are asking the public to not let their fear of snakes lead to killing them

Protected Endangered Rattlesnake Killed At A Michigan Park

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Park in Ann Arbor posted a request on social media asking people to be kind to snakes.

This follows the discovery of Michigan's only venomous snake, the Eastern Massasauga, found dead at the park, apparently due to blunt force trauma.

When I hear "venomous snake," I assume that one should kill them if seen, but that is not the case for the Eastern Massasauga.

It is actually a protected species under Michigan's Endangered Species Act.

And while the Eastern Massasauga is venomous Michiganders don't have much to worry about according to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory:

It is unusual for the species to strike unless it is directly disturbed, 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. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year.

What To Do If You See A Snake

If you see a snake remain calm, give it space, and avoid any actions that could provoke it. Most snakes are harmless and will leave you alone if you do not approach them.

Read More: This Animal Is The Number One Killer Of People In Michigan