If You Hear This Rattling Sound In Michigan Try To Remain Calm

As the weather is warming up in Michigan it's the perfect time to bust out those walking shoes and explore our beautiful state.

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But while you're enjoying a hike or taking your four-legged friend on a W-A-L-K theres the chance you could run into Michigan's only venomous snake.

Does Michigan Have Venomous Snakes?

Michigan is home to 18 species of snakes.

17 of them might look scary but are harmless.

The only snake that you need to worry about is the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake.

What Does An Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Look Like?

The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is a small to medium-sized snake with a triangular-shaped head and vertical pupils. It has a thick body.

The snake's body is gray with brownish-black blotches, and some individuals are entirely black in color.

The most distinguishing feature of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is a keratinized rattle at the end of the tail, which is used to ward off potential threats.

Where Is The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Found?

The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is also known as the swamp rattler and spends the vast majority of its time in year-round wetlands hunting its primary prey, mice.

How Often Are People Bitten By Rattle Snakes In Michigan?

There have been at least 75 suspected or proven bites by Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes in Michigan.

Rattlesnake bites are extremely rare in Michigan, and while they can occur, they are infrequent.

What To Do If You're Bitten By A Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

If bitten by an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or get to an emergency room as soon as possible.

Time is precious because of the effects that the venom causes on the human body. Most people recover fully from rattlesnake bites if they are treated quickly

When Are You Most Likely To Run Into A  Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake?

The most likely period to encounter snakes in the open is early spring or mornings when they can be found sunning themselves.

What To Do If You Encounter A Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers tips on how to stay safe when encountering snakes.

If you see a snake, give it plenty of room and do not try to catch or kill it.

The DNR also advises hikers to wear long pants and boots to protect their legs and ankles from potential bites.

Additionally, the DNR recommends keeping pets on a leash and avoiding areas where snakes may be present, such as rocky outcroppings and brushy area.

While the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is poisonous it sounds like there is a good chance you'll never run into one. But if you do now you know what to do.

While you're avoiding Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake you should probably keep an eye out for these dangerous and deadly animals that also can be found in Michigan.