Water moccasins (cottonmouths), which are venomous, do not occur anywhere near Michigan.
What water snakes live in Michigan?
The six water-dwelling snakes in Michigan are Northern Water Snakes, Copperbelly Water Snakes, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes, Northern Ribbon Snakes, Queen Snakes, and Kirtland’s Snakes. These snakes live in and around various bodies of water and feed off the wildlife living near them.
Are there venomous water snakes in Michigan?
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 kind of poisonous snakes are in Michigan?
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.
Where does the water moccasin live?
They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams.
Is a Michigan water moccasin poisonous?
Water moccasins (cottonmouths), which are venomous, do not occur anywhere near Michigan. But both species have a fondness of water.
What’s the biggest snake in Michigan?
Gray Rat Snake
Gray Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta)
This is Michigan’s largest snake. Adult length: 3.5 to 8 feet. Range and Status: Gray Rat Snakes occur in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, but are rare and declining.
Is there Copperheads in Michigan?
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 18 species of snakes are found in Michigan. Copperheads are not among those listed. You can read more about the types of snakes found in Michigan here.
Are there water snakes in the Great Lakes?
Northern Watersnake
These snakes can be found in rivers, wetlands and lakes, usually among vegetation or on rocks and logs. Sometimes, they can even be spotted hiding among the sticks of beaver lodges.
How big do Michigan water snakes get?
between 2 and 4.5 feet
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. Fully grown water snakes are between 2 and 4.5 feet (0.6 and 1.4 meters) long, with most measuring about 3.5 feet (one meter) long.
What is the deadliest animal in the state of Michigan?
All the animals we’ve talked about pose a threat to humans, but the most dangerous animal in Michigan on our list is the black widow. This spider is the most venomous animal in Michigan so if you do come across one, remember to never touch it or agitate it, otherwise it’s more than likely that it will bite you.
Are cottonmouth and water moccasin the same thing?
Description: Cottonmouths are venomous semi-aquatic snakes often referred to as “water moccasins.” They have large, triangular heads with a dark line through the eye, elliptical pupils, and large jowls due to the venom glands.
What venomous animals live in Michigan?
The Most Poisonous Pests in Michigan
- Black Widows in Michigan. The Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) is the only venomous spider native to Michigan (Brown recluse spiders are not native).
- Paper Wasps in Michigan.
- Eastern American and Fowler’s Toads.
- Eastern Massasauga Rattle Snake.
Are water moccasins aggressive?
Water moccasins are not aggressive, even though most people say so. The best way to avoid them is to try your best to keep out of their way. Once you accidentally step on them, they may lash out and bite as a self-defense instinct.
Can water moccasins bite you in the water?
Besides sea-snakes, there are two common snakes that can live in or near water – the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and the water snake. Not only can snakes bite underwater, but water moccasins join a list of more than 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States making them even more of a threat.
How long do you have after a water moccasin bite?
Patients presenting after a cottonmouth bite should undergo observation for eight hours post-envenomation. If there are no physical or hematologic signs within eight hours, then the patient can be discharged home.
How many water moccasin bites a year?
How Many People Are Bitten by Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) Every Year? Juvenile Cottonmouth Snake swimming in a pond. They have even stronger contrasting bands of colors. 7,000 to 8,000 people suffer a venomous snakebite per year, but only a few die.
How do you keep water moccasins away?
How to Keep Water Moccasins Away
- Mow your lawn.
- Start by lightly sprinkling the snake repellent granules over the surface area of your yard, taking care to avoid garden areas.
- Create a perimeter around your yard by spreading an additional helping of snake repellent around the boundaries of your property.
How can you tell a water moccasin?
Best ways to tell watersnakes and Water Moccasins apart:
- BODY SIZE. THICK, HEAVY BODIES: Venomous Water Moccasins have bodies that are VERY thick and heavy for their length, and short, thick tails.
- HEAD AND NECK SIZE AND SHAPE.
Where do snakes go in the winter in Michigan?
burrow
Brumation is a more correct way of describing the winter dormancy of reptiles and most amphibians in Michigan, and differs slightly from hibernation in mammals. From about October – April, snakes in Michigan will stay dormant either underground, in a previously dug burrow, or tucked in a rock crevice or cave.
How many rattlesnakes are in Michigan?
Of the 18 snake species in Michigan, only one is venomous: the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Although this snake does have dangerous venom, it is extremely shy, secretive, and it is not aggressive. In fact, most residents of Michigan have never actually seen a massasauga in the wild.