Massasauga Rattlesnake
Massasauga rattlesnakes are a species of special concern in Colorado due to declining populations, possibly due to habitat loss.
About This Species
Like all rattlesnakes, the Massasauga rattlesnake has a rattle on its tail that warns predators of its presence and has a venomous bite that is dangerous to humans.
Living with Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes have a lot of misconceptions or folklore surrounding them because they are often perceived as mysterious and are generally misunderstood. Colorado Parks and Wildlife species conservation coordinator Tina Jackson has spent the last 20 years learning about snakes, and she shared her knowledge of rattlesnakes on the Colorado Outdoors podcast.
ListenRattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes are usually very forgiving — they give us every opportunity to stay away before they resort to a venomous bite in self-defense. They don’t chase people; on the contrary, they use their camouflage to avoid being seen and, if unable to hide or slither away, use their rattle as a warning signal. But unfortunately, some people get too close without knowing; some accidentally step on a snake or, worse, choose to provoke the snake, resulting in a bite.
To prevent snakebites, knowing what to do is equally important as knowing what not to do.
- Snakes are often heard before they’re seen. If you hear a rattlesnake, freeze in place until you or a friend can locate it. Trying to get away from a snake before you see it may lead you closer to it! Even if the snake is in plain view, freezing will make you less threatening to the snake and help you calmly assess the situation.
- Get to a safe distance away from the snake. Rattlesnakes can strike at a distance of half their body length; a good rule of thumb is to put at least five feet between you and the snake. If possible, move slowly back the way you came.
- Leave the snake alone. NEVER, under any circumstances, try to catch, kill, provoke or move a rattlesnake. Move around the rattlesnake at a safe distance and out of its way. Be aware that other snakes could be in the area.
- If you are bitten by a snake, call 911 immediately.
Understanding the biology and behavior of rattlesnakes can go a long way toward reducing unwanted encounters. Rattlesnakes are creatures of habit and often bask, hunt, migrate and den in the same areas year after year. Here are some ways to prepare for hiking in rattlesnake country:
- Sturdy footwear and long pants should be the first line of defense. These afford good protection for the feet and ankles, which are usually in the closest proximity to rattlesnakes.
- Hikers should watch where they place feet and hands at all times, being careful to avoid stepping over rocks and logs or reaching into holes that could shelter a resting rattlesnake.
- Do not hike with headphones or earbuds; be aware of your surroundings.
- Limit early morning and evening activity.
- Exercise extra caution around dawn and dusk when the snakes become active and human visibility drops.
- If early or late activity is unavoidable, use a light and be sure to wear boots — even in camp!
Though usually not fatal, a rattlesnake bite can nevertheless be very painful, and it should always be considered a medical emergency.
Rattlesnake venom can be cytotoxic, meaning it destroys the muscle and soft tissues around the bite. Occasionally, the venom can also be hemotoxic, meaning it increases the chance of bleeding. In prey animals, the venom not only subdues the animal but starts digesting it, even before the snake begins swallowing. The same thing happens when a snake bites a person — the tissues around the bite are digested, and the damage can be extensive.
If you are bitten by a snake, call 911 immediately.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Horny rattle or button on end of tail; usually nine large, symmetrically arranged scales on top of head (sometimes with several small scales interspersed); head broader than neck; pit on each side of face between (but lower than) eye and nostril; upper side blotched; upper scales keeled; pupil vertically elongate (like a cat’s) in bright light; usually less than 20 inches (50 cm) snout-vent length in Colorado, averaging around 15-16 inches (38–40 cm) total length.
Unlike many of their relatives, rattlesnakes are not built for speed. They’re lie-in-wait predators and may spend hours or even days in the same location waiting for a prey animal to pass by. Their large bodies are designed to help them conserve and store energy for what could be a very long wait for their next meal. Many nonvenomous snakes flee from danger and usually have the speed and agility to do so; rattlesnakes, because of how they’re built, often have no choice but to stand their ground when threatened.
Rattlesnakes are cryptic, using camouflage as their first line of defense. They’d rather hide than interact with humans or other animals. Because of their coloration, most rattlesnakes blend in with their surroundings exceptionally well. In most cases, they’ll simply ignore you, thinking that you can’t see them. However, if the snake coils up and rattles, you’re too close and should move away slowly. Stepping back just a few feet can be enough to convince the snake you’re not a threat. Most rattlesnakes will not strike at people unless they feel threatened or are deliberately provoked.
Rattlesnakes have a fairly predictable pattern of activity. During the coldest months of the year, they shelter in winter dens and usually resume activity in late March or early April. Once active, adult snakes may migrate several kilometers from their dens in search of food. In the spring and fall, cool temperatures require rattlesnakes to bask in the sun or on warm surfaces for much of the day. They often use pavement and other hard surfaces such as trails for basking — this often leads to unfortunate encounters with people and automobiles. They usually hunt in the late afternoon and evening once they’ve warmed up enough. When temperatures allow, rattlesnakes may also prowl for food in the early afternoon or at night.
Range
Southeastern Colorado at elevations below about 5,500 feet.
Habitat
Dry plains grassland and sandhill areas; attracted to sandy soils supporting abundant rodent and lizard populations; hibernates singly in rodent burrows, often in firm, loamy soils adjacent to sandy areas used for feeding.
Diet
The diet includes various frogs, spadefoot toads, lizards, small snakes (such as the ground snake and lined snake), shrews, and mice, sometimes centipedes and carrion (e.g., road kills). Young massasaugas generally eat lizards and add rodents to the diet as they grow larger.
Reproduction
Females give birth to their young beginning in late August or early September.
Threats to Species
- Habitat loss
- Climate change