Iowa campers on alert after venomous rattlesnake bite in Michigan
A recent rattlesnake bite in Michigan has renewed attention on the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the only venomous snake found in the Midwest, including parts of Iowa. While encounters are rare, officials urge Iowans to know how to identify the snake and what to do if bitten.
On July 21, a camper in Oakland County, Michigan, was hospitalized after being bitten by an eastern massasauga rattlesnake. The Commerce Township Fire Department issued a public safety notice on Facebook the following day, warning residents of the rare incident. The snake is protected under the Endangered Species Act and is listed as threatened in the U.S.
What is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake?
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper native to the Great Lakes and Midwest regions, including Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and parts of New York and Pennsylvania. It is the only venomous snake in Michigan and one of the few in the Midwest.
According to the Michigan State University Extension, Michigan hosts the largest remaining population of this species, but the snake has been documented in Iowa as well. It prefers wetlands, earning the nickname “swamp rattler,” and is most active from April to late October.
“Historically, they could be found in a variety of wetlands and nearby upland woods throughout the Lower Peninsula,” the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said. The same habitat types exist in Iowa, particularly in prairie potholes and floodplain forests.
How to identify the eastern massasauga rattlesnake
Identification is key to avoiding a dangerous encounter. The eastern massasauga has a wide triangular head, a thick body, and is typically gray, light brown, or black with a pattern of dark blotches along its back. Adults grow to 2-3 feet in length.
It is often mistaken for non-venomous species like the eastern milk snake, eastern fox snake, or northern water snake. The key identifier is the segmented rattle at the tip of its tail, which produces a buzzing sound similar to a bee caught in a spider web.
What do they eat and what eats them?
Massasaugas primarily feed on small mammals such as voles, moles, jumping mice, and shrews, but will also eat other snakes, birds, and frogs. Natural predators include hawks, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Humans also kill them, often out of fear, despite their protected status.
What should Iowans do if they encounter one?
If you see an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, do not approach, handle, or attempt to move it. The National Park Service recommends giving the snake at least 10 feet of space. Officials urge residents to report sightings with a photo to local wildlife authorities, as the species is declining due to habitat loss and human persecution.
“Leave it alone and give it space,” the Commerce Township Fire Department advised. The snake is shy and non-aggressive, and bites are rare.
What to do if bitten by a snake
All snakebites should be treated as a medical emergency. A non-venomous bite is called a dry bite, while a venomous bite requires immediate attention. The eastern massasauga’s short fangs inject only a small volume of venom, making fatalities rare, but small children and people with preexisting health conditions are at greater risk.
The U.S. Forest Service and local fire departments recommend the following steps after a venomous snakebite:
- Stay calm and call 911 immediately.
- Keep the bitten area below heart level.
- Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite.
- Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck out venom.
- Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
- Get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
What is the difference between venomous and poisonous?
The terms are often confused. According to the Cleveland Clinic, poison is a toxin that causes harm when ingested or absorbed, while venom is injected through a bite or sting. The eastern massasauga is venomous, not poisonous.
Iowa context: What this means for local residents
While the bite occurred in Michigan, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is present in Iowa, particularly in wetland areas of the northern and central parts of the state. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has documented sightings in counties like Dickinson, Emmet, and Kossuth. The species is protected under Iowa law, and killing one is illegal.
Iowa’s outdoor enthusiasts, including campers, hikers, and hunters, should be aware of the snake’s habitat and behavior. The Iowa DNR encourages reporting sightings to help track populations. As the species faces habitat loss from agricultural drainage and development, conservation efforts remain a priority.
“Encounters are rare, but they do happen,” said John Damon, a local outdoors writer. “Knowing how to identify the snake and what to do if bitten can save lives.”
Frequently asked questions about the eastern massasauga rattlesnake
Is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake found in Iowa?
Yes, the snake has been documented in several Iowa counties, particularly in wetlands and prairie habitats.
How dangerous is a bite from this snake?
Fatalities are rare, but the venom can cause serious symptoms. Medical attention is required immediately.
What should I do if I see one in my yard?
Leave it alone, give it space, and contact local wildlife authorities. Do not attempt to kill or move it.
Contact John Damon at jdamon@justthenewsiowa.com