Massasauga

Sistrurus catenatus

Massasauga means "great river mouth" in the Chippewa language. The Chippewa people probably gave it this name because of the habitat in which it was found in their land -- swampland surrounding mouths of rivers. It may be encountered sunning on mild days; it becomes active at dawn, dusk, or nighttime during hot summer months. It eats lizards, small rodents, and frogs.

Look For : A gray rattlesnake with a row of large dark blotches down back and smaller blotches on sides.

Length : 18-40".

Habitat : Swamps, marshes, wet meadows, bogs, grasslands.

Range : Southern Canada and northeastern U.S. to Arizona.