Michigan officials warn public to give threatened rattlesnakes space following bite that hospitalized resident
Anyone found harming, killing or capturing an eastern massasauga rattlesnake faces a penalty of a $50,000 fine and up to one year in prison for violating the federal Endangered Species Act.
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Linda Martin went to clip some roses from a bush in her front yard when she felt a sharp pain on her foot. She lifted the bush to discover a rattlesnake bit her. Martin joins FOX Weather to talk about her experience, and rushing to the hospital to receive anti-venom.
MICHIGAN – Following a recent incident at the Proud Lake Recreation Area, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning the public not to harass or capture eastern massasauga rattlesnakes.
Officials urge visitors to give the snakes space and stay on designated trails.
According to state officials, a 41-year-old resident was hospitalized on July 21 after being bitten while attempting to photograph one of the venomous snakes near a boat launch. He was expected to make a full recovery.
Massasauga Rattlesnake
(benedek / Getty Images)
"The snake’s bite is painful but extremely unlikely to be fatal. Between 25% and 50% of bites are ‘dry bites,’ meaning the snake did not deliver a dose of venom," the DNR stated.
DNR Endangered Species Biologist Amy Bleisch said the best way to prevent an encounter with an eastern massasauga rattlesnake is to stay on designated trails. "These snakes are shy and prefer to avoid people. If they don’t feel threatened, they will hide and wait for people to walk by," she said.
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Hence, why it’s also important not to harass the species and make them feel unsafe.
In the event of a bite, the DNR said to remain as still and calm as possible while calling 911 or seeking medical attention immediately.
An Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake rests on the Canadian Shield.
(khorner / Getty Images)
It is safest to sit down and rest while you wait for emergency medical teams to arrive.
"Remove rings, watches and bracelets that can cause problems due to swelling. Do not apply ice or tourniquets. Do not cut the wound or apply suction," they added.
Additionally, anyone found harming, killing or capturing an eastern massasauga rattlesnake faces a penalty of a $50,000 fine and up to one year in prison for violating the federal Endangered Species Act.
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Video captured in Southern California shows two large rattlesnakes duking it out, intertwining their bodies in what looks almost like a tango near a storm drain in Thousand Oaks. This highlights a broader, unsettling surge in snake encounters across the region.
Elsewhere in the country, rattlesnake bites are on the rise across California, where officials have already reported three fatalities this year.
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"Three encounters have been fatal that we're aware of so far this year, which is highly unusual and deeply concerning," Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of the California Poison Control System said in a May report.