Species Reptiles & AmphibiansMassasauga

Massasauga

Sistrurus catenatus

RareReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)
Safety note: Venomous — keep distance

The Massasauga is a small rattlesnake of the upper Midwest and Great Plains. It favors wetland habitats unusual for rattlesnakes. Declining due to habitat loss, it is a candidate for federal protection.

Habitat
Wet prairies, bogs, floodplain forests, and marshes
Diet
Frogs, mice, and small lizards
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Massasauga

The best time to see a Massasauga is April–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,164 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Massasauga sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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