What water snakes live in Michigan?
Snakes
| Scientific name | Common name |
|---|---|
| Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta | Copperbelly water snake |
| Nerodia sipedon | Northern water snake |
| Pantherophis obsoletus | Black rat snake |
| Pantherophis spiloides | Gray rat snake |
Is a Michigan water moccasin venomous?
Topic Overview. The cottonmouth, also called a water moccasin, is a poisonous (venomous) snake found in southeastern and south central North America. They leave one, two, or three puncture marks on the skin, but you won’t always see any marks.
Are Northern Michigan water snakes poisonous?
Water snakes are not venomous, but will bite if cornered or handled. They are sometimes mistakenly called “water moccasins” (which are not native to Michigan). Reproduction: Females give birth to their 7 to 9 inch young in late summer.
Are there poisonous snakes in Lake Michigan?
Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, the only venomous snake in Michigan, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible. Rattlesnake bites, while extremely rare in Michigan, can and do occur.
Is there water moccasins in Michigan?
Water moccasins (cottonmouths), which are venomous, do not occur anywhere near Michigan. But both species have a fondness of water. I had a memorable close encounter with a water moccasin three years ago at Congaree National Park on the wilder side of South Carolina.
Where are water moccasins found?
Cottonmouths are native to the U.S. and range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the IUCN. They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams.
What’s the difference between a cottonmouth and a water snake?
Both cottonmouths and northern water snakes, also called common water snakes, have dark bodies, and they are typically banded. Cottonmouths also usually have a neck that is narrower than their heads, while water snakes have necks that are not distinct from their bodies.
Why do water moccasins chase you?
Despite these examples of relatively benign defensive behaviors, cottonmouths maintain a reputation of being ‘aggressive’ or ‘mean’. Many people will tell you of cottonmouths ‘chasing’ people that get to close, implying that the goal of this behavior is ultimately to bite people.
Are there water moccasins in Michigan?
Is a water moccasin the same as a copperhead?
Copperhead snakes are some of the more commonly seen North American snakes. Water moccasins (cottonmouths), radiated rat snakes, Australian copperheads and sharp-nosed pit vipers are all sometimes called copperheads, but these are different species from the North American copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).
What is the difference between a water moccasin and a cottonmouth?
Water moccasins have vertical, “cat-eye” pupils, and dark stripes extend out near each nostril. The snout is pale in comparison with the rest of the head. Cottonmouth snakes have triangular heads, thin necks, and “cat-eye” pupils.
What is the most dangerous snake in Michigan?
The most dangerous venomous snake in Michigan is the, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. These dangerous snakes can cause serious injury even death. Venomous and nonvenomous are commonly found in homes, commercial, and industrial areas of Detroit.
What is the most poisonous animal in Michigan?
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is the deadliest animal in Michigan. Tags: upper peninsula of michigan , insects, michigan. Wednesday, February 01 2012.
Are there any poisones snakes in Michigan?
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Only one species of venomous snake resides in Michigan-the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
What state has the most venomous snakes?
North America’s most venomous snakes. Located in the southeast United States – Southeast Virginia, west central Alabama, south Georgia, Illinois, east central Kentucky, south central Oklahoma, Texas, North and South Carolina, Florida, and the Florida Keys -, this snake is one of the most common snakes in Florida.