COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — A man is recovering after being bitten by an eastern Massauga rattlesnake, Michigan’s only venomous snake, Tuesday in Commerce Township, according to his family.
Fire crews responded to a “rare medical emergency,” according to the Commerce Township Fire Department.
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Proud Lake
Fire Chief James Dundas said the bite occurred near a boat launch at Proud Lake State Park. A 41-year-old man got too close to a snake and it bit him on the hand.
Fire officials took him to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor because it was the closest hospital with antivenom.
Despite population declines, Michigan is home to the largest population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in the country, according to Michigan State University.
The snake is typically found in or near the state’s wetlands. Adult massasauga snakes typically range from 18.5 to 30 inches in length, but the record is 39.5 inches, according to MSU. That’s more than three feet.
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Proud Lake State Park
The body is gray or grayish-brown with dark spots edged with white, with spots along the back and sides. He also has a rattle on his tail.
MSU says the tail doesn’t always make a warning sound, but it is a distinct, segmented rattle.
Michigan is home to several similar snakes, including the eastern milk snake, eastern fox snake, eastern hog-nosed snake, and northern water snake.
Eastern Massauga rattlesnakes are shy and avoid people, according to MSU. If he doesn’t feel threatened, he will even let you pass without revealing his location.
The most common bites tend to occur at boot level when someone steps on or through the snake, as it cannot strike very high above the ground.
MSU advises that if you are bitten, move away from the snake and wait for help to arrive or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Try to move as little as possible because the poison spreads faster if you walk or run quickly. Do not cut or ice the wound or apply a tourniquet to the affected leg or arm.