Species at Risk

Massasauga Rattlesnake

How can I help?

If you live or cottage in rattlesnake country:

• pick up a copy of the Massasauga Rattlesnake Landowner Stewardship Guide, which is available online. The guide is full of useful information on how to identify rattlesnakes and what you can do to live safely with them.
   
• be good stewards of your land, join a local stewardship council or consider placing a conservation easement on your property.

If you're visiting the area:

• visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park or Bruce Peninsula National Park to learn more about this snake and other rare species around Georgian Bay.
   
• be aware! Wear proper shoes when hiking around Georgian Bay, and watch where you place your feet. If you do happen to come across a rattlesnake (a rare occurrence), simply leave it some space and continue on your way.
   
• tread softly and be aware of what you leave behind. The massasauga lives in a fragile ecosystem-but if we treat it well, snakes and humans can share and enjoy it for a long time.

Related Links

For more information on the massasauga, visit these Web sites:

• Georgian Bay Islands National Park of Canada
• Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada
• Fathom Five National Marine Park
• Canadian Massasauga Recovery Team
• Environment Canada's Species at Risk Web site-Massasauga