COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — A man is recovering after being bitten by an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Michigan's only venomous snake, in Commerce Township on Wednesday.
According to the Commerce Township Fire Department, fire crews responded to the "rare medical emergency" on Wednesday.
Fire Chief James Dundas said that the bite happened near a boat launch at Proud Lake State Park. The 41-year-old man got too close to the snake, and it bit him in the hand.
Fire officials transported him to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor because it was the closest hospital with anti-venom.
Despite population declines, Michigan has the largest population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in the country, according to Michigan State University.
The snake is usually found in or near wetland habitats in the state. Adult massasauga snakes are usually 18.5 inches - 30 inches long, but the record, according to MSU, is 39.5 inches. That's more than three feet.
Its body is gray or grayish-brown with dark blotches edged in white with spots down the back and sides. It also has a rattle on its tail.
MSU says the tail doesn't always rattle a warning, but it is a distinct segmented rattle.
There are several lookalike snakes in Michigan, including the Eastern Milk Snake, the Eastern Fox Snake, the Eastern Hog Nose Snake and the Northern Water Snake.
According to MSU, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes are shy and will avoid humans. If it doesn't feel threatened, it will even let you pass without revealing location.
Most common bites tend to be at the boot top level when someone steps on or over the snake, because it can't strike very high above ground.
MSU says if you get bit, 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 venom spreads more rapidly if you walk fast or run. Do not cut or use ice on the wound, and do not fit a tourniquet on the affected leg or arm.
