Video: Matthaei Botanical Gardens Welcomes Baby Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug 5, 2025)
Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan’s only venomous snake tends to be a little elusive. Between shrinking populations, dwindling habitat, and their shy nature around humans, Eastern Massasauga sightings are considered a rare delight.
That’s why the birth of about a dozen baby Eastern Massasauga snakes at the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is exciting for staff and visitors who can see the tiny rattlesnakes, known as neonates, in their nesting area in the Great Lakes Garden.
The snakes have been sheltering in a black plastic drain and the crevices of decorative rocks, in an area that is now marked off by cones and secured for the snakes’ protection. Visitors can still get close enough to see when the creatures are out sunning. Oakland County Times even happened to film one of the young rattlers shedding its skin, which happens multiple times in the first year of a snake’s life.
Jeff Plakke, Nature Areas Program Lead, told Oakland County Times that the neonates were born over the weekend of July 26-27, with staff first noticing them on Monday, July 28. Trail Cam Volunteer Nick Scobel has been keeping an eye on the family, and says there are about a dozen little ones. Overall it’s difficult to tell how many rattlesnakes live in the 350 acres of park which includes many areas of ideal habitat, but they estimate the population to be around 50.
Plakke said the snakes “will disperse at some point, heading down to the floodplain to find and overwinter in crayfish burrows.”
But for now the plastic drain is a cozy home, and visitors may be able to catch a glimpse from beyond the orange cones. Plakke shared the rules, “Enjoy them from a distance. They are very shy and not aggressive, but will defend themselves and strike if approached. It is a federal crime to harm or harass a threatened species.”
“Last fall, a beaver established itself on our grounds, creating wetland habitats that benefit the Eastern Massasauga. Beavers naturally dam creeks and rivers, expanding wetland areas and enriching the biodiversity of the ecosystems we care for.
“The presence of beavers in our restoration areas has had significant positive impacts. By building dams, beavers create wetlands that increase water retention in ecosystems. These new habitats support a variety of species, including amphibians, birds, and aquatic plants. For the Eastern Massasauga, the expanded wetland areas provide vital basking and foraging habitats, further supporting their survival. Additionally, the slow-moving waters created by beaver activity help reduce soil erosion and improve water quality, contributing to a healthier and more resilient ecosystem overall.”
