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Massasauga Rattlesnake

Sistrurus catenatus

Photo by Ajwerko
Published on Project Noah
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37.7186, -97.9102

Field Notes

Description:

Description: Smallest rattlesnake in Kansas. Small pit on each side of head between and slightly below eye and nostril, a small rattle on the tail and nine large scales on top of head. Head, body and tail are gray or light brown with 20–50 dark gray or brown blotches on back; smaller blotches on tail. Belly mottled, blotched or light with an indistinct pattern. Young look like miniature adults.

Habitat:

Habits: Found in a wide variety of habitats ranging from arid open sagebrush prairie and rocky, prairie hillsides to open wetlands; seems to reach a peak of abundance in grassy wetlands such as Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Diurnal during spring and fall and prowls at night during summer. Three to 13 young per litter are born in July and August. Eats frogs, lizards, other snakes and rodents.

Notes:

Spotted this rattlesnake on my back porch.

Species ID Suggestions

Massasauga Rattlesnake

Sistrurus Catenatus

Comments (7)

Thanks Jemma and beachboy77 for the nice comments. My husband couldn't believe I saw a snake on our porch and the first thing I did was run and get my camera! Lol!
looks like it made eye contact.
Thank you for the nice comments Mauna Kunzah and terrierteacher. It was quite a shock to see this snake curled up on my porch!
Woo hoo.....excellent set of shots & beautiful snake for sure!!!!
Thank you very much Beachboy77 for helping me id this snake.

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