Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Bites Man At Commerce Township Lake

A rare and scary situation arose recently when a Novi man was bitten by an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake near a boat launch at the Pro Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township a week ago, and is now recovering in the hospital.

Two men were recently in the recreation area when one of them noticed the rattlesnake and began filming a video, when his fiancé‘s brother decided to get a little bit closer to the snake.

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You can use your imagination to figure out that wasn’t the brightest thing to do, as he was quickly bitten. As he was trying to get a little bit better angle to see the snake, it lashed out and bit him on the finger.

The Eastern Massasauga is the only venomous snake in Michigan, and as WXYZ pointed out, only 30 to 40% of their bites are non-venomous, which this one definitely was, as the victim described heavy tingling in his hand.

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The closest hospital with the anti-venom needed to quell the situation was the University of Michigan, which is where he was transported. One doctor at the University of Michigan was rather surprised this happened, as snake bites are not as common in our state:

Ive practiced emergency medicine for 20 years. I have seen about five cases of rattlesnake bites. These snakes are relatively small; the bites are usually not immediately life-threatening, but it’s not a reason to delay care.

Luckily, for the victim, the University of Michigan has a generic anti-venom that works for multiple venomous snake bites, but it’s definitely good practice to stay away from snakes like this, as the majority of the time they won’t come after you if you don’t come after them.

One commenter made a great point:

Why don’t people just leave wildlife alone, first the guy gets scored by a bison, and our guy gets bit by a snake. This could all be avoided. I’ve spent a whole lot of hours in nature in the mountains and the desert I’ve been around all kind of wildlife and I just give them their space and I never have problems.

Identifying Michigan 18 Snake Species

Snakes in Michigan live basically everywhere and mostly eat the stuff you don’t want around your house anyway. They avoid humans, don’t chase, and bites are rare when left alone. Here's a look at the 18 species of snakes living in the Mitten, along with some facts about them from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow