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A man was hospitalized after being bitten by Michigan's only venomous snake at a recreational site in Oakland County, authorities said Wednesday.
The Commerce Township Fire Department is now urging residents to stay alert when visiting parks, trails, wetlands and woods and to become familiar with proper safety precautions if they should encounter an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake in the wild.
A 41-year-old Novi man was bitten by an Eastern massasauga Tuesday at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township, according to a WDIV-TV (Channel 4) report. He was transported to a hospital in Ann Arbor, the closest facility that could treat him with anti-venom.
In a social media post, the Commerce Township Fire Department said rattlesnake bites are rare in Michigan, but not unheard of.
The bite victim's condition as of Wednesday wasn't immediately clear. Fire officials didn't return a call from The Detroit News seeking more information.
How to spot an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake
Also known as a "swamp rattler," the Eastern massasauga is the only venomous snake found in Michigan, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources.
The species is identifiable by its distinctive pattern of dark brown rectangular or "saddle-shaped blotches" down its back, accompanied by two or three rows of dark spots along the sides of its body, according to Michigan State University's Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
It can grow up to 30 inches long, has a thick body with a triangular-shaped head and a segmented rattle at the end of its tail, MNFI said.
Where are they found?
Swamp rattlers may be found in a variety of wetland habitats across the state, officials said. Oakland County is the most common county in the state for sightings, according to MNFI.
The species' population is declining, DNR said, due to fragmentation and loss of habitat. It is listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The snakes are most active between April and October though they typically try to avoid humans and spend most of their time hunting mice.
What to do if you encounter an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake
The Commerce Township Fire Department offered these tips:
- Stay calm and keep your distance. Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Do not attempt to handle, capture or kill the snake.
- Call local authorities if the snake poses an immediate public safety concern.
If bitten:
- Call 911 immediately. Stay as calm and still as possible.
- Immobilize the bitten extremity and keep it at or slightly below heart level.
- Remove rings, watches and restrictive clothing before swelling occurs.
- Do not cut the wound, attempt to suck out the venom, apply a tourniquet or apply ice.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan's only venomous snake bites man in Oakland County
