If you have ophidiophobia, which is a phobia of snakes, you might want to avoid this property northeast of Cassopolis.
Only one venomous species of snake is known to inhabit Michiana. It’s the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and a local property owner is known to have one of the largest concentrations of the creature.
The Edward Lowe Foundation is on a quest to protect the rattlesnake, which is considered endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The South Bend Tribune reports that, on the 2,000 acre property on the 58000 of Decatur Road, there have been over 800 rattlesnakes documented on the property.
It’s part of a seven-year research project where the snakes are captured, tested, and then microchipped and released into the wild.
20 comments
And how does he and the Edward Lowe Foundation know if these rattlers are confined to this area. I was born in MI and have seen one rattler in my life, we have plenty of other snakes, why do we want to infest MI with another venomous snake???
I agree!
They are not infesting but rather investing in the future of species which needs protecting. They are not confined but, prefer certain habitats so will stay near those. I myself have only spotted a couple in my life but, would not be upset to spot more – this is their native territory, we may just need to learn to share the land with them.
Chicken…tastes like rattlesnake.
You want this venomous species to thrive? Do what they did with the Buffalo, make it commercially viable and the market will fix it. If not, I don’t want a poisonous snake in the yard with my kids and it will end up on the menu.
Those who want the dangerous species brought back only want them back in other peoples yards. Wolf? Bear? Rattlesnake? Sure, let them thrive…over there. Just don’t let them kill/ear MY pet.
kill/eat…oops…that didn’t sound right.
I agree… We don’t need or pets or children hurt
Why do they want something that kills with a bite to survive and thrive. We live in such a backwards world. Kill the innocent and help the venomous to thrive? God help us. Cass County also released coyote which have killed peoples pets and do nothing really good.
Kill pets that are not native here. Our cats kill birds which have no business doing so when birds woukd not have cats as predators without us. They were here first.
Infesting an area with rattlesnakes, for no other reason than “we can”, or we want to study them, is irresponsible. Maybe we should clone a T Rex and raise them. After all, they were here first. I hope that if, God forbid, someones gets bitten, it’s turns out to be a ” chipped ” snake that they can trace back to these idiots so they know who to sue.
And to top it off, they are using our tax dollars to endanger citizens. If you raise , or support, any dangerous creature, and it escapes your control. You are responsable for injuries/damages it clauses. I don’t live in the area, but if I did I would be raising a drink all the way to Washington.
Where does it say our tax dollars are being used? The Edward Lowe Foundation is doing this study. They have also been involved in getting the COA established in Cass County. They have a wonderful center near Cassopolis. Their Meals on Wheels program is good. Their COA has volunteers to install ramps for people in need for the cost of materials. A;so, the Foundation had a house to take care of stray cats. I don’t know if that still exists, but I thought it was a wonderful idea when I did hear of it. I don’t want those snakes near me, but I bet they are somewhere in the woods behind me. Since I am not as fast as I used to be, I just stay out of the woods. LOL
Oh dear, I am especially concerned about those who live near by who have children, elderly residents, and pets. I don’t understand why protecting a venous snake which has the potential to kill is being “protected?” I know there are other animals which also have potential to harm humans and pets, but I can’t think of one which is this low to the ground (they’re difficult to see and they blend in with the environment), and most importantly, they inject poisoinous venom. Also, where are the rights of those who may have owned property near-by before this occurred? Surely their property value could also decrease. We can’t always do what we want in this country without considering others. This simply is not a good or ethical decision for our residents. Lastly, was there grant money involved in this? Money can be the root of all evil and this might be a prime example.
If I see one in my yard, it’s dead
Yes same here I hate snakes
Don’t get caught killing one, it is a protected species, and has the right to live it’s life too.
They are a protected endangered species. You’re not supposed to kill them.
That’s all well and good question is do they have a natural predator to keep them in check
I really don’t understand why so many IGNORANT people start running their mouths about things the don’t understand and know NOTHING about! Massasauga Rattlesnakes are the ONLY venomous snake native to Michigan. They are quite small compared to other rattlesnakes, and have NO recorded cases of fatalities in over 40 years. Michigan reports 1 or 2 bites per year on average, and the biggest percentage of those come from purposely handling the snakes. They inject very little venom which accounts for the lack of fatalities. They will NOT purposely hunt, kill or eat your pets! They eat mice, gophers and other SMALL animals. Please educate yourselves before ranting and raving. They have not been re-introduced to this state! They have always been here.
Thank you George for your wisdom. I think people forget that nature was here first. I have lived on this property for nearly 10 years and have never seen one. People try not to let fear run your life.
If I see one I’m killing it. Period! I don’t give a flying f@#k if they are endangered or it’s illegal.