GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Officers are urging “understanding” over “fear” after a federally protected snake was just lately discovered killed on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor.
In accordance with a Fb publish, an jap massasauga rattlesnake was discovered lifeless. A College of Michigan Pure Areas Specialist informed MLive it seems the snake was killed with a blunt object.
The jap massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan’s solely venomous snake, however they aren’t a lot of a menace.
“(The eastern massasauga) is a shy and reclusive neighbor who is far more interested in avoiding humans than engaging with them,” the publish learn. “These snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem, helping control rodent populations and maintaining balance in nature… This is a heartbreaking reminder that fear often overshadows understanding.”
The gardens additionally be aware that not solely is harming the snakes — barring excessive circumstances — pointless, but in addition unlawful. The jap massasauga rattlesnake was listed as threatened underneath the Endangered Species Act in 2016. An individual discovered liable of violating the Endangered Species Act may very well be sentenced as much as a yr in jail and a effective of $50,000.
The jap massasauga rattlesnake is the one venomous snake present in Michigan. It is also one of many state’s threatened species. (Courtesy Michigan DNR)
The jap massasauga rattlesnake is native to the decrease peninsula of Michigan and several other different Nice Lakes states however has since misplaced a lot of its habitat — moist meadows and floodplain forests. They search out drier websites in the summertime.
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor is a pure habitat for the snake, and the Gardens’ web site says a number of indicators are posted across the grounds to tell guests.
If a customer spots one on the grounds, they’re instructed to speak to the entrance desk and fill out an commentary report on the DNR’s web site.
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum was first based in 1907 in Ann Arbor alongside the Huron River. What began as an 80-acre inexperienced house has changed into greater than 700 acres of gardens, nature preserves and analysis areas.
