The Eastern Massauga Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake found in northern Indiana.
Venomous snakes are quite rare in Indiana; in fact, there are only four varieties of poisonous snakes found in the entire state. In the northern part of Indiana, there is only one poisonous snake you need to watch out for. Be aware of poisonous snakes you may encounter and take precautions against snake bite if you are in an area where snakes may live.
Eastern Massauga Rattlesnake
The eastern Massauga rattlesnake is an endangered species found in the marshy and boggy areas of northern Indiana. The Massauga rattlesnake is a pit viper, which means it has a heat-detecting pit between its eyes and the wide nostrils on either side of its face. This rattlesnake has a dark pentagon pattern along its back, a wide body and an even wider head. It has a very mild temperament and will usually only bite a person who steps on it. If you are careful to avoid the Massauga rattlesnake, it will most likely try to avoid you as well; it is not a confrontational snake.
Other Venomous Snakes
Three other venomous snakes are found in Indiana: the timber rattlesnake, the northern copperhead and the water moccasin. Like the Massauga rattlesnake, these snakes are all part of the pit viper family and have similar characteristics. These snakes are heavy bodied (they appear slightly fat), have eyes with vertical slits and a triangular-shaped head slightly wider than their bodies. The northern copperhead, the most common of Indiana's poisonous snakes, is patterned with rust-colored, hour-glass shapes. The water moccasin has a characteristic white lining inside its mouth and lives in swampy areas in south-central Indiana. The timber rattlesnake is endangered and has been seen recently only in Brown County State Park.
Precautions
Snakes are not usually aggressive creatures. In general, they prefer to stay away from humans and will rarely bite unless provoked. This usually means stepping on them. Take special care in marshes, bogs and heavily wooded areas. Do not step directly over a log, as you might step on a snake. Instead, look over the log before you step. Be careful when you overturn large rocks, fallen stumps and logs, as snakes may be resting beneath them.
Treatment
If you are bitten by a snake, do not panic. Seek medical help immediately but avoid activity as much as possible (the more active you are, the more quickly the venom can spread through your body). Although some venomous snake bites can be life-threatening, they are curable when treated with anti-venom soon after the bite occurs. While you are waiting for medical attention, wash the area well with soap and water to decrease the risk of further infection at the site of the bite. Although it could be helpful for medical personnel to see what kind of snake bit you, don't try to capture the snake; it is not worth the risk of getting bitten again.
Tags: Massauga rattlesnake, poisonous snakes, Eastern Massauga, Indiana timber, Indiana timber rattlesnake