Michigan’s Rare Rattlesnake in Peril | Detroit News

Michigan’s eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are in serious trouble—listed as threatened at both state and federal levels—and people are putting them at risk by venturing off-trail into wetlands or even threatening to kill them. These shy, harmless snakes just want to be left alone, and disturbing them is illegal under the Endangered Species Act, with penalties including a year in jail and $50,000 in fines. If you spot someone sneaking around with snake gear, report them immediately. Stay on marked trails, respect these vital ecosystem members, and help protect Michigan’s last strongholds of this declining species. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f97d34725a2be5bb