Video Shows Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake that Bit Man in Commerce Township
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 22, 2026)
Commerce Township, MI – A 41 year old Novi man was rushed from Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township to University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor after being bitten by an Easter Massasauga Rattlesnake.
The Eastern Massasauga is Michigan’s only rattlesnake. It is considered a “threatened” species, with declining populations across the Great Lakes region. But it can still be found throughout Michigan.
“Although it’s venomous, the massasauga is a timid snake,” according to Michigan State University’s website. “It prefers to avoid detection by hiding under vegetation, woody debris or other cover or remaining motionless and relying on its cryptic coloration. When it is disturbed or encountered in open habitat, the massasauga prefers to move to a more hidden location. Most people in Michigan may never even see a massasauga in the wild because of its secretive behavior.”
It’s rattle serves as a warning when it senses danger. In Wednesday’s incident the victim approached the agitated viper, filming it with his cell phone. Video obtained by Oakland County Times from the Commerce Township Fire Department shows the massasauga shaking its rattle. The man was bitten on his hand.
When asked about the victim’s condition, Commerce Township Fire Chief James Dundas told Oakland County Times “Although he was in a lot of pain from the snake bite, his vital signs remained stable the entire time and he is expected to make a full recovery.”
U of M is the closest hospital with anti-venom.
Although the massasauga is a rare find, there are several species of snakes in Michigan which may bite if disturbed. Distance and respect are the best way to avoid a snake bite. The massasauga can inflict a “dry” bite, meaning no venom is injected. Michigan State’s website explains “Although the venom is highly toxic, fatalities are very uncommon because the species’ short fangs can inject only a small volume. Small children and people in poor health are thought to be at greatest risk. Michigan poison control centers report about 16 massasauga bites in a typical year.”
The Michigan Herp Atlas is a website where people can share sightings of snakes, salamanders, frogs, and toads so that data can be collected statewide. There is also an identification guide that includes Michigan’s 18 snake species. “Despite the harsh reputation snakes endure, many snake species help to control rodent and pest populations and serve a crucial role as “meso” or middle predators in ecosystem food webs,” the Herp Atlas website states.
For more on snakes in Michigan, check out our previous stories:
Video: Matthaei Botanical Gardens Welcomes Baby Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes
Public Tracking of Salamanders, Snakes, and Such Can Help Save Michigan Species
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