Despite popular belief, the
snake species that inhabit Ontario are not dangerous. People often imagine snakes
as aggressive, venomous animals that will go out of their way to harm humans. However,
this perception of snakes is wildly incorrect. In reality, Ontario snakes tend
to be docile and will avoid attacking a perceived threat (like humans) at all
costs, if they attack at all. Even in the event of aggressive snake behaviour
keep in mind that all Ontario snake species are non-venomous, with the
exception of the eastern massasauga (Government of Ontario, “Massasauga
Rattlesnake” 2015). Even in the case of the eastern massasauga though you do not need to be afraid.
Eastern Massasauga
The eastern massasauga, also known
as the massasauga rattlesnake, is Ontario’s only venomous snake and the last
remaining rattlesnake species in the province (Crowley, “Eastern Massasauga”
2015). Despite this, the eastern massasauga is not a threat to humans.
First of all, the eastern massasauga
is very rare in Ontario and the chances of encountering this species are very
low (Government of Ontario, “Massasauga Rattlesnake” 2015). Like most Ontario
snake species the eastern massasauga is shy and non-aggressive in nature
(Rowell, 2012). In the face of a threat, this species most often attempts to hide
or retreat, not attack (Government of Ontario, “Massasauga Rattlesnake” 2015).
In fact, research shows that even when approached eastern massasauga snakes tend
to remain motionless, meaning you could closely pass by an individual and be
none the wiser (Crowley, “Eastern Massasauga” 2015). If escape is not an option
or a threat persists the nest step of defense for the eastern massasauga is to
rattle its tail as a warning, but it will still resist attacking a predator
(Government of Ontario, “Massasauga Rattlesnake” 2015).
Only as a very last resort will a
massasauga snake attempt to strike and bite, and this species can only strike
over a relatively small distance of about 30 cm (Crowley, “Eastern Massasauga”
2015). In the very unlikely event that you are bitten by an eastern massasauga
there is still little likelihood of severe consequences, as long as proper
follow up is carried out. In Ontario there have only been two deaths caused by
a massasauga bite, both of which occurred over 50 years ago because proper
medical attention was not sought out (Government of Ontario, “Massasauga
Rattlesnake” 2015). In response to a bite from this species stay calm and immediately
seek out medical care (Government of Ontario, “Massasauga Rattlesnake” 2015).
Negative
connotations of the eastern massasauga, derived from it being venomous, carry
over to other snake species even though they are (also) not dangerous. Consider
for example the eastern hog-nosed snake, gray ratsnake and queensnake.
Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake
 
The
aggressive defensive behaviors of the eastern hog-nosed snake. Photo Credit:
Joe Crowley (Crowley, “Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake” 2015).
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Perhaps one of the most
misunderstood snake species in terms of perceived danger is the eastern hog-nosed snake, as a result of its defense strategies. When faced with a threat, eastern
hog-nosed snakes often first attempt to flee, although if escape is unsuccessful
the species can put on an impressive, and frightening, cobra-like display
(Rowell, 2012). To scare away predators these snakes will take on a cobra-like
stance of a raised head and neck, hiss loudly, and make mock strikes (with a
closed mouth) (Government of Ontario,
“Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake” 2015). If all else fails the final defense strategy
of eastern hog-nosed snakes is to play dead (Government of Ontario, “Eastern
Hog-Nosed Snake” 2015). Remember that, while their defense strategy is very
intimidating, eastern hog-nosed snakes are harmless and non-venomous.
I stress that hog-nosed snakes are
non venomous because, while their saliva does contain mild toxins, it is not
dangerous to humans (Rowell, 2012). The mild toxins produced by this species
are not consider venom in the traditional definition of the term, as they can
do not quickly kill prey (Rowell, 2012). Hog-nosed snakes cannot bite and inject
these toxins into humans unless they are held for a long period of time, and
even then, the toxins are not harmful to humans (Crowley, “Eastern Hog-Nosed
Snake” 2015). It is important to note that hog-nosed snakes are very reluctant
to bite any predator, and despite their frightening defense displays have a
quite tame nature.
Gray Ratsnake
Although the gray ratsnake is
harmless many individuals are scared of this species because of its large size
(up to 2m!) and defense behaviors (Government of Ontario, “Gray Ratsnake” 2015). Most often when approached by a predator the gray ratsnake will
freeze to avoid detection, but in some cases it will mimic the defence
behaviors of the eastern massasauga by quickly vibrating its tail against the
ground to make a warning rattle sound (Rowell, 2012). Thus, if you observe
rattlesnake-like behavior it is important to remember that Ontario’s only
rattlesnake is quite rare and other snake species that are non-venomous (e.g.
the gray ratsnake) have similar defense behaviors, so you are very likely not
in danger.
Queensnake
The queensnake is a shy and
incredibly harmless snake species. Queensnakes are non-venomous and when
threatened will always attempt to flee (Rowell, 2012). Even when humans handle
them, very rarely do queensnakes bite but instead tend to squirm and release a
fowl odor in attempts of being released (Rowell, 2012).
Like any animal snakes exhibit defensive
behaviour in the presence of a threat, such as a human which is much larger
than itself. Always keep in mind that, while these defense behaviors can be
intimidating, all snake species in Ontario are harmless to humans. Of course, knowing
that Ontario snakes are not dangerous does not mean you won’t be scared if you
see one in the wild, but know that as long as you do not engage with a snake
that is displaying aggressive defense behaviour you are not threatened in any
way.
References:
Crowley, J. (2015).
Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake. Ontario Nature. http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/eastern_hog-nosed_snake.php.
Crowley, J. (2015).
Eastern Massasauga. Ontario Nature. http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/eastern_massasauga.php.
Government of Ontario.
(2015). Massasauga Rattlesnake. http://www.ontario.ca/page/massasauga-rattlesnake.
Government of Ontario.
(2015). Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake. http://www.ontario.ca/page/eastern-hog-nosed-snake.
Government of Ontario.
(2015). Gray Ratsnake. http://www.ontario.ca/page/gray-ratsnake.
Rowell,
J. (2012). The Snakes of Ontario: Natural History, Distribution and Status.
Toronto, ON.
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