Endangered venomous rattlesnakes being bred at Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is breeding Ontario’s only venomous snake species in an effort to replenish the reptiles’ dwindling population.

On Wednesday, zoo officials announced that up to 12 Massasauga rattlesnakes had been born there in the last 10 days.

“This birth gives us confidence that we are making major strides in the work we are doing that will sustain recovery efforts for these special snakes now and for years to come,” said Andrew Lentini, the zoo’s Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, in written statement.

The zoo has been working since the late 1980s to preserve this species of rattlesnake. Their Massasauga rattlesnakes are part of a special conservation and breeding program in place since 2006.

Ontario’s Massasauga rattlesnakes are divided into two populations. The Carolinian population is endangered, meaning it faces imminent extinction. The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence population is listed at “threatened,” meaning it could soon become endangered.

The snakes are at risk due to destruction of habitat, car traffic, and the threat of frightened humans who encounter them in the wild.

Massasaugas are venomous but, according to the zoo’s website, they would much rather avoid humans than attack us. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said there have only ever been two reported deaths from Massasauga bites in the province, and the last one occurred over 50 years ago.

In April and November, the zoo hosts a “Living With Rattlesnakes” workshop, teaching people about Massasaugas and how to help conserve their population.

How to spot a Massasauga rattlesnake

• Massasaugas are 50 to 70 cm long, gray or brown with dark stripes on their heads and dark spots on their back.
• They live in wetlands, on shorelines, in forests and in tall grass.
• There are four isolated areas in Ontario where Massasaugas can be found:
  • along the eastern shores of Georgian Bay and some islands in the bay
  • the Bruce Peninsula on the west side of Georgian Bay
  • the Wainfleet Bog on Lake Erie
  • the Windsor area.