This document discusses the four snake species found in Michigan: the garter snake, blue racer, hognose snake, and eastern massasagua. It provides details on where each species is found, what they eat, and threats to their populations. References are also included from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other herpetology sources.

1. Snakes by Matthew Hawkins

2. Snakes found in Michigan Garter Blue Racer Hognose Eastern Massasagua www.classroomclipart.com

3. Garter Snake The most common snake found in Michigan Found in backyards, parks, woods, and yes, gardens Feed on earthworms, frogs, toads, fish and small mammals (Michigan DNR) Click on the picture for a video about Garter Snakes Back www.unitedstreaming.com

4. Blue Racer Inhabit hedgerows, open woods, weedy edges of wetlands Eat frogs, smaller snakes, rodents and insects Population has dwindled due to habitat loss and persecution by humans (Michigan DNR) Back www.michigan.gov/dnr

5. Hognose Snake Has a nose like a pig to dig for food (American Toads) Also has a hood like a cobra to appear bigger to predators At last resort, will play dead like an opossum ( LeClere ) Back www.unitedstreaming.com

6. Eastern Massasagua Also known as the “Michigan Rattler” Only venomous species in Michigan Lives in wetland areas (Michigan DNR) Back www.unitedstreaming.com

7. References &quot;Michigan's Snakes.&quot; Department of Natural Resourses . 2007. State of Michigan. 18 July 2009 <http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153- 10370_12145_12201-61219--,00.html#Species>. L eClere, Jeff. &quot;Eastern Hognose Snake - Heterodon platyrhinos.&quot; Iowa Reptiles and Amphibians . 18 July 2009 <http:// www.herpnet.net /Iowa- Herpetology/ index.php?option = com_content&task =view &id=49&Itemid=26>. Back